Multiple soft spots and penetrations in the roof of the former News Reporter Publishing building in Whiteville may require a new roof that will delay the Provalus project.
City Council will hear an update on the project Tuesday at its regular meeting. In his regular pre-meeting memo to the council, City Manager Darren Currie noted that the HVAC contractor found “approximately 60 penetrations” in the building roof that must be patched, as well as “soft spots”.
The building actually has two roofs, Currie explained in the memo. Water has gotten between the two layers, holding moisture.
“If we just try to repair the roof, we are just putting a band aid on the problem and not fixing the problem,” Currie wrote. “I have asked that the contractor get pricing on a completely new roof. … This will be the only way we get a warranty on the roof. With moisture between those roofs, we will never get it repaired and dry.”
Currie said he has asked the contractor to get estimates on an entirely new roof for the building.
A number of changes have been made to the electrical layout of the building as well, Currie said. The roof and those changes will affect the timeline for the project.
Provalus provides cybersecurity, cloud storage and other online services to companies around the world. The Alabama-based company plans to make its new home in Whiteville. The firm will eventually move many of its operations in Whiteville creating around 200 jobs.
Currently Provalus has temporary training facilities set up in Whiteville, and is working closely with the community college to provide the specialized training for the company.
The total project cost was originally estimated at $2.1 million, most of which is being paid for through grant funding.
The city and county split the cost of the building purchase last year. Purchase price for the property was $697,000. Each government entity paid $348,500 toward the purchase, and both the county and city have been providing work on the renovation. Provalus will receive the IRS tax credits for the purchase and improvements, and the city leases the property to Provalus. The company qualifies for a $300,000 One NC grant if it meets hiring standards set by the grant writer.
The city received funding for the purchase from Golden LEAF Fund, and the Jobs Foundation, whose founder sold the building to the city and county, will provide $90,000. The city also received a $390,000 building reuse grant.
-30-
Be the first to comment