gila river telecommunications center
chandler, az
The Gila River Telecommunications Building is a 14,950 SF, ground-up, state of the art facility that houses the operating equipment as well as the offices for the main telecommunications company at the Gila River Indian Community. This building replaced an existing building on the southwest corner of Allison Rd and 56th Street, just east of Interstate 10 and south of Loop 202.
Gila River Telecommunications, Inc. outgrew its original facility as technology changed and their services grew in scope and variety. They chose to build a facility that reflects the state-of-the-art services they provide while maintaining the sense of modesty that is so important to the Indian community. This building is seen as an attractive addition to the Lone Butte Business Park, of which it is part, to attract a more sophisticated group of tenants.
One of the ways this building illustrates the high-tech nature of Gila River Telecommunications is by the use of a raised floor system. All the electrical and mechanical distribution is designed to occur under the raised floor allowing for greater flexibility, higher ceilings, and neater workstations in the open office area.
The technology requirements of this building present design opportunities as well as challenges. One of the major requirements of the company is that it be able to continually provide its services to the community without interruption. This involves several back-up systems for their equipment such as back up battery power, a back-up CRAC unit, and a back-up generator as well as other design elements to assure un-interrupted service.
While it is important to make sure the facility is suited for the high-level, fail-safe technology services it provides, it is also important for the building to portray an image of effectiveness, technological ability, and professionalism not only for the Gila River Telecommunications company, but also for the Gila River Indian Community at large. The Gila River Telecommunications building is designed to address all of these needs.