Category: Hospitality

HPM and UNA Break Ground on Bank Independent Stadium

Posted on June 18, 2024

HPM has announced the groundbreaking for Bank Independent Stadium at the University of North Alabama, marking Florence, Alabama’s first dedicated stadium. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Friday, June 14th, and construction is expected to begin immediately with a goal of project completion in Fall 2026.

The event came just a few hours after members of the Board unanimously approved a resolution authorizing and supporting Bank Independent Stadium design and overall budgetary approach, which paved the way for moving the project into its third and final phase. The launch of the historic Shine On, Gold comprehensive campaign to raise $100 million for UNA has helped propel this project forward.

“The fundraising success we have experienced this far – and less than a full year into the Shine On, Gold comprehensive campaign – indicates that we have tremendous support and momentum for Bank Independent Stadium as well as for the other priorities that are part of the campaign,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts. “It is gratifying to witness the great excitement for this project and to note how it complements the growth and academic success of the institution as we approach our third century of offering educational excellence.”

The Bank Independent Stadium has a base cost of approximately $65 million. To date, total fundraising for the stadium has soared to $25 million, and officials expect to add significantly to that figure once work on the project begins. The UNA Board has authorized the institution to borrow up to $35 million toward the cost of construction. Additionally, the UNA Department of Athletics reserved funds for this project during the planning process and will make those available for construction.

HPM is working closely with UNA to provide specialized services throughout the entirety of the project. Starting with preconstruction, HPM is overseeing budgeting, scheduling, design management, risk assessment and contract negotiation. The program management firm, which has worked on over two million square feet of athletic facility projects, uses its more than 25 years of experience and industry connections in the Southeast to effectively understand the university’s needs and serve as the official owner’s representative until the project’s completion.

“The start of construction of Bank Independent Stadium signifies a new chapter for UNA’s athletic program and the City of Florence, and HPM is ecstatic to be part of this dynamic project,” said Ben Henson, Vice President of Program Development at HPM. “Bank Independent Stadium will be a transformative addition to the University, ushering in a new era of growth for the school and bringing best-in-class recreational and entertainment offerings to the community.”

The design was approved by the Board and includes capacity for more than 10,000 Lions fans as well as other amenities, including the ability for future expansion, a 360-degree fan concourse, a premium tower featuring a new weight room, 13 spacious suites, a multipurpose stadium club, outdoor gathering areas, and multiple seating options with new fan amenities.

Concurrent with construction on Bank Independent Stadium, work will also be taking place at the baseball field adjacent to the stadium and at the UNA Spring Sports Complex at Cox Creek. The location will include a multipurpose turf field and track that will be available for academic, athletic, intramural, and community use. UNA’s football and soccer teams will use the multipurpose field during construction. As Bank Independent Stadium prepares to open, the Marching Pride will become the primary tenant of the Sports Complex at Cox Creek.

UNA Baseball will enjoy a reimagined space for the 2025 season that will include a new state of-the-art playing surface, an all-chairback seating concourse, a video board, and a unique outfield wall that resembles Fenway Park’s historic “Green Monster.” HPM will also be providing program management services for the Sports Complex at Cox Creek and baseball field.

The Huntsville Times Highlights Drake State Renovation

Posted on May 21, 2024

The article below was written by Scott Turner and published by The Huntsville Times.

A Health Sciences facelift, and 4 more things about Drake State’s $15 million renovation

A $15 million renovation project has recently been completed on the Drake State Community and Technical College campus on Meridian Street in north Huntsville. The project included the renovation of the Health Sciences building and the library and administration building that is the face of the Historic Black Community College campus.

Here are five things to know about the renovation:

1. It was funded by the CARES Act.

In an earlier interview with the Huntsville Times, Drake State President Patricia Sims said the college had been historically underfunded. The renovation of the library and the Health Sciences expansion are being done with federal COVID-19 recovery money from the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities) Act.

2. Health Sciences building gets a ‘facelift’.

HPM Project Manager Sarah Logan said the 12,800-square foot Health Sciences building was completely gutted and renovated on the inside. The general contractor built a new facade. The front face of the building is new.

