Medical building contractor picked

Published 5:00 pm Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The Wallowa County Health Care District board Monday selected Andersen Construction for its construction manager/general contractor of a 14,200 square foot medical office building adjacent to the hospital. 

Estimated cost of the project is $4.5 million.

The hospital board of directors approved the selection committees recommendation at a  board meeting in Enterprise on March 14. 

WCHCD will be working with the Portland office of the regional company.

Proposals were evaluated by a selection committee based on a judging matrix that included factors such as experience, references, price, safety record, bonding ability and use of local subcontractors, said Wallowa Memorial Hospital CEO Dave Harman.

Two companies stood out after the rating process, Harman said. The selection committee of administration and board members personally interviewed both Andersen and the other finalist, Triplett-Wellman of Portland. 

While both were strong, Harman said the committee felt Andersen was the clear choice. 

Next steps in the project include getting surveying done, purchasing permits, involving Andersen in the design documents and surcharging the lot, Harman said. To get the final go-ahead, the district will have to secure financing.

Meantime, surcharging is set to start in April, with ground-breaking planned for June. Andersen Construction is making plans to hold a job fair, according to Harman.