Industry News

Olin College of Engineering has contracted Wayne J. Griffin Electric Inc. to provide electrical systems for phase I of the college's new facilities in Needham. The four campus buildings will feature a state-of-the-art lighting system, energy management technology, a control power distribution plant, and campus fire alarm systems.

Vienna performing arts company Wolf Trap is planning to break ground on its new Center for Education in March. The $9 million, 53,371-sf facility will provide space for Wolf Trap Opera Company rehearsals, a special program hall, a 100-seat distance learning lecture hall, and a conference and multimedia learning center. The building will also house new offices and administrative space.

Heald College consolidated two Contra Costa County locations into a new 66,000-sf Concord campus. The 32-classroom facility opened in February and features a fiber optic data communications network for improved Internet access, as well as some wireless technologies. The campus provides classroom space for 1400 students, a center for faculty and staff, and a cafeteria. Heald also opened a new 58,000-sf Hayward, Calif., campus in summer of 2000.

University of California Davis is developing a new Center for the Arts. Slated for completion in fall of 2002, the facility will house an 1,800-seat performance hall, a studio theater, and a 30,000-sf museum.

Meredith College, the largest women's college in the Southeast, is planning a new math and science building. The 80,000-sf facility will be designed and built by women-owned companies. Atlanta-based architect BJLAS Architecture will be teaming its affiliated Raleigh office with general contractor Rodgers Construction of Charlotte, N.C.