Industry News

La Palma, Calif.-based Genera Corporation has completed its new 192,600-sf facility in Aurora, Illinois. Architectural services for the design/build project were provided by Ware Malcomb; Duke Construction of Lisle, Illinois, was the general contractor. The building houses warehouse space and 6,200-sf of office space. Genera is a manufacturer of automotive replacement lamps.

The U.S. Veterans Affairs Department has awarded a $450,000 contract to architectural firm NBBJ to design a $95 million VA Clinic in Columbus, Ohio. Ground will be broken in early 2005 on the 295,000-sf facility, which will replace the Chalmers P. Wylie VA Outpatient Clinic.

Portland State University opened a $47.5 million, 217,000-sf student housing complex on September 18, 2004. The two-tower, ten story development is comprised of dormitory space, university services, and ground-floor retail. Built as a public/private partnership with Gerding/Edlen Development, the Broadway complex consists of 383 residential units, department offices, classrooms, conference rooms, and a 24-hour computer lab. The facility will feature a 15,000-sf eco-roof that will be maintained by engineering students and faculty.

Friends University in Wichita, Kan. will dedicate the $8.5 million, 60,000-sf Green Residence Hall on October 16, 2004. Several houses owned by the university were demolished to provide space for the new student housing facility.

Ridgecrest Regional Hospital is preparing to begin construction on a $5.9-million Outpatient Services Center/Medical Office Building in Ridgecrest, Calif. Project contractor McCarthy will build a new 25,935-sf, two-level facility sited next to the existing hospital. The first floor will house outpatient services, ancillary space including a lobby and reception area, administrative offices, a staff lounge, and other support functions. The second floor will be shelled out for future occupancy of physician medical office space.