Industry News

Williams Communications (WilTel) has completed its 750,000-sf technology center in Tulsa , Okla. The 15-story vertical campus features 52,000-sf floor plates, allowing office floors to function as self-contained mini-campuses. Designed by HOK, the energy-efficient facility uses natural light, 16-foot-high ceilings, and a vertical “solar well” circulation core that acts as a return air plenum, natural ventilation shaft, and thermal buffer. At the center of the building is a secure three-story, 47,000-sf Network Operations Center and the Executive Center .

Elcoteq Network Corp, the largest electronics manufacturing services provider in Europe , will initiate construction of a new $18.6-million plant in St. Petersburg , Russia, in the last quarter of 2004. The 14,700-sf facility will employ 1,500 workers when it becomes operational in fall 2005. Elcoteq’s U.S. headquarters is located in Irving , Texas .

SSM St. Joseph Hospital will open a 36,000-sf medical facility at The Legends in Eureka , Mo., in spring of 2005. The $5-million project will house an urgent care center, an imaging center, offices for primary care and specialty physicians, rehabilitation, and laboratory services. An ambulatory surgery center will be constructed in the future.

Emory University School of Medicine has selected The S/L/A/M Collaborative to provide architectural, engineering, and interior design services for the renovation and expansion of the Anatomy and Physiology buildings in Atlanta. Slated for completion in year-end 2007, the $37 million project involves comprehensive renovation and adaptive reuse of two historic buildings; programming, design, and construction of 100,000-sf of new space; and demolition of an outdated connector building.

Piedmont Triad International Airport has awarded John S. Clark Co. of Mount Airy the $2.9 million construction contract for a new 41,550-sf concourse. The expansion will accommodate eight gates, departure lounges, and a concession area.