News

RJ Miller Construction Honors Reputation 40 Years in the Making

Published On January 20, 2021 by The Business Journal
Original article here

Written By Ravyn Cullor

Since 1981, a local construction company has brought expertise, passion and quality to Central Valley business and homeowners while taking on some of the area’s toughest and most challenging projects.

RJ Miller Construction is celebrating 40 years serving the Central Valley, building commercial properties, custom homes, tenant improvements and other specialty construction projects. Owner Bob Miller said much of his success is due to a strong work ethic, trusted employees, good customers and the support of his wife, Claudia Arguelles-Miller, who helps with marketing.

“We work as a team,” Miller said. “Together we make it happen and take care of our clients.”

Miller said his experience has helped him tackle more technologically integrated projects and successfully navigate the complex, ever-changing requirements of the construction industry. Miller said adaptability has helped the company move into the area of more energy-efficient construction.

Adaptability also helped RJ Miller Construction weather the 2008 recession, during which many contractors struggled or closed altogether, Miller said.

“We kept busy every day,” he added. “Our profit margin went down, but we kept workers employed and our office open.”

“Over the years we’ve cultivated long-standing partnerships with architects, engineers, interior designers, carpenters, electricians and other sub-contractors who we know deliver good results and foster trust with our customers,” Miller added.

It’s no surprise then that much of RJ Miller Construction’s business come from word of mouth and relationships built in the community.

Operating Manager Lonnie Logan of Fig Garden Village in Fresno said they have turned to RJ Miller Construction for 10 years and find their services are streamlined and on time, with an attention to quality and detail.

Arguelles-Miller also said these qualities coupled with the fact that he’s kind and a high integrity person is what she appreciates in her husband and what she feels makes him stand out in his field. “I’d hire him! Of course I’m biased,” she laughed.

Alongside their commercial work, RJ Miller donates construction time to community projects, like Hinds Hospice, Marjaree Mason Center, Rotary Playland and Woodward Park, among others. After 40 years building in the community, Miller said he also likes to find a way to give back.

“Our company has weathered recessions and downturns and continues to be strong because of our commitment to quality construction. The proof is in the long list of projects and happy RJ Miller customers.” Miller said. “We’re very proud of that and grateful for the people who have trusted us with their homes and businesses.”

FAB Nightclub

Fab Night Club

This article was originally found in the September/October 2016 issue of Design Cost Data Magazinesee spread.

Located in the heart of the vibrant Tower District in Fresno, California, the FAB Dayclub/Nightclub is located in a redbrick, single-story commercial building. It appears to date back to the late 1930s or early 1940s, and uses steel bowstring trusses and 2×14 rafters. The Tower District includes many historic buildings, including the fully restored 1939 Tower Theater, which lends its name to the district.

The firm of Alan T. Hendry, Architect was hired to assist the owners in designing the FAB space to be not only code-compliant, but also budget conscious. Because of the change of use, a Conditional Use Permit was required through the City of Fresno. The project also had to meet requirements of Fresno’s “Tower District Specific Plan.”

The dayclub/nightclub project required gutting the existing non-load-bearing walls and the non-compliant toilet rooms, and removing the original existing single-glazed storefront system. The interior of the building was reconfigured to provide a new bar area, a small platform for performers, a DJ booth, and VIP seating. The plans also called for a pocketing mall-front door system leading to a new patio that is open to the sidewalk and streetscape.
A new code-compliant path of travel was created from the rear exit of the building to the adjacent parking area. This also required a compliant-accessible ramp, due to height differences between the original finished floor and the adjacent grade.

Due to the structure’s age, it was necessary to X-ray and core the existing concrete header beams and columns ringing the original structure. It was determined the original reinforcing would be sufficient to meet current codes without additional reinforcement. Brad Young & Associates (structural engineer for the project) made the decision that no additional work was required.

R.J. Miller Construction, the general contractor for the project, worked closely with the architect and brought onboard a design-build team of subcontractors for the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.

The project is characterized by the distinctive bright pink and black motif used throughout, the low patio wall with wavy top that is punctured by holes of varying sizes, and the sliding mall-front doors that allow views both into and out of the club.
With the exposed original bowspring trusses and exposed brick, the space feels open and inviting. A lit, liquid oil and water bar top dazzles the patrons while they imbibe.
FAB Dayclub/Nightclub was conceived by Cisco Mendez and his husband Terry Story as a “… safe place for everyone,” particularly those in the LGBT community.