Once again, OFCC will conduct its annual conference on four separate days at regional locations around the state in July and August, bringing together the entire construction community, including public owners, architects and engineers, construction managers, contractors, consultants, and specialty service providers. 

The conferences' morning sessions will include two in-depth case studies that look at two popular project delivery methods: design-build and construction manager at risk. Afternoon breakout sessions will focus on practical advice for selecting design and construction firms, using electronic bidding, and how to develop design criteria that works for the success of the project, among others.

Sessions will be held July 22 in Cleveland, July 28 in Columbus, and August 20 in Cincinnati with a final session set for August 26 again in Columbus. More information and registration links can be found at http://ofcc.ohio.gov (click on News/Events, then OFCC Conference).

OFCC is pleased to announce the final consolidation of the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission and the Ohio School Facilities Commission websites into one newly enhanced and modernized website located at http://ofcc.ohio.gov.

The new site was designed and re-organized over the past several months by a committee of OFCC staff members who worked to combine the content of both websites. The site incorporates best web practices, such as ease of use and navigation, accessibility, and content consistency.

The home page of the former OSFC website will remain active for a short period of time; however, the content pages within that site have been permanently redirected to the appropriate pages within the new OFCC site so that bookmarks may be updated as needed.

Please feel free to contact us at info@ofcc.ohio.gov with any questions.

  

In April, a Fairfield County school became the 200th educational facility in the state to achieve

LEED^® (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) for Schools certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USBGC). In honor of this achievement, OFCC's Sustainability Administrator Lisa Laney accepted on behalf of OSFC a formal Letter of Commendation from Governor Kasich and Lt. Governor Mary Taylor presented by OSFC's Commission Chairman Tim Keen at the Commission's April meeting (above).

The LEED system is a points-based rating system that focuses on environmentally-friendly design including energy and water efficiency, sustainable site development, material selection and indoor environmental quality. This focus also allows us to provide a healthier environment where our children learn and grow.

Click here for more information about OSFC's LEED for Schools program or check out Lisa Laney's blog on the Center for Green Schools website. 

For photos and other information about recently completed LEED certified schools, visit the Gallery page on the OFCC website or go to the Ohio collection at the Green Building Information Gateway website at http://www.gbig.org/collections/12880.

 

The state's capital appropriations bill (House Bill 497) became effective on July 1, 2014 and contained more than $82 million in appropriations for the OFCC cultural facilities grant program. Examples of eligible projects funded through the grant program include new construction, renovations, restorations, and expansions.

 

As of this time, approximately 50 cultural facilities grant projects totaling $16 million of state funds have been approved. Located throughout the state, local project sponsors include museums, zoos, theaters, historical societies, amphitheaters and opera houses. Recent project examples include a roof replacement for the Murphy Theatre in Wilmington (top, left) and 1920s home restorations at the Historic Sauder Village in Archbold (bottom, right).

 

By law, Ohio cultural facilities include facilities for the public presentation of visual and performing arts;museums for the preservation of science, technology and transportation; local and state historical facilities; and facilities for the education and training in the arts.

 

Click here for more information about OFCC's cultural facility grant program.

  

The program permits the Commission to reimburse public schools, including private and nonpublic charter schools, up to $2,000 for a first-responder emergency communication system that connects schools to law enforcement creating a more efficient means of communication during an emergency. The grant program also reimburses eligible districts for up to $5,000 for costs incurred with a purchase of a security entrance system, which may include a secure door, security camera, remote access and intercom.

OFCC is pleased with the results of this program and are proud to be a part of helping schools provide a safer environment for its staff, students and community.

For more information, go to the OFCC website at http://ofcc.ohio.gov (click on Services / Programs, then School Security Grants).