Halifax, Nova Scotia – April 15, 2008: Aecon Group Inc. (TSX: ARE) announced that its Atlantic Buildings group has been awarded a construction management contract for a $17.5 million building project by Saint Mary's University in Halifax.
The project involves the construction of a new 43,000 sq, ft. three storey Atrium building that will house a main Global Learning Commons, a student-centered communal learning space that encourages interaction between faculty and staff, providing more opportunity for community engagement.
The second and third floors will house teaching and study space, along with various Computational Sciences research space and offices. Renovations to 3,000 sq. ft. of space in adjacent buildings will also be completed. Work will begin this Spring and will be completed by September 2009.
The Atrium will be designed and constructed to LEED standards. It is a steel framed, curtainwall, air conditioned building and includes an interior bio-wall, a glass roof over the Global Learning Commons and a green roof.
“The Atrium will be a great addition for the faculty, staff and students at Saint Mary’s. This building will quickly become the centerpiece of this beautiful campus,” said Frank Ross, President of Aecon Buildings Atlantic.
“We are very pleased to once again work with an institution like Saint Mary's University and be involved in developing their world-class educational facilities,” said Mr. Ross. “The growing demand for social infrastructure such as hospitals and educational facilities is playing an increasing role in the growth of Aecon Buildings.”
Aecon Group Inc. is Canada’s largest publicly traded construction and infrastructure development company. Aecon and its subsidiaries provide services to private and public sector clients throughout Canada and internationally. Aecon is pleased to be recognized as one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada as published by Report on Business Magazine.
Saint Mary's University is known for its community outreach projects, both in Canada and around the world. Saint Mary's, founded in 1802, is home to one of Canada's leading business schools, a Science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a vibrant Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.