Before construction began in January, the back bay of the Ogden-Weber Technical College's BDO campus was dark and too warm or cold for classes. In a sneak-preview tour, instructor Doug Talbert said he is most enthusiastic about "the possibilities" opened up by a gleaming new lab. He is quick to add, "As hot as this program is right now, I know we will keep getting the equipment we need."
Before now, two of the Tech College's most strategic programs, Composites and Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) had been confined to a small space on the main campus. Tech College President Jim Taggart is a gregarious tour guide, pointing out the historic architectural details combined with state-of-the-art equipment.
He said, "Our NDI program operated in a space the size of a storage unit." He also discussed workforce demands and rattled off a list of companies that have been hiring students from the Composites and NDI Programs: Hill Air Force Base, Orbital ATK, Petersen Inc. Williams, GSC, Albany, and Autoliv. While not a comprehensive list, it is an impressive lineup of companies that advocated for the expansion.
"This is what the legislature wants: high-demand, high-wage jobs," Taggart said. Funding to retrofit the existing facility came in the 2016 Legislative Session, construction started in January and students started in mid-August. The cost was significantly less per square foot than other projects on the list, and the overall price tag was low.
These factors had placed it as the Building Board's #1 priority, always nice when competing with projects from universities around the state. It made all the difference when the A-list of companies made the case. Colonel Scott Nowlin spoke publicly on behalf of the project, sharing data about the demand for composites technicians.
R&O Construction>span class="m2083916550118268918s1"> worked to preserve historic features, while still bringing the facility up to code.
Bay 1 of the facility had already been remodeled after a fire, an example of insurance money turning bad luck into good fortune. Industry partners have used that space for Custom Fit training since then. At the time of the fire, some were disappointed that the firewall held, leaving the back bay in original condition, but looking at the gleaming space today, one would have a hard time making that case. The design presents a pleasing blend of old and new, with original 1940s exposed beams highlighting history. Taggart said, "I love the combination of light, glass, metal, open space and old wood."
A new automotive program also opened at the BDO campus within the past few years.
Taggart added, "We were thrilled when R&O Construction won the job from right around the corner." That couldn't have been an accident—looking at the quality of finishes, R&O construction must have sharpened their pencils on the job. Taggart said, "They were tired of taking people to Salt Lake City to show their best work, so they made this a showpiece in Ogden. They treated it like their own home, meeting every deadline and promise." Taggart also complimented the care shown by the design team, AJC Architects.
