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Archive for February, 2012

Feb 24

Thoughts about the SSU Economic Outlook Conference

Jason Brabo and I attended the 2012 Sonoma State University Economic Outlook Conference on February 23, a joint collaboration between SSU and the North Bay Business Journal. This year’s event provided regional economic analysis and forecast information from Dr. Robert Eyler of Sonoma State University, as well as a candid discussion of the State budget by Controller John Chiang. It comes as no surprise, that the underlying message is – slow, steady recovery nationwide, with bigger challenges for California’s economy.

With an impressive panel of speakers, we heard from SSU President Ruben Arminana, who spoke about the economic and cultural impact the Green Music Center will have on our region. As one of the top musical venues in the world, this center will be an international attractor, creating a “buzz” that will enhance the concept of cultural tourism in the north bay. Andy Berliner, CEO of Amy’s Kitchen gave an stirring talk about his company’s mission to provide healthy, convenient organic food to consumers. With roots in Sonoma County, Mr. Berliner spoke about his company’s focus on a quality work environment, employee health and it’s rapid growth into international markets.

Of particular interest, was the panel discussion with Jill Techel, Mayor for City of Napa,  Carolyn Stark, Director of the Sonoma County BEST program, and Remy Gross, Director of Technology for the Buck Institute. These panelists, representing the private and public sector, shared specific strategies for stimulating business and job growth through innovation and forward thinking. TLCD Architecture, a member of the Sonoma County BEST program, is poised to work with Carolyn Stark and other members of the program to stimulate job growth through new business opportunities in Sonoma County.

Feb 15

TLCD Architecture Projects Set to Receive Awards

We are pleased to announce that two projects designed by TLCD Architecture for the City of Santa Rosa will be receiving statewide recognition.

On February 28th the City of Santa Rosa Utilities Field Office project will receive an award for Outstanding Architecture/Engineering Project. The American Society of Civil Engineers will be presenting this award to GHD, TLCD Architecture’s engineering partner on the project. This project includes offices, maintenance shops, and a training center. Its design and engineering emphasize a quality workplace environment within the context of a healthy, sustainable facility.

 

Utilities Field Office

On March 20th the City of Santa Rosa will be presented with the California Park and Recreation Society’s annual Excellence in Design Award for the DeTurk Round Barn. This award recognizes projects under $5 million that demonstrate high standards of planning, design, community involvement, operation and maintenance, quality of aesthetics, usability, accessibility and versatility. Built in 1891 for a prized racehorse, the DeTurk Round Barn is one of only two true round barns remaining in California and is listed on both the state and federal registries of historic places. After decades of use as a city corporation yard, this unique adaptive reuse project seismically upgraded and restored the building to its new life as a Community Center.

DeTurk Round Barn

The North Bay Business Journal has also recognized both projects as “top projects”.

Feb 9

Mendocino College Library Learning Resource Center Progress Update

Progress continues on the Mendocino College LLRC, with completion now scheduled for May 2012.  Midstate Construction has averaged 40 mechanics onsite daily recently with work proceeding in virtually every corner of the building and all across the site.

The dry winter has allowed work on the site to proceed unabated, with the concrete site walls and flatwork complete.  The stage is complete and work is underway on installation of the seating platforms.  The favorable weather allowed the exterior work on the building to progress, with the sun shading devices on the south widows now complete and installation of the support system for the cementitious panels underway.  The planting trays for the vegetated roof are onsite, with the plants acclimating to the College’s micro climate while the irrigation and other preliminary work is completed  to prepare the roof for their installation later in February.

With the access floor in the main library space complete and with interior storefront installation underway, you can get a sense of the space in its final form. The main library space (the “book box” as it has come to be known) is a very powerful space, with a ceiling that slopes to 25 feet at its high point and north-facing clerestory windows balancing daylight in the space  with the large windows facing south.  Both the north and south windows feature power operators to allow coordinated opening for natural ventilation.  The views to the south from the library are truly extraordinary.  Off the main library to the east is a balcony overlooking the plaza bounded by the new LLRC and the Lowery Building, which will be converted into a new student services center as soon as the LLRC is complete and occupied.

While the construction work onsite is progressing, the furniture packages for the building have been bid and awarded, with the submittal process well under way.  Suzanne Nagorka, our Interior Design Director, has been reviewing the vendor’s submittals and expediting their coordination of power and data requirements in order to ensure that the furniture will arrive and be installed in time for the building’s opening.

The new LLRC will be open to students for the start of classes in the fall of 2012.

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