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When the State Construction Office inspects and accepts a completed project, our involvement with it usually comes to an end.  On Monday, however, we had a pleasantly different experience when Chief Judge John Martin convened a group of dignitaries, including the Governor, to celebrate the reopening of the Court of Appeals.

We knew he was pleased with the $10 million job, which included a top-to-bottom renovation of the 1913 structure, located across from the State Capitol at 1 W. Morgan St. There are plenty of obvious improvements in the 58,000-square-foot facility, such as the grand staircase and new central skylight above it, the energy-efficient windows and the repaired historic stone exterior.

Less visible improvements include better acoustics and technology upgrades in the courtrooms, a sprinkler system and a range of security upgrades the public may never notice but which will serve to enhance the safety of all who use the building.

It was a surprise to be singled out by the Chief Judge, who appreciated the efforts of the State Construction Office to keep this project on the front burner. He also recognized the outstanding collaboration between the designer and the contractor.

I was personally pleased that he specifically commended Ron Little of my staff, who served as project coordinator.  Ron considers this project a highlight of his nearly 22-year career with the State. His own words in an email to me capture his feelings best.

“This building is one of the architectural treasures of our great State, perhaps second only to the Capitol,” he wrote. “I feel most fortunate to have had several projects in both of these fine buildings."

With two photos (before and after views)

The State Construction Office (SCO) is involved in broad array of construction projects, from minor renovations to building museums and major office structures. But few projects are as meaningful as saving historic North Carolina properties from the wrecking ball.

The Oregon Inlet Coastguard Station – originally built in 1888 – was turned over to the State of North Carolina a century later, after it was abandoned by the U.S Coastguard for a new facility on the other side of the inlet. Countless rescue operations were launched from that once handsome building, which had fallen into a state of disrepair.

In fact, sand migration got deep enough to cover the chain link fence around the facility and drifts made it possible to walk onto the roof of the addition. Prior to the State taking over the facility, vandals stole the distinctive teak tops to the cisterns.

SCO evaluated the structure, made assessments and recommendations to protect the original structure, which is allocated to the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Funding was obtained to restore the weather-battered exterior and protect it from further decline.

Bowman, Murray, Hemingway Architects, a firm specializing in historic restoration, was selected to provide professional design and construction administration of the restoration process. In August 2008, the State signed a contract with Waldt Construction, Inc., for the restorations.

The finished project, which was accepted by the State on Sept. 30, not only restored the exterior’s former grandeur but also raised the building onto pilings to allow drifting sand to blow through. With new cedar roof shingles, repaired tower and new lightning rod system, it stands braced and ready to face another century of coastal conditions.

What began as an invitation to speak to a group of minority professionals has developed into what promises to be an ongoing relationship with professionals interested in getting more involved with state construction projects.

The Council of American Minority Professionals (CAMP) held a special program last Thursday in recognition of national Minority Enterprise Development Week. As Director of the State Construction Office, I was asked to address the group regarding upcoming projects and the Governor’s call to engage more historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) in all aspects on the construction process.

CAMP members demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and commitment to their field, as well as a strong desire to see increased participation in the areas of design and architectural engineering. As far as I could tell, the only thing many of them lacked is relationships with project owners.

I urged them to be more present and involved with owners – including state agencies, universities and community colleges – as a means to increase familiarity with their work and reputations. The State Construction Office, through participation in various advisory boards, can help to facilitate such relationships by making qualified organizations better known to state agencies. We also can conduct voluntary pre-selection meetings in which underserved businesses could present their qualifications to interested owners.

Such efforts not only will assist HUBs but also help to ensure that more qualified firms participate in the state construction process – which in turn helps all North Carolina citizens.

Contractors, engineers, architects and attorneys each bring a unique perspective to the construction field, but there is one thing they all have in common: the desire to be part of building North Carolina’s future.

Last week’s 28th annual State Construction Conference brought together a record-setting 1,100 participants. They traveled from all over North Carolina to gather at the McKimmon Center to learn about the state’s construction program, process, updates and opportunities.

Breakout sessions were tailored to the specific needs of different groups and interests. By explaining new statutory requirements, industry standards and statewide goals, we sought to help our partners – and potential partners – gain the insights necessary to participate in new and ongoing projects.

Feedback indicates that we were successful in providing information and resources that addressed a wide range of state construction issues, as well as creating useful networking opportunities. Participants told us they felt the topics were relevant and practical, and that they valued the expert presenters, many of whom made themselves available after sessions for extended discussion.

We recognize the trust that citizens have invested in the State Construction Office and we take seriously our responsibility to build effective, safe and efficient offices, higher education facilities, prisons and other state-owned buildings. We commend the many outstanding public and private entities that wish to join us in this vital task. Together, we will build a brighter and stronger future for our state.