Burlington Performing Arts Centre Background and Brick Selection
The PAC Project Management Team (PMT) has worked through all design phases of the project in close consultation with Performing Arts Burlington (PAB), the neighbours, and other stakeholders including the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee (BAAC) and has made adjustments required to achieve the approved design and remain within the overall $36.2 million project budget.
The project has benefited immensely from the input and guidance from the public, Performing Arts Burlington, Fundraising Cabinet, Diamond Schmitt Architects, MHPM Project Managers and PMT members.
Selection of the brick:
PMT obtained technical information on brick products from US-based companies, namely Endicott and Belden, as well as from a local manufacture.The suppliers were asked to provide samples and supporting technical information. PMT selected Endicott as the preferred design brick in the base tender as this brick was considered by the Project Architect to be a technically and aesthetically superior product, compared to the other manufacturers.
In June, PMT was asked to reconsider Hanson Brick, the local brick manufacturer, as the brick supplier for the PAC. PMT requested the Project Architect to provide a written technical and cost analysis of the three brick suppliers that were considered at the time of tender, and an additional brick product, IXL brick that is manufactured in Alberta and distributed from Midland, Ontario.
Based on the analysis of these products, PMT continues to support the use of the Endicott brick for the PAC project given its rich hues and metallic detailing. Thames Valley, a local Burlington firm, will be supplying the Endicott brick.
2005 milestones
January 31 - Burlington City Council approves the vision for the Burlington Performing Arts Centre project. Direction is given to convene a campaign steering committee to initiate formal discussions with senior levels of government and lead donor prospects regarding funding for the project. Community consultation is to be scheduled once a preferred location is determined, and staff will also continue to investigate partnership opportunities for this initiative with education and cultural organizations.October 17 - Burlington city council approved the preferred site for the future Burlington Performing Arts Centre.
2007 milestones:
November – The City holds two days of public Open Houses to discuss functional design and preferred location, as well as other issues.
2008 milestones:
April - Three public information meetings are held to provide interested residents with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the project.
July/August - City demolishes former police station building on future Burlington Performing Arts Centre site.
November 26 – Tender documents for contract 08-52, Burlington Performing Arts Centre, were issued, and included five optional price items, 18 substitute and alternate prices. Optional priced items are considered by PMT to be essential building components that would improve the service delivery capabilities and/or reduce the operation costs of the facility in the long term. Substitute and alternate prices included seven items for substitution of finished material or product (i.e.brick and metal siding).
2009 milestones:
January 22 - Tenders for the PAC project were opened.Four competitive bids were received from six pre-qualified general contractors and the lowest of the four tenders received was submitted by Bird Construction company.
Seven of the separate and alternate bids received provided pricing of lesser quality materials and products that could be substituted in the event that the estimated construction budget was exceeded. PMT recommends that none of the seven substitutions be approved because the project tender came within budget and the recommended base materials will ensure a longer building life cycle and achieve desired quality of interior and exterior finishes.
February 23 - Burlington City Council awards the construction tender to Bird Construction Co. of Toronto for $26.8 million.
February 25 – The BPAC Fundraising Cabinet receives a $100,000 donation from RBC.
March – Construction begins.
March 27 – The City and its partners formally break ground on the PAC.
June 30 – a letter was received (dated June 24, 2009) from Hanson Brick outlining their proposal to supply their locally made Dunkerron iron spot brick to the PAC and the cost savings involved.
July 6 – Council votes to support former decision to use Endicott brick for the PAC project. The project remains on track and on budget.
July 16 - City Council approved the design development and costing report for pedestrian bridge link that will provide access from the exiting downtown parking garage at 414 Locust Street to the new Burlington Performing Arts Centre. Staff will now continue work on the detailed design of the pedestrian bridge and work to incorporate the design into the exiting construction schedule.
2010 milestones:
March 2010 – Burlington Performing Arts Centre announces hiring of first Executive Director Brenda Heatherington [view media release]
Spring 2010 – Construction on the pedestrian link bridge to the parking garage at 414 Locust Street begins
June 25 – Bird Construction hosts a topping off ceremony at the construction site to celebrate the completion of the roof on BPAC. The cornerstone of the building was unveiled by members of the construction team and City Council. [view media release]