The fledgling Wood Innovation and Design Centre (WIDC) took a step closer to realization Friday withe the release of a request for qualifications to design and construct a building at least six stories high in downtown Prince George.
After the July 5 deadline for submissions, it is expected three firms will be shortlisted and asked to provide proposals to the government through a collaborative request for proposals.
Construction at the corner of George Street and Fifth Avenue, where the Prince George Hotel once stood, is expected to be completed by fall of 2014.
"Wood is an extremely important and renewable natural resource for our province," Prince George-Mackenize MLA Pat Bell said in a press release.
"This project will create jobs and provide a great space for furthering British Columbia's strong connection and history of wood use.
The project's intent is an iconic building to showcase the ability to construct multi-storey buildings primarily out of wood.
Once complete, the building will house office space for provincial economic development and industry use, as well as academic and research programming with the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC).
It will focus on advancing B.C.'s expertise in wood-related products, and it will highlight new and innovative wood building products and techniques.
Prince George Mayor Shari Green said it is also an integral component of the city's economic development and downtown revitalization strategies.
In September, the provincial government issued a request for expression of interest (RFEOI) document that drew 34 responses from companies based both in B.C. and abroad.
The document's intent was to get input from the design and construction industries regarding building design, construction and procurement attributes.
