Recession Means Bargains for Government

Good News from the News & Observer in North Carolina:

"The economic downturn is wreaking havoc on state and local government budgets. But amid the gloom there is a bright spot: construction costs.

During the past nine months, the state of North Carolina, Raleigh, Durham, Wake County and other local governments have seen all types of construction projects coming in under budget, some by as much as 30 percent. But the friendliest building climate in years is coming when many private and public entities have little or no money."

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Executive Office Building Study - Update 5

The facilities assessment of the State Office Building is complete. The findings of the structural, mechanical and communication systems are being reviewed and recommendations will be provided on how to proceed.

A workshop is scheduled for May 26, 27 and 28, 2009 to review the following three options of the State Office Building:

Option 1 - Restore the Building - The following will be discussed:
· Historic significance
· Cost/value of restoration and seismic upgrade
· Occupants/lease/move/cost
· Floor heights/plaza

Option 2 – Remodel/Renovate – The following will be discussed:
· Building additions on north and south sides
· Impact to data processing
· Site access and constructability
· Energy efficiency
· Occupants
· Floor heights
· New skin with same look/additional square footage - Add up to 150,000 GSF and Better materials/granite/ HP glass/insulation
· New skin with new look (LEED silver) - Add up to 150,000 GSF and Granite/ HP glass/Marriott Library Federal Building
· New skin with classical look - Add up to 150,000 GSF, Granite/punched openings/classical details and Granite–match Senate and House buildings

Option 3 - Replace Building - The following will be discussed:
· Impact of data processing
· Communication antennas
· Site access and constructability
· Occupants

The schedule for the workshop is as follows:
May 26, 2009 - Discovery
· Present options
· Values/drivers/idea hierarchy (care the most about)
May 27, 2009 - Open House/Larger Group Input
· Present options to larger groups and obtain input
· Adjustment in idea hierarchy based on larger group
May 28, 2009 - Resolution
· Working session
· Summary of values and idea hierarchy
· Development of concept refinement
· Consensus/summary
· Direction of future work effort