PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

Award of Excellence (tie)

Newport Wastewater Treatment Plant Photo courtesy ofSlayden Construction

Newport Wastewater Treatment Plant, Newport, Ore.
Submitted by: Slayden Construction, Stayton, Ore.

The Newport Wastewater Treatment Plant was a 2-1/2 year, $22.6 million project that essentially replaced the City of Newport's outdated plant with a state-of-the-art facility located in a remote hilly area east of South Beach.

The facility, built by Slayden and designed by Fuller and Morris Engineers with assistance from CH2MHill, utilized an innovative treatment process provided by US Filter for the liquids steam treatment as well as a Class IV biosolids treatment facility.

The project consisted of 9,000 cu. yds. of cast-in-place concrete, massive site excavation, and extensive mechanical and electrical systems inherent in a large treatment plant.

The project overcame the challenge of relentless rainfall as well as tying together a fiber optic network connecting more than a dozen points throughout the city.

The engineering decision to place twin 24-in. directionally drilled pipelines 3,000 ft. under Yaquina Bay was also a unique solution to convey the raw sewage and the treated effluent from one side of the bay to the other. This eliminated long pipeline runs around the bay and solved the problem of having to run the pipes on the Yaquina Bay Bridge, as both scenarios presented impassable roadblocks.

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PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

Award of Excellence (tie)

Klamath Falls A-Canal Fish Screen, Klamath Falls, Ore.
Submitted by: Slayden Construction, Stayton, Ore.

The Klamath Falls A-Canal Fish Screen project was built at the bottom end of Klamath Lake to screen endangered sucker fish from being brought into the irrigation canal that feeds water to the entire farming community. The need for the project arose in the summer of 2001 when the Bureau of Reclamation shut the headgates that control water to the irrigation canal to protect the fish. This caused an uproar in the farming community and resulted in the need for an emergency solution.

At the end of irrigation season in October 2002, a cofferdam was built to dry out the irrigation canal for construction. The original headgates were demolished and 25,000 cu. yds. of soil were excavated in order to construction the 550 ft. long by 60 ft. wide screening canal. At the top of the canal, a gripper rake periodically cleans a metal trash rack that prevents anything larger than two inches in diameter from entering the canal. Next, full-height, stainless steel fish screens prevent the passage of anything larger than a dime. These screens filter fish into a pump station, where they are then pumped back into Klamath Lake through an evaluation station. This station has an open canal, nets and an overhead bridge crane. The station allows biologists check the size, number and health of any fish in the canal.

The canal outage limitation meant Slayden had less than six months to complete the reconstruction of the A-Canal. Flows were cut off October 15, 2002, and in less than six months - on April 1, 2003 - the headgates were opened and have been running ever since. Despite snow and below-freezing temperatures, crews were able to place 6,000 cu. yds. of concrete - completing a concrete pour every day for six weeks.

"To complete this project within schedule and work with the environmental and usability issues is truly outstanding," one jury member commented.

PUBLIC PROJECT- LARGE

Honorable Mention

Autzen Stadium Expansion - University of Oregon, Eugene, Ore.
Submitted by: Hunt Construction Group, Indianapolis, Ind.

The expansion of Autzen Stadium on the University of Oregon campus included the addition of 12,500 seats (for a total of 55,500 seats), renovation and expansion of the existing seating bowl, 32 high-end suites, a new main concourse and a club lounge featuring 22,000 sq. ft. of amenities.

The $80 million project was constructed in a breakneck nine month timeframe between football seasons, while projects similar in nature take 18 to 24 months to build. This accelerated delivery method allowed the university the luxury of never missing a home game at Autzen.

The challenge of the short construction schedule -- which was shortened another two weeks during construction due to Pac 10 game schedules - was overcome through creative bid package designs, procurement and intense scheduling.

"Not only were they building a complex project, but they were doing it within an occupied campus," noted one juror.

The design and construction of the seating bowl was another impressive element of the Autzen Stadium expansion project. The architectural design needed to stress expansion, yet be bold and original. One facet of this innovation is the usage of precast "Y" columns to support the upper bowl. These columns were erected and assembled using splice sleeves and Dywidag bars that were grouted. Additionally, the upper bowl precast utilized post-tensioning raker sections and 24-in. pipe struts that allowed for fewer structural steel members yet still meet the high seismic demands of the specifications.

PUBLIC PROJECT- SMALL

Award of Excellence

Helen Gordon Child Development Center Photo by pazdesigngroup.com

Helen Gordon Child Development Center, Portland, Ore.
Submitted by: LCG Pence, Portland, Ore.

The team tasked with the expansion of the Helen Gordon Child Development Center on the Portland State University campus faced a tight budget and numerous changes to its original design, yet still delivered the completed project to the owner ahead of the original schedule.

The center - which offers early childhood education to 130 children of PSU student, faculty, staff and the community - serves as an academic laboratory resource, inviting participation by university faculty and students in the fields of early childhood education, child and family studies, psychology and related fields. The expansion consists of two levels with a small third level and basement. The addition totals 15,500 sq. ft. The first and second floors are attached to the original structure by two inventive configurations.