“They kind of gave it a facelift, if you will,” Logan said.

There is a new reception area. There are offices for the Health Sciences staff. There is a new conference room and breakroom area. The labs start in the last half of the building. There are simulation labs with an observation area. Students go into simulation labs and instructors view them and grade their clinicals. Further in the building are larger labs where students learn and practice skills in groups before they get tested on them.

“There are four skills labs each with a mixture of new and old equipment,” Logan said.

3. Health Sciences building expanded for growth.

Drake State spokesperson Daniel Owen said the expanded Health Sciences building will allow registered and practical nursing students to gain valuable “hands on experience.”

“With the four skills labs they have areas for growth,” Owen said. “It’s more opportunities for students to practice. That was what was really important about upgrading this building.”

Students from the medical assisting program at the school will also use the building. There are currently 190 health sciences students.

“The nursing program needed room to grow in order to meet the demands of health care employers in the area,” Drake State Health Sciences Department Division Chair Alice Raymond said. “The new space allows for expanded programs and better clinical experiences due to the multiple large skills labs. Students now have a safe, low-stress environment to practice their skills and gain hands-on experience. It also gives us an opportunity to start a new dual enrollment practical nursing program. This will allow students to begin their health sciences career pathway in high school and begin earning certifications.”

4. Library becomes a “one-stop shop”.

The first two floors of the 39,000 square-foot library got full-interior renovations, Logan said.

“The third floor, where the administration staff is, received finishes,” Logan said. “It got new carpet, new paint, ceiling tiles, just touch ups like that.”

Owen said the library became a “one-stop shop” with the renovations.

“The renovation undertaken by Drake State has transformed the student services division into a comprehensive hub, streamlining access to a myriad of services, including our wraparound support offerings,” added Drake State Dean of Students Nicole Bell. “This demonstrates Drake State’s deliberate efforts to ensure that students feel cared for by providing services tailored to their needs. By becoming a one-stop destination, we embody our commitment to being a caring campus, emphasizing our dedication to prioritizing students above all else.”

The advising and financial aid office now in the library was previously housed in the Health Sciences building.

“When the library’s size was consolidated on the second floor of this building, we were able to build out these spaces,” Logan said.

In addition to advising and financial aid, there is a bookstore in the library. All of student services and testing are in the building. The dean of instruction office and dean of students are also in the facility, along with the office of the president and the development office.

“There is a large classroom, a lecture hall. There is a really large conference room on the second floor,” Owen said. “They’ve had some classes in there as well.”

The library also houses the Veterans Resource Center. The renovation of the library and Health Sciences building took 14 months. The project included an upgrade to the mechanical yard attached to the library.

5. Construction is not complete on campus.

Not included in the renovation project is the construction on the $18 million advance manufacturing center adjacent to the Health Sciences building. That 50,000-square foot facility is being built with funds allocated by the Alabama Legislature for the Alabama Community College System between 2017-19, Sims said. Fite Construction of Decatur is the builder.

Levi Mayer, assistant dean of instruction, told the Times the center will house five programs: mechatronics (industrial maintenance), electrical technology, engineering design, welding and machine tool technology. Mayer said there were 173 students involved in the programs out of a student body of more than 900. The school is seeing growth through its Connecting Students to Industry program, where manufacturers such as Mazda Toyota, Toyota Motor Manufacturing and Polaris are involved with the training.

It is the first new building on the 61-year-old campus since the library opened in 2005.

Oak Mountain State Park Completes Campground Renovation

Posted on May 20, 2024

Oak Mountain State Park held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 18, 2024, commemorating the completion of the newly renovated campground. The facilities will officially open to the public beginning Memorial Day Weekend. After closing for construction in August 2023, the re-opening is a highly anticipated kick-off to the summer season at one of Alabama’s most popular state parks.

