11.04.04
Harriman Associates Hired as A/E Firm

Harriman Associates (Auburn, Maine) was hired today as the architectural and engineering firm for the music facility project at Caribou High School. The CHS Music Building Fund is pleased to be able to work closely with such a well-respected firm from Maine.

After the committee's first fundraising push was completed this past summer, a decision to hire an architectural and engineering firm was made so that artistic renderings of the building could be received for fundraising purposes. Meetings were held in early July with Caribou School Department officials, specifically Superintendent of Schools Frank McElwain. An advertisement for such services was placed in the Aroostook Republican (Caribou) and the Kennebec Journal (Augusta). Proposals from six firms across New England were received.

In partnership with the school department, the music fund created a selection committee consisting of school administration, music faculty, the school building supervisor, and members from the Caribou Board of Education, community, and CHS Music Building Fund. The selection committee met in late August to review these proposals in depth. The six firms were narrowed down to three from the information gleaned in both the proposals and from references. The three firms were told that the selection committee requested an interview and were told to develop a presentation. On September 14th the three firms were interviewed and subsequently placed in order of preference. Harriman Associates was selected as the first choice.

Harriman Associates submitted a more detailed proposal, which included costs for initial services. The proposal was reviewed by the CHS Music Building Fund, Caribou School Department, and the Maine Department of Education. It was decided by representatives from all groups that the proposal was more than reasonable. Subsequently, the CHS Music Building fund committee voted to hire Harriman Associates and pay the fees requested. On November 3, 2004, the Caribou Board of Education voted to hire the firm as well. On November 4, 2004, Superintendent Frank McElwain signed the proposal from Harriman Associates. Harriman Associates has been building communities for over a hundred and thirty-four years. Founded in 1890 by architect George Coombs, a Maine native, the firm first left its mark on the skylines Lewiston and Auburn with fine examples of Victorian architecture, many of which remain today, from multistoried business blocks to homes designed for prominent residents. Coombs was known for his expertise in engineering as well as architecture, and that approach to design continues at Harriman Associates today. Architects and engineers work closely, collaborating throughout every phase of every project. The firm has worked on representative projects all over the state, including Noble High School, Camden Hills Regional High School, Bowdoin College, and Brunswick High School. Harriman Associates also designed Caribou High School and the Caribou Performing Arts Center (Harriman Associates).

Throughout the rest of the music project, the CHS Music Building Fund will be working hand in hand with Harriman Associates on nearly every aspect of the effort. The committee looks forward to working with the firm during the next few years. If you would like more information about this firm, please visit their web site at http://www.harriman.com.