When the original bids were submitted and reviewed, it was clear to the owners that the project was seriously over budget. As the lowest bidder, LCG Pence knew that some drastic measures would need to be taken to get the project off the ground. Working with the owners and GBD Architects, the builders identified a number of valuing engineering measures to bring the project within budget. Interior finishes were changed from maple to P-lam. The exterior metal siding was changed to Hardi-panel. Most significantly, the boiler water heating system was changed to an electric heat pump system, saving approximately $34,000.

The team made nearly $500,000 in value engineering cuts when, well into the project, state funds became available. The team was able to quickly shift gears and add back in some of the original plans for the facility.

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PUBLIC PROJECT- SMALL

Honorable Mention

Medford Central Library, Medford, Ore.
Submitted by: SD Deacon, Portland, Ore.

The new 83,000-sq.-ft., two-story Medford Central Library is not only a gathering place for the citizens in and around Medford, but it will also provide classrooms and a reference library for the students and faculty of Rogue Community College.

The new steel structure - with brick, ground-faced CMU, composite metal panels and aluminum storefront exterior finishes - will replace the current, 90 year old facility which is crowded and unable to expand. It will also bring under one roof all administrative functions - currently spread across three buildings - for the 15 branches of the Jackson County library system.

Innovative construction techniques include the use of self-compacting concrete for the building's shear walls. Use of this type of concrete allowed the walls to be constructed in one continuous pour, saving considerable time while also minimizing the amount of rock pockets.

PRIVATE PROJECT

Award of Excellence

adidas Village Photo courtesy of R&H Construction

adidas Village, Portland, Ore.
Submitted by: R&H Construction, Portland, Ore.

From building a world class headquarters building in a residential area to transforming a 1950s hospital into usable office space, adidas Village crews had their work cut out for them.

Located on 11 acres in North Portland, adidas Village is a combination of a 200,000-sq.-ft. remodel of the former Bess Kaiser Hospital, a new 900-car underground parking garage, public plazas and park, two new office buildings and a sports center for employees. The finished structure is home to all adidas operations: adidas America, adidas International U.S. office and Salomon North America.

Building in a residential area requires heightened sensitivity to a neighborhood's concerns. From the inception, it was important to the adidas project teams that the campus integrate into the surrounding neighborhood. The project team conducted regular meetings with the neighborhood association throughout the design and construction process, giving area residents a venue for voicing their concerns about how the project might impact the livability of the area.

Creating a new corporate headquarters out of an existing hospital was a challenge for the adidas team. The structure had been compromised as a result of numerous alterations and was in need of seismic upgrades. Crews found a few surprises as work progressed, such as uneven floor slabs and differences in ceiling heights.

"To convert the old hospital and match in four new structures was a much larger task than most would take on," said one jury member.

On the east side of the campus, the oval Sports Center building was difficult to lay out. The structural steel columns didn't line up like in a square or rectangular building. One of the job's foremen created a full-scale model of the base in a vacant parking lot to ensure appropriate construction.

Award of Excellence

Chestnut Lane Assisted Living Facility, Gresham, Ore.
Submitted by: Walsh Construction Co., Portland, Ore.

Crews overcame a learning curve associated with the use of a new building material to successfully complete the Chestnut Lane Assisted Living Facility in Gresham, Ore.

The walls of the 70-unit, 53,000-sq.-ft. assisted living facility - specifically designed for deaf and deaf/blind residents - were constructed using the insulated concrete form (ICF) wall system of interlocking polystyrene forms that remain in place after the concrete is poured. The insulating capacity of expanded polystyrene coupled with the structural integrity of reinforced concrete makes the walls stronger and quieter as well as more energy efficient, cost effective and construction efficient. Walsh Construction Company crews had never before built a structure using the ICF system, which is relatively new to the Portland area. The coordination of a new type of construction also presented a learning curve for building officials.

Other building challenges included hiding a complex HVAC system in a webbed joist ceiling structure, coordination of tower cranes around light rail and overhead lines, and dealing with a limited state budget.

RENOVATION/RESTORATION

Award of Excellence

adidas Village Image courtesy of LRS

adidas Village, Portland, Ore.
Submitted by: LRS Architects, Portland, Ore.

While busy creating a vibrant new North American headquarters for adidas-Salomon, project designers remained conscious of sustainability issues throughout the remodel and building process.

All of the existing old windows were replaced with energy efficient glass, and the addition of variable frequency drives was made to the HVAC system. The VFDs provide variable volume control of existing systems to save energy during lower load conditions. Another notable green decision was the installation of 20-in. square (with a high recycled content) Interface carpet tiles throughout the entire campus. Consequently, adidas Village earned PGE's Earth Advantage designation for excellence in energy efficiency and sustainability.

On each floor, the space was designed with open areas and conference rooms at the building's perimeter so light could flood the interior. Independent offices were placed within the core areas. Given the interactive culture at adidas, the floors in the West Village were designed to allow 900 staff members easy access to the 27 different departments.

