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SBJ photo by Wes Hamilton

Design Team of the Year finalist: Prime Plaza and Driver Training Center

2700 N. Packer Road

Posted online

Owner/developer: Prime Inc.
General contractor: Killian Construction Co.
Architect: GHN Architects Engineers
Engineers: GHN Architects Engineers, Miller Engineering PC, Lee Engineering & Associates LLC, Palmerton & Parrish Inc.
Interior designer: Studio V Design LLC
Size: 62,870 square feet
Cost: $12.35 million
Project completed: November 2017

At the center of Prime Inc.’s 115-acre expansion to its Springfield terminal is the plaza and driver training center.

Principal architect Brad Baker with GHN Architects Engineers said the northeast Springfield facility was designed to operate 24/7, providing “indoor refueling, tire changes and safety inspections for up to 14 tractor-trailers simultaneously.” Prime’s driver training program also is housed on-site.

Baker said although the shape of the building is simply a long rectangle, the creativity in design is apparent in the network of technology supporting the facility.

He said there are more elements “below the floor” than most projects feature above ground – such as refueling lines, certified scales, electronic truck scanners and ground moisture control.

The structure features concrete elements over the foundation that are built to last amid continuous, heavy traffic.

“Sophisticated ventilation and air-handling systems monitor indoor air quality affected by diesel exhaust,” Baker said, adding to the project’s features.

“A 99 kilowatt solar power array, skylights and high-speed overhead doors reduce the facility’s dependence on outside energy.”

Baker said integrating the technological and design features of the project while working with several companies and vendors was challenging and rewarding.

“Prime Inc. had a specific vision for how this project would improve the experiences of drivers,” he said. “As a client they set a positive tone, fostered unity of purpose among the design team and promoted excellence in results.”

The project also comprised a three-story office building and classrooms with integrated display technology.

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