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Jun. 22, 2004
SGI to begin repairs to head office building
SGI is beginning a 15-month project at its head office building
in Regina to repair severe structural deterioration. The post-tension
cables that help support the building have been corroding from water
seepage over many years. Without a permanent fix, the building would
eventually become unsafe.
The repairs are scheduled to begin in August 2004, and are expected
to take 12 to 15 months to complete. The cost is estimated at $3.9
million.
"Without these repairs, the structural problems will continue
to deteriorate the building," SGI President Larry Fogg said.
"Immediate repairs are necessary, but a long-term fix is also
required to ensure the building remains safe in years to come for
the public and staff who access the building and the surrounding
area."
Over the last 10 years, SGI has spent $1 million on temporary
structural repairs dealing with this problem. Approximately $100,000
per year has been spent replacing corroded post-tension cables.
Without a permanent solution, this annual cost to the company will
escalate. Tackling the problems in one year is also the most cost-effective
solution, as doing the project in stages would increase the cost
by at least 20 per cent over time.
Water seepage has been an issue since the building was constructed
25 years ago without an effective protective membrane to keep water
from entering through the main floor level. Post-tension cable support
was standard practice during the 1970's, as the industry was not
aware that corrosion of the cables would be such a problem. SGI
installed an additional membrane in 1994, but by that time rust
and corrosion was too widespread for the effects to be reversed.
The planned repairs will provide a new concourse surface outside
the building to properly insulate and waterproof the basement below,
preventing further water seepage to extend the life of the building.
"The extent of the necessary repairs also provides us with
an opportunity to address a number of issues that have plagued the
building for 25 years - namely parking, traffic and wind problems,"
Fogg said. "These improvements will enable us to better serve
our customers and provide a more comfortable and secure environment."
For media inquiries only, contact:
Julianne Jack
SGI Communications - Regina
(306) 775-6907
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