BIA gets new office complex

The Bureau of Indian Affairs will be moving into a newly renovated office complex under construction in Carson City by the CHC Group Inc. and Halbert Construction.

The bureau's new office complex will be located in a wing of the federal building, 705 Plaza St., that has been vacant for several years.

The space is 20,000 square feet and was previously occupied by the U.S. Postal Service's main office for Carson City. The post office moved to Roop Street in 2000.

The project is expected to be completed by Dec. 1.

CHC Group Inc. the primary contractor, is a national construction company with offices in San Diego, Chicago, Syracuse, New York and New Jersey. Halbert Construction Inc. is based in El Cajon, Calif.

Craig Zimmerman is the CHC superintendent for the project.

"We started last week. This project will probably go through, without any delays, roughly the latter part of October. Things are going pretty smooth." Zimmerman said.

The company's business development director, Deidro Brooks, said the project will cost $1.7 million.

The project includes selective demolition, asbestos abatement, concrete work, structural steel, architectural woodwork, steel doors and frames, acoustical panel ceilings, carpet tile, painting, plumbing, heating, ventilating and air conditioning units.

Above the debris left behind from the demolition work are the old catwalks with surveillance slots where postal workers were observed from above.

According to Zimmerman, the security installation in the roof will remain.

Coincidentally, the FBI has offices upstairs.

BIA Superintendent Bob Hunter isn't sure what will happen to the current offices at 1677 Hot Springs Road after his staff moves.

"I imagine the owner will try to lease it to someone else," Hunter said. "Our staff is increasing so we need additional space."

The Defense Contract Management Agency also maintains a field office in the federal building, as does the Labor Department of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Also in the building are U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Nevada Safe Trails Task Force and federal Department of Transportation offices.