On Tuesday May 19th, Valley Public Radio broke ground on construction a new broadcast center, which will serve the station and the San Joaquin Valley for decades to come. The 10,500 square foot building will be erected at the corner of Temperance and Alluvial in Clovis, at the city's research and technology park.
Around 200 station supporters attended the ceremony, which marks the official start of construction on the $4.5 million project. Dignitaries included Clovis Mayor Nathan Magsig, James Irvine Foundation CEO Don Howard, Darius Assemi of the Assemi Family and Granville Homes, Nikiko Masumoto, and VPR capital campaign co-chairs Bernard Barmann and Celeste DeMonte.
While construction has already started, the station is still working to raise the final $1 million necessary for move in and the start of operations over the next 10 months.
More information on the VPR Broadcast Center, including naming opportunities...
Project Facts:
- Total project cost: $4.5 million
- Immediate need: $1 million
- Estimated completion date: Early 2016
- Source of funds: Private donors, foundations, community organizations and local businesses.
- Lead gifts: James Irvine Foundation, Granville Homes/The Assemi Family, Bee & Bernard Barmann
- Construction loan: United Security Bank
- Square footage: 10,500
- General contractor: Zumwalt Construction, Inc.
- Architect: RDT Architecture
- Acoustical Consultant: Russ Berger Design Group
- Studios and production rooms: 8
- Tower height: 70 feet