New Office Building Expansion at973 Balmoral Street!
by Scott A. SumnerI
I asked Ken Perrier of PerHol Construction Ltd some questions on theRiverside Phase 2 - 973 Balmoral Street building which has recentlybeen completed.
The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service Headquarters is now occupyng a large portion of the development. The Riverside development has been expanded with a new area for theNishnawbe-Aski Police Service Headquarters. Tell me about the buildingsize, type of construction and finishes that were used?
“ NAPS signed a lease with RSC at the end of April 2023 to lease theremainder of the existing Phase 1 building which had a total of 22,000sq ft available. At this point we started to develop tenant fit updrawings for this space using H. Bradford Green Architect Inc. At thistime they also signed a lease for the Landlord of RSC to construct theaddition Phase 2 which includes a total of 17, 000 sq ft for a total of39,000 sq ft in both Phases. The total sq ft of both Phases is 51,000.At this point we started to complete tenant fit up drawings and BaseBuilding drawings for Phase 2 using H. Bradford Green Architect Inc.
All of tenant fit up drawings proceeded very well and PerHolConstruction Ltd. was able to start tenant fit up on a fast track basis which moved construction along well. The existing building tenantfit up in Phase 1 was completed on time so they could move into part bySept 1 ,2023. The remainder was completed on March 1, 2024, which mettheir required schedule. Some of the finishes in the Existing buildingtenant fit up area have some very unique wood accent panels. Thecorridors and boardroom have some custom designed wood finishes on theceilings.
The addition of Phase 2 was started in September of 2023. Theconstruction of the addition is very similar to Phase 1 having steelpiles that were previously driven during Phase 1 with concrete gradebeams and a structural poured floor. A Butler Structural Steel Package>was ordered from Butler Buildings Canada supplying all the structuralsteel, open web steel joist and “Q” deck for the 2nd and 3rd floor.Concrete floors were poured on top of the “Q” deck to complete thefloors. Insulated Metal Stucco Panels from Metal-Span were suppliedand installed along with a Brick Accent on the corner to complete thispart of the building shell to match Phase 1. A Curtain wall and Glasswindow system was installed to complete the exterior of the building.The roof is EPDM with a complete insulation package. All of theconstruction was completed to meet building code requirements.”“All the interior partition walls are metal stud with drywall and paintfinishes. A few of the walls on the 1st floor are masonry block forsecurity area. Most of the ceilings are acoustical Tbar with suspended tile. All of the floors are epoxy coated for durability and easycleaning because the 2nd and 3rd floor are workout areas with trainingclassrooms for new recruits. The 1st floor is shipping and receiving ofequipment and supplies for the district and area.”How did the build process go? How did the sub trades perform for you?“The building process went very well, and our sub trades performedwell.”
Were you affected by any issues such as supply chain ofmaterials- although we are after COVID now, approvals or any services needed for the project?
“All of supply chain items processed well on a timely fashion. We hadone issue with the delivery of the Exterior Metal Insulated Panels,they were delayed in production do to a back log caused by demand.”
Overall how has the project gone and are you almost complete?
“Overall, the project went great and we are completely finished meetingthe schedule required for the move in date.”
Do you currently have any additional space available for new tenants?
There is no available space in the building for new tenants.
Will there be any further building development on the Riverside site?
“Our site is full, and no more Phases can be built on the property.” What is your feeling on how the construction market was in 2024 forThunder Bay and area?“I feel construction was good and busy in Thunder Bay and area for2024. With the lack of tradesman it's hard to be much busier.
“What do you expect for year 2025 for construction activity?
“ I expect Thunder Bay to stay busy moving forward with the newprojects that are coming out for tender.”
