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Building Up BEC

Boone Electric is now conducting regular business at the temporary location at 1905 W. Ash St. until construction at the Rangeline office is finished. Our lobby is open 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday, by appointment only. Call us once you are in the parking lot to get in line. The temporary location will not have a drive-thru, but the kiosk will be available. Please consider using our payment options through Smarthub, SecurePay, our kiosk, or MoneyGram. If you are conducting any business by mail, please use the following address: Boone Electric Cooperative, P.O. Box 797, Columbia, MO 65205.

On September 18, 2019, the Boone Electric Cooperative Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve a $29 million project that will greatly improve the headquarters at the cooperative’s current location on Rangeline Street. The board hired local general contractor Coil Construction to oversee the project that will include both new buildings and rehabilitation of existing ones.

The board of directors spent the last two years strategically planning BEC's future. It had become apparent to the cooperative's leaders that the buildings' problems could no longer be fixed by band-aid repairs. The board hired different firms to study all options which included renovating the buildings, building new, and moving to a different site and starting fresh. After vetting the multiple options and proposals, the board decided Boone Electric's home is here on Rangeline St., but major construction would be necessary for a healthy, safe and efficient work environment.

Boone Electric built its first building on this property in 1952. We built a second building for an expanding operations staff in 1976. In 1996, we built a third building that combined the first two. The 1952 building will be demolished in the final phase of this project. It is the building you see from Rangeline St. It has served this cooperative well for nearly 70 years. Commercial buildings, today, are expected to last 25 years. The remaining two buildings (although under one roof) will be completely gutted and rebuilt to also eliminate their issues. 

We want our members to be in-the-know when it comes to this project. We first introduced this issue during the 2019 Annual Meeting of Members in July. Board President Joel Bullard addressed what the board had been considering the previous 18 months and wanted members to know they were determined to find a solution for the cooperative. You can listen and see his presentation below. We've also included the written and visual version of both so you can read and study at your own pace. A letter was sent out to each member regarding this decision in late September. We encourage anyone with questions or feedback to let us know: (573) 449-4181 or fill out this form.

BEC Current Building Problems

Failing Roof

Roof Issues

The roof which umbrellas three different buildings has been failing for years. An internal guttering system uses five-gallon buckets to catch excess rain water or snow melt throughout the year. At these times, employees often find ceiling tiles and water on floors, work areas, even bathrooms. The ceiling inside is where much of our heating and cooling system is located and creates maintenance issues for employees.

Inefficient Lobby Layout

Inefficient Lobby Layout

 

A new lobby will offer convenience, efficiency and improved safety for both members and employees. A modern work space will allow employees to either stand or sit throughout their day which is a proven benefit for employees. It will also offer members with disabilities a more welcoming environment. 

Not Energy Efficient

Not Energy Efficient

This project will allow BEC to improve its energy footprint. Our insulation and energy efficiency is below our own standards, but also industry expectations. We know investing in energy efficiency is the right thing to do. We are excited about this option. The renovation and expansion will modernize the headquarters so we can truly be an energy saving company!

Fails Standards

Fails Standards

 

Boone Electric's property falls short of meeting city and federal regulations. It is not compliant with the City of Columbia's stormwater infrastructure standards, does not have a fire suppressant system and its elevator is too small to meet Americans with Disabilities Act codes. These issues will be fixed.

Growing pains

Growing Pains

Boone Electric is lucky enough to experience a steady growth of membership which is great for the co-op. But the industry's materials and equipment has followed suit. Trucks are bigger, spools of underground wire are as big as trucks and that accounts for 93% of our new construction today. We need a larger space that also offers safety and efficiency for our crews. 

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BEC Construction FAQ's

Why is a new headquarters needed?

In order to continue offering a safe and efficient facility for members to access and in which employees can work, the current building would need a great deal of updating, along with a number of costly repairs to alleviate chronic issues related to an aging structure. Building costs continue to rise 6-8% every year, so trying to patch a building together for another 10 years means we could pay over $40 million in 10 years.

What were the reasons behind the decision to construct a new building?

The BEC board’s decision to construct a new building was based on several concerns:

  1. The expense of continuing to repair persistent issues that have become cost-prohibitive.
  2. The need for a safe and secure environment for employees as well as members.
  3. The growth of the cooperative has resulted in outgrowing the building, which has been added onto several times since it was originally built in 1952. One example is equipment used today measures 9’11” and our garage doors are 10’, making it very difficult to park the vehicles.
  4. The need for improved functionality for both members and employees.
  5. Current and future needs for collaboration spaces and technology.
Will I still be able to visit the office to pay my bill or get information?

