The University of Idaho Bruce Pitman Center is one step closer to a facelift.
UI facilities, in partnership with Lewiston-based consultant Castellaw and Kom Architect, completed inspection of tile siding of the building. Last December, loose tiles were found on the side of the building and then removed.
The recent inspection resulted in a conclusion that the tile is “safe,” according to an online project update, and does not present any potential structural hazard at this time. The building is under the design process, which looks into whether there is a need to remove old material or for any demolition, said Brian Johnson, vice president for facilities.
Brian Johnson | Courtesy
A construction document package is being put together that will be distributed to obtain bids, Johnson said. He said a construction contract will be handed out to the lowest responsive bidder.
Johnson said the Pitman renovation project has been submitted to the ongoing Statewide Division of Public Works, where architectural and engineering firms can express interest in projects with estimated fees between $40,000 and $80,000.
Johnson said a request went out in June to obtain funding for the project and that local, state and UI funds will go toward it through the Permanent Building Fund Advisory Council.
The next step in the process is hiring a design consultant, he said. Johnson estimates approval for construction should be in place by February or March 2019.
Ellamae Burnell can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @EllamaeBurnell