On May 8, 2008, 22 OBA and OBF employees moved back into the newly renovated east wing of the bar center. The staff moved out of their permanent offices near the end of July 2007 and into temporary modular space located in the west parking lots. OBA Executive Director John Morris Williams complimented the staff that were displaced. “For more than nine months half of our staff were relocated to temporary offices and no discernable loss in member service was experienced,” said Williams. “This is a real testament to the dedication of our staff to member service.”
The renovations to the original structure include abatement of asbestos that covered all the ceilings, mechanical systems, and ceiling and flooring tiles. The newly remodeled facility has state-of-the art video and conferencing technology in the board room and new hearing room. An impressive new boardroom has been constructed and the remodel will allow for more efficient use of space for offices and other meeting spaces.
OBA President and Bar Center Facilities Chair J. William Conger said, “We wanted this to be a space that was member -friendly and provided our staff a safe and modern work environment. In the end, I think we significantly moved our association into the 21 century and the results of this project should serve us well for at least the next 25 years.”
The project required total demolition of the entire east wing interior space allowing the relocation of the elevator, stairwells and hallways. “Members previously familiar with the space will be a bit surprised by not only the layout but also with the new look and feel of the space. The space had not had this kind of rehabilitation since 1962 and was badly in need of updating to meet code requirements,” said Williams.
Click photos to enlarge
|
