3 Labs Nearing Final Stages

June 26, 2015

By Charlene Belew The Duncan Banner

Construction workers from WW Builders works on adding trimming and a roof to the third building in DAEDF’s project.

Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation’s 3 Lab buildings are steadily growing closer and closer to completion.

With all three buildings erected, crews are now adding the trim and roofing – a process already complete on the other two buildings – to the third and final building.

DAEDF President Lyle Roggow is more than excited about the quality of work from WW Builders and the progress of the $1.9 million project, saying he expects construction to wrap up at the end of August, with the south building – which has attracted a company’s attention – reaching completion around the end of July.

“The nice thing about these buildings is that they’re very well suited for just about any business with the accommodation of shop and office areas,” Roggow said. “It meets a lot of companies’ needs in a diverse situation.”

While inclement weather issues have posed a problem for WW Builders’ construction crews, Roggow said having three different buildings offers up a variance in work, resulting in a timely schedule. Workers can freely move between the three sites to suit whatever situation may arise.

Additionally, Roggow said the 3 Labs offers a unique situation, especially when it comes to reeling in potential businesses looking for a home. The soon-to-be brick-fronted buildings allow for walkthroughs, providing an open-house type feel to the project.

“It’s also allowed us to show these buildings to some different folks. Until you have a building, they don’t get interested in what they can do in your community,” he said. “It’s amazing because you’ll show people on a piece of paper what it looks like, but when they walk into the building, that’s when the light bulbs come on. When they see the building, they see themselves in it.”

Though the project narrowly passed council approval on Feb. 10, Roggow said the project will brings new life to Duncan.

“We’ve not seen a lot of things happen from our industrial park and this is an exciting opportunity,” he said. “With those 3 Lab buildings and DR2 (Duncan Recycling and Refining), we’re seeing something coming through to fruition.”

An additional company has already requested a contract for rental, according to Roggow.

The Duncan City Council approved the fifth payment on the 3 Lab project on Tuesday. The payment, which comes from sales tax dollars, totals $124,636.37.