| J.S. Vig Construction's NOAA project progresses |
|
Environmental research laboratory work progresses in Ann Arbor April 3, 2008 By Carol Marshall Ann Arbor Business Review (248) 374-4920 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it The new laboratory for Ann Arbor's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory - one of only seven sites of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - is taking shape on South State. The laboratory is expected to be complete late this year, said Greg Copp, project manager for J.S. Vig, the general contractor. The project began on the 15-acre site on State Road near the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport in late fall 2007, Copp said. Masonry on the building will be completed during the first week of April, and the steel is about 80 percent complete. "That will be done mid-April," Copp said. "And we just started site utilities a couple of weeks ago." Located in Pittsfield Township, the GLERL will focus on issues such as invasive species, water levels, and health of the lakes that provide drinking water as well as recreational and commercial opportunities to residents of eight states and two Canadian provinces. NOAA is moving into the 54,423-square-foot state-of-the-art facility in order to double its space. The new building will provide nearly twice the space as its northeast Ann Arbor location in Traver Village, and it and will contain modern wet and dry laboratories, conference facilities, a library, marine instrumentation shop and office space to accommodate nearly 120 federal and cooperative institute employees. The site for the new building is a 15-acre parcel with 500 feet of State Road frontage, with a wetland behind the building, Copp said. The biggest challenge was not the construction of the high-toned laboratories, even though those did require some special considerations. "We've built all of the latter parts of Avis Farms (Research and Business Park), and that's well over half-a-million square feet. So this is a single-story flex building, and a lot is the standard office stuff we build," Copp said. "There is a computer room aspect, which requires supplemental cooling and dry chemical fire suppression. Then a lot of the lab work was a collaboration with the various trades." The biggest challenge, he said, was working with a government tenant that could potentially lease the building for decades. "It's a challenge working with a government tenant and a lot of various stakeholders," Copp said. "Forecasting their needs in the future is a challenge for them as well as for us." J.S. Vig won the contract to build the laboratory as the result of a long relationship with its developer, Craig Singer, Copp said.  Click here to download PDF |
news/events:
what others are saying:
“With its tremendously skilled, hard-working team, J.S. Vig Construction helped fulfill the vision that the City of Romulus had in mind when we set out to build the Romulus Athletic Center. Thanks to J.S. Vig, the Romulus Athletic Center is now a beautiful, award-winning and popular athletic facility that has become the jewel in Romulus' crown.”
Tim Keyes
City of Romulus
Tim Keyes
City of Romulus
“It has been a pleasure working with J.S. Vig on numerous projects over the past few years. They exhibit professionalism and honesty in their work, along with a willingness to look at options and alternate approaches to make project happen and succeed.”
David Esau, AIA, LEED AP
Cornerstone Design Inc
David Esau, AIA, LEED AP
Cornerstone Design Inc
“ J.S. Vig is a company that is easy to work with because of their integrity. Our two firms have prospered from an over 30-year relationship, including many projects and personnel, which could not have happened without ongoing dedication to quality and honesty.”
David Zanely, LEED AP
Wilkie & Zanley Architects, A Sidock Company
David Zanely, LEED AP
Wilkie & Zanley Architects, A Sidock Company
“I have enjoyed over a 20-year relationship, built on honesty and professionalism, with J.S. Vig Construction Company.”
John Wilkie, AIA
Wilkie & Zanely Architects, A Sidock Company
John Wilkie, AIA
Wilkie & Zanely Architects, A Sidock Company
“J. S. Vig Construction Company has built over 500,000 sf for Avis Farms. We have found their staff and subcontractors to be honest, creative and responsive in meeting our aggressive project goals.”
Trish Kalmbach
BOSC Equities
Trish Kalmbach
BOSC Equities
“…Simply one of the most organized and talented construction teams that I have had the pleasure of working with in 25 years.”
Greg Heil
President, Heil Partnership
Greg Heil
President, Heil Partnership
“J.S. Vig Construction Company is honest, efficient, responsive, and completes each project with the client's needs in mind.”
Jerry Reinhart
President, Pomeroy Investment Company
Jerry Reinhart
President, Pomeroy Investment Company
“While this was an extremely difficult project in terms of phasing and working around our children, the employees of J.S. Vig did an outstanding job!”
Kurt M. Sebaly M. Ed.
Pentickton Center for Blind Children
Kurt M. Sebaly M. Ed.
Pentickton Center for Blind Children
“Through the entire pre-construction and warranty phases, your people have been responsive, professional, and cost-efficient. I would welcome the opportunity to recommend your firm and look forward to working together in the future.”
Larry Reed
Metavante Corporation
Larry Reed
Metavante Corporation