Yes and no. Yes, you will still be able to pay your bill in person, but it will be at our temporary location at the former Shelter Insurance Claims branch at 1905 W. Ash Street. Because the building will be demolished at once instead of the originally planned phases, it won't be at the office that is currently standing. This adjustment will last for about 18-24 months. We promise to give plenty of notification about this change and to your payment options once we know details. 

Who was selected as the contractor?

After nearly two years of studying and vetting the multiple options and proposals, the Board selected a local general contractor, Coil Construction of Columbia, to manage the project. Subcontractors for the building phase will be able to bid for the construction phases through Coil, but with BEC’s Board of Directors giving final approval. So far our contractors are as follows:

Coil Construction Construction Manager
SOA (Simon-Oswald) Architect (HQ/Office Building)
Connell Architecture Architect (Operation Buildings)
Crockett Engineering Engineer (Structural, Geotechnical)
McClure Engineering Engineer (Civil/Sitework)
Timberlake Engineering Engineer (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing
KH Lemp Elevator Elevator Consultant
Subcontractor: ES&S Demo & Sitework Contractor

 

When will construction begin?

Coil Construction is finalizing the architectural and engineering phase as of September 2020. Please see the renderings on this page. The project is expected to start sometime this fall and is expected to be completed by summer of 2022. BEC will continually update the progress on this page, social media and mailings if necessary.

What is the cost of the new building?

The building project cost is $29 million, with scheduled completion in the summer of 2022.

If you are going to rebuild, why don’t you move into the county where your members are?

The board did review that as an option. There would have been several added expenses including land costs and infrastructure development. We feel we are established in the best area that also has centralized accessibility to our entire membership.

How long will the construction take?

Construction will take about 30 months once the architecture and design phases are complete. As of September 2020, contractors and architects are very close to finalizing the blueprints. The project is expected to be completed by summer of 2022.

Will the cost of the building impact my electric bill?

This is a substantial amount of money to invest in our future and we will need a modest rate increase to finance the project. We announced a 5.21% revenue increase in January 2020 that would go into effect on April 1, 2020. For the average member (1,100 kWh/month), about $4.50 of the $6.65 increase to their bill is for the investment in the headquarters building and renovation plan.
See article in the February Rural Missouri.

What about capital credits? Will I still receive those?

Yes, that is our goal. BEC has a 60-year history of returning capital credits to its members. It is a priority for our board.

What will happen to your community solar?

Because we will be rebuilding on the current footprint, our Community Solar project won't need to be moved.

Will I be able to get more information about the new building, including energy efficiency, construction phases and sustainability?

Yes. Along with this page on the BEC website, details about the new building as they become available will be provided in many ways – this includes articles in the Rural Missouri, our social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube) and through local media/newspapers. You are also welcome to contact BEC directly by phone at 573-449-4181 or fill out our online form if you have a specific question. We will do our best to ensure that you are kept informed – especially of anything that directly impacts you during the building process.

Was this voted on at the Annual Meeting?

No. The membership votes on the board of directors and bylaw additions or amendments at the annual meeting. Your elected board members are then tasked with making these types of decisions for the good of the cooperative. This topic was discussed by President Joel Bullard during his 2019 Annual Meeting address.

Will I be able to use the drive-thru during construction?

Because we will rebuild in one phase instead of three, members will not be able to use the drive-thru on Rangeline St. once construction starts. You will still be able to continue business such as paying your bill, asking account questions, meeting with our energy advisors or picking up a meter base, but starting January 4, 2021, it will be at our temporary location at the former Shelter Insurance Claims branch at 1905 West Ash Street across from Shelter Gardens in Columbia. We will relocate our outdoor kiosk to our Ash Street location as an option for paying your bill.

Will your office be open during construction?

Not in its current location. Instead of constructing in phases, BEC will save money by closing down our headquarters to members as workers demolish parts of the building and rebuild on its current footprint. Our temporary location is at the former Shelter Insurance Claims branch at 1905 West Ash Street across from Shelter Gardens in Columbia.

Will the Community Room still be available?

