Randolph Construction Services

RCS Project: Upper Columbia Area Office Annex

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• Project Name: Upper Columbia Area Office Annex
• Location: Yakima, WA
• Client: GSA
• End User: Bureau of Reclamation
• Contract Details: Firm Fixed Price $2M+
• Work Performed: TurnKey Design-Build with LEED criteria

Description:

This is a state-of-the-art 9,930 square foot (ft2) metal office building built to U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Silver rating status. RCS won the SBA Region X (Alaska, Washington, Oregon & Idaho) 2009 Prime Contractor of the year for our efforts on this project.

This was an unusual and exciting project for RCS to be a part of as Prime Contractor. The General Services Administration (GSA), working for the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), had designed a 10,000 sq. ft. office building that RCS and others bid on. The lowest price was almost double their $2M budget. The GSA and BOR assumed the building would not be able to be built due to the lack of funding. RCS managed the efforts to propose an alternate design while maintaining the desired floor plan. RCS was able to design and build the facility within the available funding, while keeping with LEED Green Building standards.

The RCS Team led by Khris Judy (President) went to work to value engineer the project from the ground up to make the design and budgeting efforts a reality. The main external structural components were reviewed and changed to allow for substantial savings in the building skeleton. Interior components and finishes were then scrutinized.

RCS took into consideration that the BOR had spent a considerable amount of time and effort to afford the building with a pleasing and updated interior to make the space an enjoyable as well as productive environment to work in. The basic wall and room layout was maintained, but some of the upgraded finishes were deleted to reduce costs without compromising the original intent.

Strecker Engineering of Richland, Washington was brought on board for A&E support services. Approval of plans were efficiently achieved by the “partnering” of all stakeholders to ensure adherence to original design function as well as cost controls to promote a true best value project.

Construction began in September of 2008 and due to the cold winters experienced in the Yakima, Washington area, it was essential that all concrete work be completed in a hurry. Foundations were poured and the slab was in place prior to the onset of cold weather by November 10th. The building was totally enclosed by early January 2009, even though the site had been closed down for two weeks in mid December due to extreme cold temperatures and snow.

The interior construction began, and through good leadership and a hand selected group of subcontractors the schedule was easily maintained and the building was ready for substantial completion by early May ’09.The Bureau of Reclamation then began installation of their office cubicles in the main area and perimeter office spaces. There are seven individual offices and a conference room all with windows located at the perimeter of the building, each having a beautiful view of the surrounding hills. The open office area incorporated large banks of windows on the east and west wall to allow natural light in the space for a more pleasant atmosphere. With the open ceiling concept and exposed spiral ductwork there is a feeling of spaciousness not normally found in an office setting.

All in all, the project from start to finish was a classic example of the ability of owners and contractors working together as a well coordinated team toward a common goal. This project was the basis for a nomination of RCS by the GSA, and the eventual awarding of “2009 Region X Prime Contractor of the Year” for four western states.

Project Snapshot