Nielsen To Begin Work on JMU Performing Arts Center, Bridgewater Retirement Memory Support House, Design Electric, and Carded Graphics

Nielsen Builders, Inc., has been awarded several building projects recently.

Nielsen will build the $82 million James Madison University Performing Arts Center.  The architect is Hanbury, Evans, Wright, Vlattas and Co.  The 167,000-square-foot center, which is about the size of three football fields, will include one building for theater and dance, a separate building for music, and an outdoor courtyard.  The scheduled completion date is March 2010.  Scott Baxter is project manager; Becky Taylor is project engineer; and Jeff Kestner and Tommy Emerson will serve as project superintendents.

Nielsen has begun two separate tilt-up construction projects.  Design Electric, Fishersville, Va., is a new $1.1 million, 19,000-square-foot office and warehouse structure.  This design-build project started in January 2008, and is scheduled for completion in May, 2008.  Project manager is Tim Blankenship and project superintendent is Roy Gooden. 

The second tilt up is Carded Graphics in Staunton, Va.  This is a $2 million, 50,000-square-foot addition to an existing facility.  The addition will serve as a combination warehouse and pressroom.  The project started in January, 2008, and is scheduled for completion in May, 2008.  Tim Blankenship is project manager for this job, and Pee Wee Kite is superintendent.

Nielsen recently broke ground on the new $3.8 million Bridgewater Retirement Community Memory Support House.  Monty Cox is the project manager, and Dennis Hensley is the superintendent.  This 12,000-square-foot building will feature 14 private rooms around the outside of the unit opening into a large common area that is filled with natural light from the cupola skylights.  The large country kitchen will have a family-style dining area for meals with residents, families and staff.  The living room features a hearth area complete with an