I recently read the article regarding the unveiling of the “Imagine Erlanger” plans submitted by two Atlanta-based teams of designers and contractors.
I found the following statement in the article very interesting: “Bruce Komiske, a Spiegel associate who is overseeing the project, told the audience the vision cannot come to pass unless Chattanoogans are willing to generously fund it. He said, 'None of this will happen unless the community embraces it and gets behind it."”
It is very disappointing that Mr. Spiegel and his Erlanger team do not express the same confidence in the designers and contractors located in Chattanooga. My suggestion to Mr. Spiegel: Go to Atlanta for your funding.
Mike Davis
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As was clearly stated in the community presentation Tuesday night, Erlanger is committed to supporting, in every possible way, local design and construction professionals in Chattanooga and the surrounding region.
A hospital, however, is one of the most complex buildings from a design and construction standpoint, given the incredible about of specific regulations that we must comply with and the fact we are designing and building a facility for those who are acutely ill and experiencing life-threatening conditions. It was essential we only considered design and construction firms with considerable experience specifically planning and building hospitals and even more specifically, children’s and women’s hospitals. Unfortunately there are no firms in the immediate area that can meet this critical criteria.
The two teams selected as our finalists have each planned and built over 800 hospitals and many award winning, nationally-recognized children’s and women’s hospitals. They have both committed to working with local design and construction professionals in the region to find ways of collaborating and utilizing the best talent available locally.
From a construction prospective, both firms are committed to utilizing local sub contractors and workers.
I hope that answers Mr. Davis’ concerns, and realize the ultimate judge will be Erlanger’s actions going forward,
Bruce Komiske