No longer using modular construction
By Bob Bumcrot

Despite a big change in construction plans, work on the new Emergency Services Building (EMS) on Shepard Road proceeds on schedule.
Several weeks ago, Penn Lyon, the Millennium Builders subcontractor that was to manufacture the modular building withdrew. Lyon claimed that other larger projects prevented Millennium’s ability to complete the project on deadline. EMS Committee Chairman Ted Veling and Construction Coordinator Scott Reeve pointed out that their contract dictated Millennium stick build the structure for the same price as modular construction if another acceptable subcontractor could not be found.
That was the case, so Millennium will complete the project. “They were very good about it,” said Veling. “So we’re going to get a stick built structure, which we always preferred, for a very good price. This is a lucky break for Norfolk.”
Another potential obstacle was handled with ease when excavators discovered two buried boulders weighing over ten tons each.
Other stages of construction have been efficiently completed. The footings were poured in a single day, as were the basement walls. Underground drainage pipes and connections to both water and sewer have been made and slab floors for the basement and ground-level ambulance bay have been poured and finished.
The stick building phase of construction is expected to be underway by the beginning of November. For more information on the new building, go to norfolkambulance.com.