Batson-Cook to build Florence clubhouse

Batson-Cook was recently selected to construct the clubhouse at the Robert Trent Jones golf course in Florence. The clubhouse will be an addition to the famed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail that winds through the state.

Batson-Cook will construct a 28,000-sq.-ft. concrete building with structural steel framing above the main floor level and wood trusses forming the pitched roof. Architectural wood timber trusses, wood columns, and trim define the interior.

Natural stone veneer, fiber cement siding, dormers and an architectural shingle roof make up the exterior, which also has a 10,000-sq.-ft. terrace that envelops the building. Locker rooms, a pro shop and a basement cart storage area will provide the amenities for golfers while conference rooms and media rooms provide additional services to the guests.

"Working with the Retirement Systems of Alabama, the top developer in the state, has enhanced our drive for excellence," said Craig Cartrett, project manager for Batson-Cook. "We are so pleased to be a part of the future of tourism in Alabama."

Batson-Cook and architect Goodwyn Mills and Cawood Inc. of Montgomery expect the clubhouse to be completed in August.

Batson-Cook, founded in 1915, specializes in providing commercial general contracting, preconstruction, construction management, and design-build services to a wide range of clients.

Construction Users Roundtable recognizes BE&K workforce development

A Construction Users Roundtable (CURT) Workforce Development Award was presented to BE&K Construction Co. of Birmingham for a workforce development initiative "that inspires people to choose careers in construction."

CURT's annual Workforce Development Awards recognize exemplary and innovative programs that encourage students and adults to seek employment in construction. The competition is open to organizations that provide construction training and education, such as associations, colleges, owners, contractors, unions and architectural firms.

In 1999, BE&K Construction Co. and Shelby County Schools addressed the construction workforce shortage by forming the BE&K School of Industrial Construction, a two-year program that recruits and trains high school students.

Currently 75 students - 20 percent minority and/or female - are in the program.

Students are evaluated on performance, work ethics/values and participate in the company-designed ProActive Safety Training. A BE&K employee travels with graduates to their first jobs to help locate housing and acquaint graduates with opening bank accounts, paying deposits and ordering utilities. Program graduates are offered jobs with BE&K, and when hired continue training to the journeyperson level.

Currently, 35 percent of program graduates work with BE&K.

Other 2003 winners and programs were Asian Neighborhood Design, Employment Training Center, San Francisco, Calif.; the Corna/Kokosing Construction Company, Apprenticeship Program, Columbus, Ohio; and The Center For Military Recruitment, Assessment and Veterans Employment, Helmets to Hardhats, San Diego, Calif.

Alabama adopts latest edition of National Fire Codes

Alabama has adopted the majority of safety documents published in the latest edition of the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) National Fire Codes.

As a result of the adoption, NFPA 1, Uniform Fire Code (NFPA 1, UFC), and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, will be used to protect people and property across the state,

By adopting the 2003 edition of the NFPA 1, UFC, and the Life Safety Code, Alabama implemented codes that are designed to ensure public safety from hazards caused by fire and explosion.

They address basic fire prevention requirements and reference or extract the fire prevention and protection aspects of many other NFPA codes and standards.

Currently used in every U.S. state and adopted statewide in 35 states, NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, addresses minimum building design, construction, operation, and maintenance requirements necessary to protect building occupants from danger caused by fire, smoke, and toxic fumes.