KVMR 89.5 FM and the Nevada Theater Commission have selected Landmark Construction Co. of Loomis as the general contractor for their planned joint building project in Nevada City at the corner of Spring and Bridge Streets, behind the Nevada Theatre.

       The project will provide the new home for the radio station as well as backstage support spaces the theater. The two organizations have been working together for two years and have recently received city approval.

      Landmark was one of nine general contractors from the region that submitted proposals on the project and was selected because of its extensive experience and strong management structure.  In addition, Landmark’s overall fee was the lowest of the three finalists interviewed.

      The firm has agreed to engage local sub-contractors and building material suppliers for the project, which will account for about 85% of the total building construction cost.

       “This will ensure that local sub-contractors, laborers and suppliers get a chance to bid on the jobs that will be created by the project,” said Michael Young, president of KVMR’s board of directors.

         Both the KVMR board and the Nevada Theater Commission voted unanimously recently to approve a pre-construction contract with Landmark.   This contract initiates a cost study and lays out the process for future bidding by interested sub-contractors and engagement of the community in the building process.

      KVMR and the Nevada Theater Commission plan to replace the three tin sheds behind the Nevada Theater with a new building that will house the radio station’s broadcast studios and offices and provide additional backstage space for the theater. The project will include a community room where local groups can meet and where KVMR can present live on-air musical performances.

     The selection of Landmark followed a rigorous proposal and interview process where the nine applicants were judged on experience with complex building in tight site configurations, familiarity with local sub-contractors and suppliers, competitive pricing and the experience and track record of the contractor team.

       Landmark has done two construction projects at Nevada Union High School and is a member of the Nevada County Contractors Association.  The company’s senior project manager, Kevin Brennan, lives in Nevada City and will be responsible for overall execution of the project.

    KVMR and the theater will be hiring a local “owner’s representative” to ensure that the needs of the two organizations, and the entire community, are met.

    The two organizations have received a conditional use permit and architectural design approval for the project from the City of Nevada City and are scheduled to begin deconstruction of the existing sheds this coming spring. Construction will begin in the summer of 2013, with occupancy of the new building scheduled for mid-2014.