Media Relations:
Laurie Gaynor
R.F. Stearns
503-723-5972
laurie@rfstearns.com

STEARNS REINFORCED CENTER TWENTY-ONE'S EXTENSION OF MODERNIZATION

Oakland, CA, November 26, 2007 –Design·Build·Steel contractor R.F. Stearns, Inc. is pleased to announce the recent completion of a nine-story, 222,000 square-foot, Class-A office building for Brandywine Realty Trust.  The new office tower with below-grade parking, originally known as 2100 Franklin, is positioned adjacent to the 2101 Webster building. The buildings are joined by an enclosed, full-height, elegant sky-lit atrium encased with architectural floor-to-ceiling glass and steel.  The combined buildings are integrated to form a new 675,000 square-foot complex known as, Center Twenty-One; considered one of Oakland’s largest, premier commercial office complexes and the newest downtown office structure since 2002.  The building is registered for LEED Gold certification and in the submittal process to obtain this “Green Building” recognition.  This unique architecture incorporates natural light, efficient heating and cooling systems and 100% recyclable steel construction materials.

At the recommendation of KPFF Consulting Engineers and Charles Pankow Builders, Stearns was brought on-board early, to provide expert structural steel system and budget solutions, to facilitate the tight coordination of structural design and administer an aggressive steel construction schedule.  In order to achieve these requirements, Stearns predetermined the most appropriate structural steel system and ornamental elements. Their in-house detailing staff took action to develop shop and erection drawings and order materials prior to design completion. Once the design was complete, Stearns managed the fabrication process and delivery sequence to ensure materials arrived at time of installation to maintain the solid critical path agenda.  Stearns’ early involvement and proactive approached resulted in immediate commencement from the construction team.  Affirming the value of Stearns integrated services, Scott Anderson, Project Executive, Charles Pankow Builders stated:  “Stearns proactively managed their responsibilities and Owner requested design changes and enabled Pankow to meet the team’s schedule obligations on a tight urban site.”

Doug Steele, Project Manager, R.F. Stearns, Inc. stated, “It was a great pleasure to work in collaboration with KPFF Consulting Engineers, Charles Pankow Builders, and the entire construction team, to successfully complete this uniquely designed, state-of-the-art, steel-framed office structure.” 

R.F. Stearns is recognized as a pioneer of the design/build process for steel construction, and with over twenty years of experience, remains an industry-leading expert. Stearns professional teams of engineers, designers, detailers and project managers provide comprehensive accountability for every facet of steel construction, including conceptual design, estimating, structural detailing, fabrication and steel erection.

In addition to providing complete Division 5 services for steel construction, Stearns is the exclusive provider of innovative, long-span SmartBeam® technology and light-gauge steel framing systems throughout the Western United States. 

To learn more about R.F. Stearns’ design/build capabilities, SmartBeam® or light-gauge steel framing applications, we invite you to call us at our West Linn, OR headquarters, 503-723-5959, or visit our website at www.rfstearns.com

# # #