July 30, 2005 -- The Blackstone River State Park Visitor Center is nearing completion. The Center is located in the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. In appreciation of all the people who are responsible for this exciting project, A. F. Lusi Construction, general contractor, hosted an old-fashioned cookout attended by dignitaries, elected offices, subcontractors and the project crew.
“ This project is going exceptionally well. ”
The 10,000 square foot building is the northern anchor for the statewide bike path. The visitor center will be completed at the end of September. The grounds including parking and bike path will be done at the end of November. In addition to the visitors’ center, it holds offices for the RI State Police, the RI Department of Environmental Management and an up-scale Federal image Dunkin’ Donuts with wainscoting and granite counter tops and tables. The project is 85% funded by the U. S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
The main area of the distinctive facility includes a map of the Blackstone River Valley in a nine-color terrazzo floor.
According to Armand Lusi, President of Lusi Construction, “This is a unique and wonderful project for the State of Rhode Island that gives our state a memorable stop-over for visitors crossing our border. We are pleased that the state procured this project through sealed competitive bidding using a single prime contractor. This is the only proven, objective procurement method that ensures the best value for the state.”
The project began last fall when Lusi used ground thaw equipment to work through the very harsh winter. Project Manager Scott Lindemann stated, “This project is going exceptionally well. The design was especially enjoyable for us to build because its post and beam frame provided variety from the steel-frame construction that makes up the bulk of our work.”
The architect for the project is Providence-based Robinson Green Beretta Corporation.
Established more than fifty years ago and located in Smithfield, RI, A. F. Lusi Construction, Inc. is a general contractor best known for its exemplary work on public buildings such as the restoration of the Federal Court House in Providence, RI, the construction of the Bradford R. Boss Arena at the University of Rhode Island, the Center General complex at the Howard Complex in Cranston, RI. Lusi is currently constructing the Center of Excellence School for Meeting Street School located in Providence, RI.
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Sandra Cooney
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