GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY SET FOR NEW KREX-TV STUDIO
Released On: December 1, 2008
Like the legendary phoenix, KREX-TV is rising
from the ashes.
A groundbreaking ceremony for a new prairie school architecture-inspired
structure to house KREX-TV studios and other facilities will be held at 11:00 am,
December 3, 2008, at the site of the catastrophic fire, which destroyed the building last
January. The historic television station was the first in Grand Junction and one of the first
on the air in western Colorado.
“The fire destroyed an important part of Grand Junction’s history,” said General
Manager Ron Tillery. “The loss was big, both to the station and the community, and we
think it’s significant that we are rebuilding on the same site, with a facility that will be
better than ever in every respect. Hoak Media of Colorado intends to honor KREX’s
historic legacy by setting a new standard for the future.”
When complete, the building will house the entire station operations for the five
Colorado television stations owned by Hoak Media LLC, including the news department,
administration and sales for KREX, KREY and KREG; all CBS affiliates; as well as
KFQX, a FOX network affiliate; and KGJT, a myNetworkTV affiliate. According to Mike
Kalb, business development manager for BD Construction of Kearney, NE, the design-build
contractor for the project, construction will begin immediately and is expected to be
completed in the summer of 2009.
“This will be a state-of-the-art broadcast studio,” Kalb said. “Unlike the facility it
replaces, which had been added on to over the years, this building was designed from
the ground up to provide an appealing, efficient work environment, all digital equipment
and a high quality, high-definition signal.”
Kalb said the new building is designed to reflect the character of the residential
neighborhood in which it is located. The station worked closely with neighbors during the
planning process to get their input and feedback on the project, he said.
“Grand Junction has been very supportive on this project,” Kalb said. “The people
have been a pleasure to work with.”
During construction, KREX staff will continue to work from temporary quarters at
the PBS broadcasting studio at Western Colorado Community College.
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