MBNMS Exploration Center Breaks Ground in Santa Cruz

mbnms

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Bogard Construction breaks ground on jewel building in the heart of Santa Cruz this week. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center will be hub for visitors and locals alike to discover the wonders of the sea within the splendor of a new green building. The proposed building will be a LEED  (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, two-story, 12,500 square foot structural steel building incorporating numerous green building elements into the design, some of which include solar panels, a water cistern to recycle rainwater, enhanced natural ventilation systems, as well wood siding certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council.

Funded through various sources including The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the City of Santa Cruz, Bogard Construction was the successful bidder from a select group of contractors meeting specific criteria established by the City of Santa Cruz to ensure the extensive demands of the project were met by an experienced and qualified builder. Additionally, project specifications required that all subcontractors on the project be located within 100 miles of the project site, an additional benefit to Santa Cruz, as this keeps local money circulating within the community.

“This is no ordinary project,” says Jared Bogaard, Vice President of Bogard Construction and project manager for the MBNMS Exploration Center. “The effort associated with LEED certification is very meticulous and demanding. Pair that with the requirements of building the structure itself, not to mention the coordination associated with the interior exhibits, and it makes for entertaining construction. We have a very talented team involved in managing this project and feel fortunate to have been selected for a building such as this in our home town.”

The elements within the building provide as much interest as the building itself. There will be interactive and interpretive exhibits which will allow visitors a view of the issues impacting the marine ecosystem, as well as encouraging each person to examine the part they may play in the protection of our oceans.

For more information on the project, visit http://montereybay.noaa.gov/vc/sec/welcome.html

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