Thursday afternoon the Arkansas Northeastern College Board of Trustees met in special session to approve a contract with Construction Network Incorporated out of Jonesboro for the construction of ANC’s new Center for Allied Technologies.
ANC President Dr. James Shemwell told the board that ANC has worked with CNI before on other projects such as the Angela Wren Nursing Allied Health Center, the Briggs/ Sebaugh Wellness Center and The Sun Room.
The bid from CNI, which was the lowest of eight competitors, was for $12,875,000.
“We were not only delighted to have a very competitive bid. But to get it from a company that we have worked with and have had a great experience working with before.” said Shemwell.
The approximate 88,000 square foot center will actually decrease the College’s overall facilities by 30,000 square feet by consolidating the Burdette Center, Harry L. Crisp Center, and the ACME Center—with an estimated costs savings for the College of approximately $100,000 a year in maintenance.
The new facility will feature a headquarters for the College’s customized training force — the Solutions Group, including general purpose classrooms, electrical classroom and lab, mechanical classroom/lab, safety classroom/lab, HVAC classroom and lab, computer classroom, and large multi-purpose room. Additionally, a world-class welding laboratory will be available for students. Secondary Center students from area high schools will also be served on the ANC Main Campus by classroom and lab facilities for advanced manufacturing, welding, criminal justice, education, and construction/carpentry.
The design incorporates a computer lab for the Secondary Center. Also featured in the facility is an aircraft compound, combination non-destructive testing (NDT) and composites laboratory, and general purpose classrooms to fully accommodate ANC’s Federal Aviation Administration— certified Aviation Maintenance Program. Even though only one floor level is planned, the building design features a two-story-height aviation compound, welding laboratory, and glass entrance tower to add to the building’s distinctiveness and appeal.
Shemwell also mentioned that if the weather allows the project could be started as soon as Monday. The planned competition date is the summer of 2018.
“If we get some luck on the weather between now and Monday, we’ll be in the dirt by Monday.” said Shemwell, “ Our planned completion date is still summer of 2018, and we hope to be in the facility in August of 2018.”
CNI stated that they will work with ANC in case of weather contingencies.
To end Shemwell’s Presidential report, he mentioned an article on Dr. Anes Abraham, ANC Board of Trustees member, from the Courier News March 18 edition.
“If you haven’t had the opportunity to see this I hope you get to before you leave,” said Shemwell. “It represented Dr. Abraham very well and Dr. Abraham, of course, represents our college very well.”
jfondren@blythevillecourier.com