JAMESTOWN Ground was broken recently on a 7,500 s.f. addition to International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 106 Training Center on James Avenue. In attendance at the ceremony were members of the IBEW Local 106, State Senator Cathy Young, Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi and representatives of the National Electrical Contractor's Association and IBEW Third District. The $1.5 million project increases the existing facility to 10,000 s.f. Business Manager Dave Wilkinson said, "This much needed expansion provides our trainers with a new state-of-the-art educational and lab space to train new generations of skilled electricians."
In addition to four new classrooms, the Center will also feature a computer data lab, a shop and group training room for 60. The original structure will be remodeled for secure administrative space.
The roof of the new building is adaptable for future photovoltaic collector assemblies and the Training Room takes maximum advantage of natural daylighting through the use of horizontal louvers. The Building Committee worked with Harrington Sandberg Architecture & Engineering of Jamestown and has created a high-tech building reflective of the trade with galvanized steel and copper-colored metal siding. Architect Steve Sandberg pointed out that the low-maintenance metal siding is made from 31 percent recycled-content steel and manufactured in Allentown, Pa. The heating/cooling system is zoned for maximum energy-efficiency.
The General Contractor, Eriez Construction of Erie, Pa., and all contractors on this project are union-based firms who hire from local labor pools. Bidding was active and competitive and the project came in within the budget established by the Local. Construction is expected to be complete by Memorial Day 2010.