"The most impressive project in the group," noted one juror, "both for its use of an existing facility and the addition of new space. Well done."

RENOVATION/RESTORATION

Honorable Mention

Hood River Library, Hood River, Ore.
Submitted by: Skanska USA Building, Beaverton, Ore.

The renovation of the Hood River Library combined hard, work, dedication and significant community support, resulting in a facility used by the entire Hood River community.

The renovation began in August 2002 and finished this July. The project involved creating a library that is twice its original size. Crews renovated 7,690 sq. ft. and added 10,466 sq. ft. The scope of work included seismic upgrades, site improvements and complex mechanical and electrical upgrades The new structure will allow for more books, more computers, accessibility for people with disabilities and programs for children, teens and adults.

The expansion has been designed to match the style of the historic Jacobean building. The original landmark structure had been constructed in 1914 through a grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation and was listed on the National Historic Registry.

"This is an outstanding example of maintaining the historical look while providing a totally upgraded building that meets today's standards," said one juror.

Challenges facing the construction crews included maneuvering heavy equipment nearly up to the property line on a steep hillside. There was a lot of tight cornering to retain the existing trees while erecting a large building on a small lot.

Donations from the community to the Hood River Library Foundation to fund the project ranged from $2 to $45,000.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Award of Excellence

10th and Mill Building Photo courtesy of TBG Architects & Planners

10th and Mill Building, Eugene, Ore.
Submitted by: TBG Architects and Planners, Eugene, Ore.

The goal of the 10th and Mill Building project team was to create and enduring work of architecture that would elevate the downtown experience with a contemporary design set within the framework of classical proportions. With an exterior featuring steel and brick construction with copper and slate accents surrounded by a number of heritage trees thoughtfully protected during construction, it appears they have succeeded.

The efforts of the entire design and construction team resulted in a building that exceeds the energy efficiency standards of Oregon codes by approximately 30 percent. The HVAC system is split with a separate rooftop unit per floor for net metering of individual tenants to encourage energy conservation. Web-based computer controls allow remote monitoring and adjustment for optimum efficiency and user comfort. The system capacity was reduced from the original design due primarily to the many measures taken to reduce loads by maximizing daylighting throughout the building.

Though not a traditional design-build project, regular design meetings throughout the initial stages of the project with all primary members of the building and design teams fostered a collaborative and creative process that greatly benefited the overall building design and budget. Cooperation between the structural engineer, architect and contractor in the early stages of the project facilitated and expedited schedule with multiple phases which permitted the start of construction ahead of schedule, shortened the overall building period and minimized impact on the surrounding neighbors.

"This building shows respect for context and traditional forms while incorporating modern requirements for flexibility and spaciousness in interior layout and efficiency in overall plan," observed a jury member.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Honorable Mention

Loyola Jesuit Center, Portland, Ore.
Submitted by: Walsh Construction Co.

Designers and builders of the Loyola Jesuit Center in East Portland kept the center's surroundings in mind when planning the four-building residence for Jesuit priests.

The center, located in a quiet, wooded neighborhood, features two residence buildings, a chapel/meeting room and a building that will serve as the regional provincial office for the Jesuits. Western red cedar siding was used on all the exteriors and is reflected in a water feature that wraps around the chapel backdrop of fir trees and gardens through a window wall in the chapel.

The design of the Loyola Jesuit Center is particularly suited to the site and intent of the facility. With a moderate slope and heavily wooded perimeter, the buildings are low, clad in cedar and complemented by a standing seam metal roof. The outdoors come inside with extensive interior paneling and finish carpentry.

MECHANICAL PROJECT

Award of Excellence

HRSG Erection Project Photo courtesy of SP Newsprint

HRSG Erection Project, Newberg, Ore.
Submitted by: TIC - The Industrial Company, Tualatin, Ore.

Despite completing a tough job made tougher by a complete revision to the entire project schedule, the Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) Erection Project's mechanical contractor, TIC, was still able to complete the project ahead of schedule - and without a lost time incident.

On paper, the HRSG Erection project looks routine. What makes this erection project complicated is the small site in which crews had to erect the mammoth components. Each HRSG measures 123 ft long, 60 ft. tall and 11 ft. wide with a stack/silencer that towers to 150 ft., while the construction site was just 150 ft. long and 250 ft. wide. The site included not only the combustion turbine and HRSG, but also utility pipe racks, motor control/electrical building and water treatment building.

"Unless you have been involved with one of these projects you might not appreciate what was accomplished," noted one juror.

Crews coined the phrase, "construction in a bottle" to describe the project. Due to schedule constraints and material deliveries, the project needed to be built from the outside in. By the time TIC started construction, the utility pipe racks, motor control/electrical building and water treatment building had been completed and the combustion turbines had already been set. The combination of the existing infrastructure and a 115 kV power line provided for a very tight project site. Surrounded on all four sides by existing structures and structures under construction, access to install components was extremely limited. Material staging areas were confined to two locations remote from the construction site; the primary staging area was approximately one half mile away.