Greenfield construction of a new 21,600 sf telecommunications switch facility. Design and construction provides for 10,000 sf of future expansion with structurally compacted fill, exterior wall "knock out panels" and equipment pads and piping for future chillers, generator and fuel storage systems.

In addition to its Switch facility function, the building is also designed to serve as the regional crisis headquarters and response center in the event of an incident such as Hurricane Katrina which devastated the area in 2005. All telephone carriers were out of service for weeks as a result of that situation. This facility is considered state of the art in its ability to withstand these events in order to ensure reliability of the network under the most severe conditions.

Initially the Client approached The Blue River Group with an emphasized need to complete construction as quickly as possible to allow migration of traffic from other vulnerable facilities. We quickly developed a schedule and a plan that would allow for budgeting, subcontractor bidding and construction within a 12 month duration if certain early milestones could be achieved. Upon review of the preliminary analysis by TBRG, the Client awarded us the Project in early December of 2006 and allowed preconstruction planning to begin in earnest.

Budgeting was accepted in late January and subcontractor bidding and award, as well as establishment of a Guaranteed Maximum Price was complete in February. Mobilization and sitework commenced in March 2006. Substantial completion was achieved a mere 9 months later allowing the Client's installation of the actual telephone switch equipment to start in December 2007.

Initial internal planning by the Client anticipated that this milestone would not occur until July 2008, some 7 months later than actually occurred.

Building structure and skin consists of precast columns, beams, roof panels and architectural wall panels. Wall panels consist of 2 custom color concrete designs and include extensive design features such as rustication, corbelled fascia and eyebrow elements over windows.

This was the first new facility built by the Client since 2000 and the Project is considered a major success by them as well as the design team.

The Blue River Group is proud of our ability to support its Clients in their most ambitious construction efforts. Early involvement coupled with a team oriented, proactive and detailed approach to all aspects of our work allows us to serve a valuable role in solving Client's construction needs in the most professional manner.