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

STEARNS ASSISTED IN THE VISION OF IMPROVING PATIENT CARE FOR SLOCUM CENTER - ORTHOPEDIC & SPORTS MEDICINE

Eugene, OR, September 28, 2007 –Design·Build·Steel contractor R.F. Stearns, Inc. is pleased to announce the recent completion of an 80,000 square-foot medical office building for Orthopedic Healthcare Northwest, P.C.  The new facility will serve as a landmark structure in honor of world renowned physician, Dr. Donald B. Slocum.  The chosen name for this new-wave architecture is Slocum Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.  The 4-story building will be used for medical research and to host education programs designed for patients as well as the community.

This innovative concept was designed by Neenan Archistruction® who turned to Stearns to assist the team with structural steel design, connection configuration, framing optimization and vibration criteria. Stearns’ early involvement and steel collaboration allowed them to commence detailing early in the design while progressing with component selection, procurement and fabrication. Stearns integrated services and industry relationships resulted in the project breaking ground earlier than anticipated while maintaining an aggressive steel construction schedule.  Acknowledging Stearns involvement with the project team, Eric Monsonis, Neenan Archistruction® affirms, “Stearns provided first-rate professional pre-construction services during the design phases of the project and were an integral part of the team in optimizing the structural system.  I would use Stearns again for future projects.”

A unique, challenging aspect, designed by Neenan, is the architectural ‘wave’ seen from the roof of the building and backlit for night viewing.  This innovative idea was sparked from the wave design within the Slocum logo.  The wave spans 110 feet in length and penetrates through the 4th floor for bracing.  It is made from carefully fabricated steel plates and supporting beams to form curves that resemble a wave.  Stearns’ assisted the design team in the selection of the roof wave supports, appropriate steel materials, and sizing and limitation resolutions.  The wave is coated with a zinc primer to protect the exposed decorative steel from harsh weather elements.  This theme is also apparent inside the building which features an aesthetic, 3-story atrium with a curved floor plan to replicate the wave.  Jim Sarka, Project Manager, R.F. Stearns, Inc. stated, “It was a pleasure to work with Neenan Archistruction® on this creatively designed project and to provide their clients with the highest quality, steel-framed, medical office structure.”

The efforts of the entire construction team worked in close collaboration to successfully complete the structure on time and within budget.

R.F. Stearns is recognized as a pioneer of the design/build process for steel construction, and with over twenty-five 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 extend an invitation to contact us at our West Linn, OR headquarters, 503-723-5959, or visit our website at www.rfstearns.com

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