Work continues at the Central Support Office on the construction of our new building. The annex, as it’s being referred to throughout the process, is on schedule to open next June. It will add more than 22,000 square feet and 66 additional offices.
As it stands today, the concrete for the basement floor is complete, with structure in place for the elevator and stairwells. Early signs of the building’s internal steel structure are beginning to take shape as well. This includes the base of the walkway that connects the annex with the existing CSO building, a prominent feature in the overall design of the complex.
Staying ahead of supply chain shortages and navigating material costs continues to be the name of the game according to partner and director of CapEx, Rodney Johnson. For example, even though the first or second floors have yet to be built, the order for roofing materials is placed to avoid potential material shortage issues.
“The best plans on paper will encounter obstacles during the execution,” said Rodney. “The key is staying solutions-oriented.”
Navigating supply chain issues isn’t the only challenge facing Rodney and the construction crew. To accommodate the footprint of the new building, the existing electric, sewer and gas lines were all rerouted. Regardless of the challenge, Rodney worked closely with the project superintendent to minimize the disruption of the CSO associates’ workday as much as possible.
With the foundation in place, the next stage of the project is where we can expect to see the progress move quickly. The first floor is set to be complete this month, and the remaining steel structure for the second floor will be in place by the end of September. By Thanksgiving, we will see the completion of the roof, allowing for the dry-in phase to begin just before the cold winter months.
We’ll continue to document the progress as it enters each new phase of construction. Stay tuned to Loop for more updates in the future.