Unfortunately, we had to close our Community Room due to COVID-19. The plans are to keep it closed through construction. We will announce the reopening on our website and social media channels.

Boone Electric Building Project Timeline - (subject to change)

January 2021

January 4 - Office opened at new temporary location, 1905 W. Ash Street. Our lobby is open 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., M-F, by appointment only. Call us once you are in the parking lot to get in line. The current mailing address is: Boone Electric Cooperative, P.O. Box 797, Columbia, MO 65205.

Office at 1905 W. Ash Street

November 2020

November 24 - Groundbreaking Ceremony

Groundbreaking Ceremony

October 2020

October 1 - Toured temporary properties
October 6 - Weekly HQ update among staff
October 15 - Potential temporary location tour
October 19 - Temporary property options discussion
October 22 - Final interior finishes review
October 27 - HQ update

September 2020

September 3 - Moving logistics
September 8, 22, 29 - Weekly HQ update among staff
September 10, 11 - Potential temporary location visits
September 14 - Interior design review
September 17 - Interior finishes
September 25 - Construction trailer arrived on site

August 2020

August 11 - Interior finishes and interior architecture
August 25 - Board of Directors update on HQ - approved to construct all at once instead of phases to save time and money, approved design and floor plans
August 31 - Design development review, part 1

Future Boone Electric Cooperative artist rendition

July 2020

July 7 - Schematic design concept approval
July 20 - Outdoor spaces/community building
July 20-24 - Department meeting to discuss layout of equipment, doors/windows, cabinets, specialty lighting, electrical, data and HVAC

June 2020

June 16 - Design review & mechanical/electrical system strategies work session

May 2020

May 5 - Program & adjacency approval/vision tour for aesthetic preferences
May - 19 - Initial schematic design review

April 2020

April 1-3 - Continued phone meetings for department needs
April 7 - Initial whole program review
April 28 - Adjacency diagram and program update review

March 2020

March 9 - Facility visit, Shawnee, Kansas
March 10 - Planning meeting with Coil and SOA
March 17 - Visual building tours
March 30, 31 - Phone meetings for department needs (department head and SOA)

February 2020

February 19 - The board accepted staff's recommendation of Simon Oswald Architecture (SOA) as the main architect to work with Coil Construction

January 2020

January 28 - Architect interviews

September 2019

September 18 - Building evaluation, Coil Construction begins architectural and engineering design phase

Timeline of construction

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©2021 Boone Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • My Account
    • SmartHub
    • About SmartHub
    • SmartHub One-Time Bill Pay
    • Pay Invoices
    • Payment Options
    • Disconnection Policy
    • Filing For An Extension
    • Utility Bill Assistance
    • Rates
    • Billing Cycles
  • Member Benefits
    • Bylaws
    • Refund of Capital Credits
    • Your Co-op, Your Vote
    • Annual Meeting
    • Energy Programs & Rebates
    • Rural Missouri
  • Services
    • Service Requests
    • Dusk to Dawn Lights
    • Viasat™ Satellite Internet
    • Right-of-Way Management
    • Engineering
      • New Service
      • Meter Base
      • Call Before You Dig
      • Underground Utilities
      • Easements
    • Medical Alert
    • BCRSD - Sewer District
  • Community
    • Boone Electric Community Trust
    • Operation Round Up
    • Youth Leadership
    • Scholarships
    • Night at the Ballgame & Theater
    • Energy in Today's Classroom
    • BEC Event Calendar
    • Revolving Loan Fund
    • Green Tree Partnership
  • Education
    • Outage Tips
    • Energy Education for Schools
    • Space Heater 101
    • Generator Safety
    • IREC Solar Panel Safety
    • First Responder/Media Safety
    • Downed Line Safety
    • Seasonal Savings TIps
    • Surge Protection
  • Energy Solutions
    • Take Control & Save®
    • Energy Efficiency Review
    • Ground Source Heat Pumps
    • Dual Fuel
    • CMCA Weatherization
    • Renewable Energy
      • Renewable Choice
      • Community Solar
      • Renewable Choice Calculator
    • Renewables for Home & Business
    • Energy Usage
    • Electric Vehicles
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Employment
    • Member Bylaws
    • Board of Directors
    • History of Boone Electric
    • Our Service Area
    • Department Managers
    • Co-op Links
    • Our Power Supply
    • Mission Statement
  • Future Building