Darland is partnering with Woodmen of the World to plan and construct a multi-use community center in Kinston, North Carolina. The $7.6 million facility will provide recreation, fitness and meeting space and is a pilot project for Woodmen as the company moves toward an expanded community-based focus. Construction is underway and is scheduled for summer 2011 completion.

The 57,000 sf facility will be comprised of three components; a 10,000 sf office building, a gymnasium with elevated track, and a support facility that will house the locker room, pool support, and a social hall with catering kitchen. An outdoor pool is also planned for the project.

Mark Theisen, Woodmen of the World Executive Vice President, says Woodmen has been working with Darland since the early conceptual stages of the project. “We wanted our project to serve the community. Darland played a central role in helping us get buy-in and support from the City of Kinston, Lenoir County, and the local Parks and Recreation Department. Each of those entities had different objectives and getting to a final plan and budget could have been very difficult. It was critical for us to have someone with Darland's experience to help us through the planning, evaluation of building sites, selection of an architect, and development of a design that achieves all of the functional goals requested within a manageable budget.”

Darland preconstruction manager Alan Walters adds, “They were planning a very complex multi-use facility. Our goal was to help them get what they wanted and adhere to the architect’s vision while proactively managing the budget. We were able to recommend a mix of structural components including load-bearing precast, masonry, and metal-panel construction, which will result in a great look and excellent functionality within a conservative budget.”