Walker Construction wins projects worth $4.6 million

Journal of Business, Sep 25, 2008 by Cole, David

Walker Construction Inc., of Spokane, has been awarded contracts worth $4.6 million to remodel Westminster Hall at Whitworth University here and to build a sports and recreation center for Bethel Church, in Richland, Wash.

In the $1.9 million project at Whitworth, Walker will make structural upgrades to the 17,000-square-foot academic building, update mechanical and electrical systems, excavate the basement and add some space there, says Tom Hansen, a project manager at Walker.

USKH Inc., of Spokane, designed the project.

Walker began work on the project in June and expects to complete it in January, Hansen says.

Emily Proffitt, a Whitworth spokeswoman, says the remodel will create more office and classroom space to support overall growth in enrollment at the school.

Once the remodel is complete, the building will house the university's English, kinesiology and athletics, theology, and modern languages departments, along with Whitworth's International Education Center, Proffitt says. Except for the theology department, which will be moving there from a different location on campus, the hall has been housing all of those programs.

The total project cost is $2.8 million, which includes architectural fees, furnishings, and equipment costs, Proffitt says.

Hansen says Walker's contract in Richland will involve constructing a 21,000-square-foot building on the church's campus at 600 Shockley Road. Walker started work on it this month, and the project is scheduled to be completed next spring, he says. Walker's contract for the project is for $2.7 million.

Bob Bonner, the church's executive pastor, says the building will house a combination gymnasium-auditorium. The total cost of the project is $3.2 million, Bonner says, which includes the design work and equipment for the center. Meier Enterprises Inc., of Kennewick, designed the building.

The sports and recreation center is an outreach tool for the growing church, says Kent Ladendorf, the church's sports and recreation director.