The recent completion of the 76,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility of the Salem Conference Center in Salem, Oregon received award-winning recognition with the assistance of design/build steel contractor R.F. Stearns.

According to Joel Rohrs, Project Manager for General Contractor, Rushforth Construction, “Stearns value engineered the design of the heavy ballroom floor beams to the built-up plate members in a way that resulted in considerable weight-saving benefits.”

Stearns unique design/build system called for innovative design modifications to steel connections and long-span steel members. These innovations, along with the artistic use of steel for the canopy and tree surrounds gave the structure a distinctive front-entry appeal and provided significant cost savings.

Doug Steele, Project Manager of R.F. Stearns, pointed out the other areas where the firm’s professional experience enhanced the project and added to its exciting result. “Because of our strong supplier relationships, we were able to lock-in material costs during a period of significant steel price increases. Further, we were able to reduce both budgetary risk and shorten the schedule by taking full advantage of our value engineering capabilities.”