Camping Reimagined at Oak Mountain State Park

The $13 million project includes a brand-new camp store, dog park, and Alabama State Park’s first National Demonstration Site (NDS) playground. Expanded, ADA-compliant tent and RV sites are also part of the renovation, broadening accessibility for all guests. Visitors will now have access to widened, modernized camping pads, high-speed Wi-Fi, and fully accessible family unit bathhouses, including laundry facilities with heating and air conditioning. All RV sites come with a grill, fire pit, lantern hook, and picnic table, making for a luxurious “glamping” experience. For the naturalists, tent sites have been equipped with new amenities as well.

“We truly believe the new campground will revolutionize the experience campers enjoy at Oak Mountain State Park”, said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of Conservation for the State of Alabama. “Everything is bigger and better than it was before, and we can’t wait for our loyal customers to get here and enjoy everything the park has to offer.”

Ensuring Excellence

HPM managed the Oak Mountain State Park renovation providing logistical support from preconstruction through closeout. A crucial component to achieving success was remaining on track with the project’s master schedule. An extensive list of materials with long lead-times required thorough planning and proactivity to circumvent supply chain issues. Proper procurement methods and meticulous schedule tracking allowed the team to complete construction on time. Each measure of diligence taken by the project team paved the way for the campground’s official opening date to be upheld.

Prior to undergoing renovations at Oak Mountain State Park, the Alabama Dept of Conservation & Natural Resources (ADCNR) called upon HPM to serve as program manager for a series of renovation projects at parks throughout the state. The three-year capital improvement program will benefit 14 state parks. HPM partnered with ADCNR to determine how to best schedule the projects and allocate resources to all corners of the state, and will continue to see the projects through to completion.

Birmingham Named a Top City for Sports Events

Posted on March 19, 2024

Sports Business Journal recently named Birmingham a top city for sports events. Having managed the construction of Birmingham’s three largest and newest sports venues, HPM is remarkably proud of this recognition. Cities received credit for major events hosted, annual drafts, attendance, and that’s right, new or renovated venues.

A New Era in the Magic City

HPM served as the owner’s representative for the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center as they invested $330 million in transformative sports & entertainment projects. The scope included the construction of brand new, 45,000-seat Protective Stadium. This premier facility is home to the UAB Blazers, the Birmingham Stallions and Birmingham Legion. HPM served as the eyes and ears for ownership, continuing a distinguished track record of successful execution of high-profile capital projects across Alabama. Protective Stadium has positioned Birmingham as a top regional and national destination for meetings and conventions while also generating new opportunities to host a variety of top-tier sports and entertainment events.

A Landmark Revitalized

Furthermore, the BJCC called upon HPM to provide program management services on the holistic renovation of Legacy Arena. Home to Birmingham Squadron, this facility was constructed in 1976. Desperately in need of updates, HPM stepped in to oversee $102 million of improvements to the building’s interior and exterior. A glass-and-steel facade providing natural light and expanded space was added to the facility’s entrance. Landscaping and new paint colors gave the exterior the fresh look the owner was seeking. Inside, fans now enjoy club-level boxes, VIP suites, modern seating and enhanced concessions. These updates give Legacy Arena the capability to serve Birmingham’s residents, visitors and touring talent for decades to come.

An Economic Boom

Over a decade ago, HPM was sought out to manage the construction of a new home for the Birmingham Barons. This project was unique in that it was a strategic effort to catalyze economic revival in downtown Birmingham. Plans were drawn for the facility to include 8,500 seats, 26 luxury boxes, a picnic section, a children’s area and more. In spite of various hurdles, HPM kept work moving smoothly, allowing first pitch to happen right in time for opening day. In numerous ways, the city took a chance making a substantial investment in a luxury ballpark. Eleven years later, this recognition proves the success of the endeavor.

HPM to Manage Construction of City of Alabaster’s Community Center

Posted on February 19, 2024

The City of Alabaster, a suburb of Birmingham, Ala. has announced plans to construct a large-scale community recreation center. The need for a facility of this nature has arisen from a considerable surge in the area’s population. Alabaster is home to about 35,000 residents. This will be the city’s first comprehensive community recreation center. As more families continue to flock to Alabaster, revitalization of the area’s amenities has become a top priority.

