first on decorahnews.com: "Design build" will speed along construction of the Luther Aquatics Center

Construction of the new Luther Aquatics Center will take only nine months.

That's because the project is being built using what are termed "design build" practices.  Project Manager George Parrino tells decorahnews.com the technique has Opus Design Build working as both the architect and structural engineer on the project.

That means a "more efficient" approach to building the Aquatics Center, says Parrino.  His company is busy right now working on the package to be given to potential bidders.  Once contracts are awarded to the major subcontractors, Opus will move on to designing specifications on later parts of the project, such as painting and interior finishes.

This approach allows construction to start before all of the architectural draws are completed.  Instead of waiting until all designs are finished, they are sequenced in order of construction.

Parrino says work should begin in August or September to remove some trees and do some demolition.  Then crews will dig "a big hole," says Parrino, removing the dirt and other material so that "good material" can be laid to provide a good base for concrete footings and precast walls.

Construction will move indoors in December or January, with completion coming in May.  It's an approach that has already worked well for OPUS on other projects at Luther, including Valders Hall, Miller Hall, Dieseth Hall and the Center for the Arts.