Rozsa Center Receives Steel Construction Award
by Laura Walikainen
HOUGHTON--The Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts at Michigan Technological
University was honored with the 2002 Steel Systems Excellence Award in
the medium-sized building category during the annual meeting of the Michigan
Society of Professional Engineers. Houghton's intense winters and hilly environment were cited as two of
the major obstacles to overcome in the designing and construction of the
Rozsa Center. The award was presented by the Great Lakes Fabricators & Erectors
Association to the University; Gundlach Champion as the steel erector
for the project; the steel fabricator, Daul Industries Inc.; Desai/Nasr
Consulting Engineers Inc. as the structural engineering firm for the building;
and the architect, DiClemete Siegel Design Inc. Buildings around the state were judged on a variety of criteria, including
innovation in solving project requirements, advancement of the steel construction
industry, creativity in meeting and exceeding client/owners needs, significance
of engineering or construction achievement and social/economic impact
on quality of life. Projects completed between Jan. 1, 1999, and Dec. 31, 2001, were eligible
for this year's competition. The medium building category covered buildings
that ranged in cost from $500,000 to just under $5 million. The 60,000 square foot performing arts center is framed with approximately
750 tons of structural steel. #### 6/14/02--MTN 069
