1313 N. Nias ...Springfield Contractors moves into new building

The Springfield Contractors Association moved into its new offices at the end of March. Sheryl Letterman, SCA executive, and Kathy Baer, administrative assistant, said they are excited and happy about the new facility.

"I'm thrilled with the new office. It's a beautiful setting, and it's got lots of storage," Baer said.

The 2,200-square-foot suite has a large training room in back, large conference room, fully equipped kitchen (including dishwasher), two bathrooms, storage and equipment room, executive office and reception area.

The floors are done in a combination of imported ceramic tile, carpeting and hardwood. The off-white walls are accented with forest-green trim, and large arched windows bring in plenty of light.

Cabinets line the walls of the work room, with counter space for office equipment and lots of storage space for supplies. The room is conveniently placed between the reception area Baer occupies and the private office where Letterman spends her busy workdays.

Located just north of Sweetheart Cup, the lot on which the building stands was purchased in 1994 from Bob Stahl, former owner of Lamons Electric, now deceased.

The building also houses F.W. Dodge, a division of McGraw-Hill. Dodge reports on construction projects, announcing bid dates, the architect in charge and other information on upcoming jobs to area contractors. The company puts out a daily report to subscribers and maintains a plans room open to SCA members regardless of whether they are subscribers.

"Hopefully this access will encourage them to subscribe to the service," Letterman said.

SCA was founded in 1953 for the purpose of improving relationships and conditions in construction, and promoting quality throughout the industry. It has been located in leased offices on East Sunshine, just east of 65 Bypass, since July of 1988.

The purpose and intent of SCA, acting on behalf of its members, is to work to promote and protect the interests of the construction industry. It endeavors to promote a more efficient, economical and safe construction environment. And it strives to promote good working relationships with local government agencies, community leaders, architects and engineers, and among all members of the local construction community, Letterman said.

The new building is a landmark for SCA, marking the first time it has owned its own complex. In addition to housing the new office suite and the Dodge Company, the building also contains 2,000 square feet of leasable space that can be finished to suit the tenant.

"It would be nice if we got someone connected with the industry in the space, but we're not limiting it to construction people," Letterman said.

The L-shaped building is constructed of mauve decorative block and red brick, accented with oversized arched windows. The large parking lot will be fully landscaped to highlight the property.

"We're going to make the most of the green space to enhance the property," Letterman said.

Many of SCA's 350 members contributed time and materials to the new facility.

The generosity of members has kept borrowing to a minimum. While the project is valued at nearly a half million dollars, the organization has had to borrow only half of that amount, Letterman stated. Financing is through Metropolitan Bank.

The new office suite has more than tripled the space in the old office on Sunshine. The training and conference rooms are facilities SCA has been unable to offer before.

Once the dust settles from the move, SCA will conduct an open house at the new facility, probably later this spring or early this summer, Letterman said.

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