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Intertech Flooring Helps Austin
Chamber Spruce Up New Space
without Breaking the Budget
(November 6, 2002 - AUSTIN, TX ): When
the Greater Austin
Chamber of Commerce officially opens its new offices tomorrow,
visitors will appreciate the addition of free parking; they may
comment on how different the space now looks from its previous
occupant, Logix Communications; and they'll notice the new high
quality finish out details.
What most won't know, however, is that - thanks to the creativity
of architect Graeber,
Simmons & Cowan and commercial flooring company Intertech
Flooring -- most of the existing walls, ceiling and flooring
was not changed, saving the Chamber and its members countless
thousands of dollars in unnecessary construction costs.
"When we first began working on the new space early this
year, we wanted to meet several goals. We needed more meeting
space, more flexibility in office space, easy accessibility for
visitors and employees, ample parking and greater visibility," says
Saralee Tiede, the Chamber's vice president for communications. "But
while we wanted attractive space, we also wanted to be as economical
as possible."
Graeber, Simmons & Cowan developed a needs assessment and
created several test fits in various buildings in the Central
Business District. Lakeshore Tower at 210 Barton Springs Road
best met the Chamber's criteria and offered a built-out space
that required minimal upgrades. By late summer, the project to
renovate its fourth floor was underway.
GS&C soon enlisted the expertise of Intertech Flooring to
provide flooring advice and installation. "We have worked
with Intertech on many jobs over the years, and we knew they
would be able to offer not only great products but innovative
ideas that would be cost efficient," said Dean Maddalena,
senior associate with GS&C.
Rather than recommending replacement of the entire 12,500 square-foot
floor, however, Intertech quickly saw a more economical and earth-friendly
solution. As a company committed to Green Building concepts,
Intertech knew it could reuse and recycle much of the carpeting
in place - minimizing costs and environmental impact. Intertech's
approach also met the Chamber's desire to use as much existing
material as possible.
"For the most part, the existing carpet was still in good
condition and was a high quality, attractive product. There really
was no reason for the Chamber to spend a fortune replacing it.
We could see huge cost savings' potential by simply maintaining
the main sections and retrofitting those areas that needed repair," says
Kelley Sandidge, Intertech design consultant.
"By retrofitting the carpet, the Chamber was able to update
the look while cutting flooring costs by at least half, possibly
more, in addition to significantly reducing the environmental
impact," she adds.
"Like Graeber, Simmons & Cowan, we are Chamber members
ourselves, and we know cost efficiency is important. We're proud
to have contributed to making the Chamber's new home attractive,
affordable and environmentally friendly," says Bill Imhoff,
Intertech president.
Intertech Flooring provides commercial
flooring products, installation and maintenance to clients
throughout Texas and the Southwest. The company's Austin
office was established in 1988 and its San Antonio location
is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.
Graeber,
Simmons & Cowan is an international full service
architecture and interior design firm headquartered in
Austin for over 20 years.
For more information contact:
Sue Durio, 512/461-3159;
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