Partners for Success

HPM was selected by the City Council to partner with the City of Alabaster in this endeavor. The program management firm will provide preconstruction and project management services. The City of Alabaster will rely on HPM to provide guidance throughout the design phase and the construction phase, ensuring the protection of the project’s budget, schedule and quality. HPM’s vast experience in sports & recreation and municipal projects is sure to prove beneficial to city leaders.

A One-Stop Shop for the City of Alabaster

A true “one-stop-shop” for the community, the area will include indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, an aquatic center, a library and space for retail development. The 118,000-square-foot indoor facility will include multiple meeting rooms, gyms, workout spaces and an indoor walking trail. Outside, visitors can enjoy two pools, renovated football and softball facilities, walking trails and a long-awaited splash pad. Adequate parking is factored into the design plans.

Additionally, the new library will be 3-4 times the size of the city’s current facility. Community members who have grown accustomed to enjoying the events and programming put on by the local library are in for a treat, as events will continue on a larger scale.

Location, Location, Location

The plot of land purchased to house the complex is located on the corner of Highway 119 and Thompson Road. Adjacent to the location are the city’s brand-new police station, City Hall, and senior center. These amenities will allow city residents to eat, play and conduct business within the span of a few blocks.

“The City of Alabaster looks forward to offering residents a comprehensive city center downtown”, said Neal Wagner, Public Relations Manager for the City of Alabaster. “Our goal is to provide a place that will meet the needs of all community members, and city leaders are working diligently to make that goal a reality.”

The Art of Leadership in Project Management

Posted on February 13, 2024

As program managers, leadership is the backbone of everything we do. It is our responsibility to utilize our expertise to guide clients to successful outcomes. With this vision in mind, it is essential for the prospering of HPM and the owners we represent that we employ project managers with robust leadership skills. With over fifteen years of industry experience, HPM’s Heather Lochridge is a prime example of servant leadership. A mentor to up-and-coming project managers and a member of HPM’s Building Women initiative, Heather is passionate about leading both projects and people. Continue reading to hear from Heather about how she weaves leadership into all that she does!

What does a typical day at HPM look like for you?

In project management, there isn’t necessarily a typical day, but instead a typical theme. The most important part of our job is to communicate well while managing the budget and schedule. Any given day could include planning, design reviews, project leadership meetings, walk-throughs, procurement and more! I love the variety of a career in project management.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of the job is seeing the end user happy with their new space. There is always great excitement when a client’s vision comes to life and the project is complete. I enjoy assuming the interests of the project owner as my own, ensuring that their goals and investments are protected at all times.

What is your most memorable project so far?

Most recently, I have provided leadership on The University of Alabama’s Randall Welcome Center and the Alabama Department of Mental Health Museum located in the historic Peter Bryce Main facility. Watching this historical building be restored and brought back to life has been an amazing experience. Every architectural detail is stunning, and the Bryce leadership team has been incredible to work with.

Tell us about someone who inspires you. What makes this person a great leader?

I find inspiration through many people, but my dad is the first person to come to mind. Much of what I have learned about leadership has come from him. He leads with kindness and wisdom. Through him, I have learned to work hard, seek truth and make friends wherever I go.

What are the hallmark characteristics of great leadership?

Great leaders not only encourage, but foster growth among the people they lead. Servant leaders empower those around them, ultimately creating a chain reaction of leadership among their teams.

University of Alabama’s Randall Welcome Center Opens Doors

Posted on January 24, 2024

The Randall Welcome Center

The University of Alabama held a ceremony on Friday, January 19th to commemorate the opening of the Randall Welcome Center. Attendees included Governor Kay Ivey, former Senator Richard Shelby and many of the university’s most influential leaders and administrators. The 15,000-square-foot welcome center comprises the first level of the historic Peter Bryce Main facility and will serve as the “front door to campus” for all who visit. Inside the facility are numerous interactive elements designed to provide prospective students with a glimpse into campus life. From academics to athletics, guests are guaranteed to enjoy an immersive display of the UA culture.

