Gresham, Smith & Partners selected to design Books-A-Million corporate facilities

Gresham, Smith & Partners, a leading national architecture, engineering, interior design and planning firm, recently announced that it has been selected by Books-A-Million Inc. to provide space planning and interior design services for the renovation and relocation of its corporate facilities in Birmingham.

“It made tremendous operational sense to consolidate our corporate functions in Birmingham into two facilities that are close together. With guidance from GS&P we will determine how our work processes and corporate culture can be more effectively supported with a more efficient utilization of office space,” says Sandra B. Cochran, president and chief executive officer, Books-A-Million.

“We expect it will look good, too,” she adds.

Hoar Construction completes Centennial Tower at Gadsden Regional Medical Center

Hoar Construction LLC of Birmingham, Ala., recently completed Centennial Tower, an addition and renovation project for Gadsden Regional Medical Center in Gadsden, Ala.

Hoar Construction LLC of Birmingham, Ala., recently completed Centennial Tower, an addition and renovation project for Gadsden Regional Medical Center in Gadsden, in Gadsden, Ala.

The project relocated and centralized the hospital’s critical care units; renovated and enhanced the Surgical Services area with the addition of two procedure rooms; reconstructed and relocated the cardiac catheterization suites; and expanded the recovery and holding areas in the Operating Suite. It also added a new entrance to the hospital, waiting area for visitors and new parking lot adjacent to the addition.

Hnedak Bobo Group design creates new landmark in southern Alabama

The new Wind Creek Casino Resort, which opened in February, enhances the destination and resort appeal of southern Alabama. Designed by Hnedak Bobo Group, the 355,000-sq-ft property located in Atmore, Ala., is certain to become a sought-after destination for guests who want to get away or try their hand at the resort’s gaming options.

Designed by Hnedak Bobo Group, the 355,000-sq-ft Wind Creek Casino Resort is located in Atmore, Ala.

The HBG design team worked closely with officials from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and Creek Indian Enterprises, the property owner and developer, respectively, to address both short- and long-term project goals.

The team’s design made careful use of Tribal lands, integrated amenities not found in nearby properties, and used materials and details to maximize the client’s investment in the most efficient and visually stimulating way.

Features include a distinctive 16-story tower that creates a new visual landmark in the area, 246 guest rooms, 42 suites, four villas, 1,600 gaming machines and four diverse dining options. The design aesthetic reflects the property’s natural surroundings and includes elements representing water, fire and wind – elements that reflect the tribe’s culture and name. Natural stone, man-made materials that reflect changing light patterns and lush plantings blend to create a truly distinctive property.

Hnedak Bobo Group is the project’s design and interior architect.

Auburn University basketball arena takes shape

With the last roof truss set in place, Auburn’s new basketball arena is taking form. Garrison Steel Erectors of Pell City, Ala., recently placed the final of the six 30-ton roof trusses that comprises the high roof. The engineered erection plan, which utilized a mid air splice, custom shoring towers, and precise placement was executed without a flaw.

Garrison foremen Duane Harris, Terry Brandon and Tommy Bennett lead the way for the raising gang to complete the build-out ahead of schedule.