Nor-Son Receives Four State Awards from Associated Builders and Contractors

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 – Baxter, MN   Nor-Son, Inc. received four awards from the Minnesota Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). 

Nor-Son’s representatives accepted the awards at ABC’s 2009 Excellence in Construction Banquet at The Metropolitan Ballroom on Thursday, January 7.  In recognition of outstanding achievement and quality workmanship, awards were received in the following categories.  In COMMERCIAL – $2-5 MILLION, an Eagle Award for the Gull Lake Conference Center, Nisswa, Minnesota.  In COMMERCIAL - $10-25 MILLION, an Eagle Award for Chase on the Lake Hotel, Walker, MN.  In HEALTHCARE - $10-25 MILLION, an Eagle Award for the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Addition and in RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY, a Pyramid Award was received for a Rustic Retreat in Northern Minnesota.

ABC’s award program is designed to recognize publicly the quality and innovation of merit shop construction and to honor all the members of the construction team, including the contractor, the owner and the design team responsible for the project.  The winning projects were selected from entries submitted from across the state and were judged on complexity, attractiveness, unique challenges, completion time, workmanship, innovation, safety and budget.

As the Design/Builder for the Gull Lake Conference Center, Nor-Son’s primary goal was to incorporate a new conference facility in such a way that it fit seamlessly into the natural wooded surroundings that have distinguished the resort for 90 years. The building had to appear as if it had been there a lifetime surrounded in towering old growth cedar and white pine.  Design elements from the historic main lodge were used in the conference center, such as the rafter tail detailing and cedar shakes. Reclaimed materials that reflect warmth and tradition were selected, such as native fieldstone and timber were selected for environmental stewardship as well as the historical precedence it gave to the building.  

     The Chase Hotel was a landmark resort destination in northern Minnesota before a fire left the building  unusable.  As General Contractor, Nor-Son worked in collaboration with the DLR Group to create a replica of the historic hotel with modern amenities.  The project included a 50,133 square foot hotel, 14,356 square feet of lake side condominiums and a 53,146 square foot conference center with condotels.  Portions of the hotel were renovated and others rebuilt to match the look and feel of the original 1920’s era.  The stucco finish is accented with banded exterior insulated finish system to replicate the historic time period.  The 4-story boutique style addition includes 70 guest suites, a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, gelato bar, full service spa, two lane bowling alley and indoor swimming pool and fitness center.  Other amenities include a dining room and patio with breathtaking views of Leech Lake.

As Construction Manger for Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, Nor-Son managed the 82,500 square foot addition and remodel of one of Northern Minnesota regions only critical access facilities. Designed by HDR/Jordan Architects, the 1962 building was magnificently transformed into an open, warm and inviting space.  The mall design developed in a way to break up the patient/visitor experience, from the reception area to coffee shop, or the family lounge to courtyard garden. Curved hallways are distinguishing aspects that are unique from linear institutional environments.  Fireplaces separate intimate waiting areas providing comfort and warmth, and at the end of the mall is one last viewing experience before entering the patient area, a curved staircase towered by glass windows overlooks a courtyard with underground snow melt system for year round use.  Natural materials and tones were carried into the patient rooms as well with spa-like amenities. Family and visitors are kept connected to work and friends by adding a cell phone tower for improved wireless connections. The spacious rooms have three zones…comfortable spaces for patient, family and staff. Window bays provide day lighting into the room, wood tones bring nature inside, and curved spaces impart a calming affect to the patient experience.

The Rustic Retreat is a testimony to Nor-Son’s ability to provide exceptional construction services. Serving as General Contractor for this retreat in Northern Minnesota, Nor-Son followed a philosophy based on inventive design, attention-to-detail, and unwavering commitment. This rustic lodge-style home designed by Pearson Design Group, Inc., was built with reclaimed products of the highest quality for durability, size, sustainability and aesthetic. Hand craftsmanship was used to create the worn and aged look required from hand splitting cedar shakes. Wood and timber frame construction were used in all buildings, as well as, structural steel and masonry.  Massive quantities of material were required and four million pounds of stone was used for the entire project.  Artistry extends beyond the interior craftsmanship and masonry to the exterior hand split shakes used for siding. Nor-Son’s skilled craftsman and their ability to create extensive projects to exact detail demonstrated the finite precision to complete a project of this complexity.  The resulting estate is a lasting legacy that began as the owner’s vision and with Nor-Son’s experienced personnel, became a remarkable architectural reality.

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