| JS Vig Chosen to Build New Great Lakes Research Lab |
JS Vig has been chosen as contractor for the construction of the Great Lakes Research Laboratory for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The new laboratory is in Pittsfield Township, not far from its current facility in Ann Arbor. NOAA studies the Great Lakes’ aquatic life and water quality in its research laboratory “This new building will be almost exactly twice the size of our current facility,” says Dr. Stephen Brandt, director, NOAA. “It will give us greater capabilities than in our present facility,” says Brandt. NOAA will sign a 20 year lease upon the facility’s completion. NOAA requested bid proposals several years ago, and recently chose the Bloomfield Hills-based development company Milford & Singer Company to manage the project. Milford & Singer is the owner of the Pittsfield Township property and will be NOAA’s landlord after the facility is finished. Craig Singer, principal, Milford & Singer, says he chose the architects, engineers and contractors. “I put a team together and then made a bid.” “We had a long-standing relationship with Craig Singer and we’ve done a number of smaller jobs together,” says Greg Copp, project manager, JS Vig. Copp says JS Vig’s extensive history in Pittsfield Township was another reason why they were chosen for the project. JS Vig has done several projects in the township over the past 15 years. “We know a lot of the players in town and this is why this made a good fit for us and for Craig Singer.” Brandt says the new facility will not only be bigger, but safer. It will contain a storage area for chemical dispersion and clear separation of the laboratory and office space. “We will also have new laboratory capabilities, one of them is the capability to do experiments on live aquatic animals and we will have a new microbiology laboratory.” The new facility will be 54,000 square feet and will contain 7,000 of laboratory space, and a 2,000 square foot lecture hall. The balance of the space will be for a library, offices and an employee fitness center. Jim Stock, architect, Neumann/Smith Architecture says one of the separation of the office and laboratory spaces was one of the most important design elements in the new facility. “This is lacking in the current facility,” says Stock. The laboratory space will be combined in one area of the building to keep laboratory smells from permeating the office area. “We hope this will also encourage connectivity and conversation between the scientists,” says Stock. The official groundbreaking for the NOAA Great Lakes Research Laboratory was December 17, 2007. Dignities such as Senators Levin and Stabenow and Congressman Dingell attended the event. |
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“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

JS Vig has been chosen as contractor for the construction of the Great Lakes Research Laboratory for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 

