AUSLAND AWARDED PROGRAM/CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FOR JPR’S NEW MEDFORD HEADQUARTERS

February 16, 2011

In January, 2011, Ausland Group, an engineering, building and consulting company based in Southern Oregon was appointed as program/construction manager for the renovation of a downtown Medford historic building –soon to become headquarters for Jefferson Public Radio.

Upon completion of the renovation, JPR will move all of its operations to the LEED-Certified, building that is on the Historic Register. As program/construction manager Ausland will lead the design, regulatory approval and construction effort.

Building History

Initially built in 1909, the building served as a warehouse for a grocery business, a hardware and mill-supply warehouse, a tavern and a disco called Fat City. The latest owner was Bruce Larson, a local businessman, who was born and raised in Medford.

After the property sat vacant for 15 years, Larson wanted to find a meaningful use for it that would help revitalize the downtown district. As a first step, he retained Carolyn Shaw Straus to find a buyer or organization that would help him meet his objectives.

Shaw Straus contacted Ausland Group to pursue seismic renovation issues, but following a thorough review of the philanthropic objectives the team turned their focus to the possibility of donating the building. Shaw Straus and Ausland became partners to seek out the perfect nonprofit organization. Aaron Ausland, CCM of Ausland Group helped by researching costs, creating presentation materials and interviewing organizations. After a nearly one year long search, Shaw Straus discovered JPR Foundation as the perfect recipient of the donation.

JPR jumped at the opportunity to relocate all of their operations to the heart of Medford. According to Ron Kramer, Executive Director of Jefferson Public Radio/JPR Foundation, “The new building will be transformational for us to have all operations located in downtown Medford.”

JPR will be housed in an impressive LEED-Certified, historic building, and also will reap the benefits of matching donations equivalent to the value of the initial donation to kick-start its capital campaign.