“This is where students and families will be introduced to the University of Alabama”, said University President, Dr. Stuart Bell.  “This is where they will begin to understand the University of Alabama and all that it has to offer.”

HPM collaborated with UA to achieve their vision of a strategic restructuring of the historic facility, originally constructed in 1861. Seeking to preserve defining characteristics of the original architecture, HPM managed every detail with care. The project team provided comprehensive services ranging from preconstruction to move management, all with students in mind.

The Randall Family

The welcome center is aptly named in honor of Dr. Catherine J. Randall and her late husband, Pettus Randall. The Randall family is beloved among the University of Alabama community, known for their commitment to generous hospitality. Catherine was delighted to share her enthusiasm for the project with the hundreds of UA alumni, students and faculty who gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This welcome center is so state-of-the-art, so exciting, that I can hardly wait to see the faces of the students who are going to come here and get their first glimpse of what a difference can be made in their life by the University of Alabama.”

HPM and UA

HPM’s relationship with the University of Alabama began two decades ago in 2004. For 20 years, HPM has worked with the university on construction and renovations across campus. From residence halls to athletic complexes to academic facilities, HPM has an established history of managing capital projects on the Capstone’s behalf.

HPM Project, The Laurel Hotel and Spa Earns AAA Ultimate Luxury Five Diamond Recognition

Posted on November 14, 2023

AAA recently awarded The Laurel Hotel And Spa, located in the The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center on campus at Auburn University with a five-diamond rating, indicating ultimate luxury. The Laurel is the first hotel in the state of Alabama to be given this recognition, and one of only 89 total recognized hotels in the United States. AAA deems five diamond hotels their “crown jewel”, reserving this indicator for only the most extravagant accommodations. In total, 119 hotels worldwide are given this distinction.

The Laurel occupies the fifth and sixth floors of the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, a facility for which HPM provided the full spectrum of program management services throughout construction, including quality assurance, procurement and preconstruction, schedule and budget controls and safety compliance. HPM oversaw logistics for aspects of the project being managed by numerous vendors, ensuring that cohesion and strategy were cornerstones throughout the entire process.

The Laurel is a key component of one of the Southeast’s most innovative facilities, seeking to blend academia, hospitality, culinary excellence and retail spaces into a marquee location on the Auburn University campus. The hotel provides advanced education and training for students seeking success in hospitality, culinary arts, event management and beverage appreciation.

Housed in the facility is the exclusive 1856, the country’s first tasting-menu-only teaching restaurant- a unique and elevated experience where education meets exceptional dining. The hotel’s rooftop features a beautiful infinity pool, bar and lounge area for guests to enjoy as they enjoy an unmatched view of Auburn’s campus.

Learn more about HPM’s work on the facility here!

HPM Named 2023 Project Achievement Award Winner by CMAA’s South Atlantic Chapter

Posted on July 17, 2023

HPM was honored to be named a 2023 Project Achievement Award winner the South Atlantic Chapter of CMAA in recognition of our work on Auburn University’s Rane Culinary Science Center. Representatives from HPM and the Rane project team were able to attend the annual CMAA SAC Project Achievement Awards Gala held in Atlanta, GA.

CMAA offers Project Achievement Awards annually to recognize projects that stand out as examples in the construction industry, demonstrating excellence and innovation. These awards are reserved for facilities that push the industry forward and motivate its leaders to push past perceived limitations and pursue what others have deemed impossible. HPM’s representatives in attendance at the Awards Gala were inspired by the projects of fellow award winners having managed cutting-edge projects in various categories and were proud to have a seat at the table in a room filled with some of the best and brightest minds in our field.

The Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center is one of the most exciting new construction projects in the Southeast, seeking to blend academic, hospitality, and retail spaces into a marquee location on the Auburn University campus. The academic spaces consist of a teaching restaurant, culinary teaching kitchens, wine appreciation center, distilled beverages center, brewery, and classroom spaces.

The hospitality spaces feature high-end hotel rooms, living units, fitness center, spa, roof top event center, roof top garden, and roof top pool. The RCSC also includes an expansive food hall with numerous vendor spaces for tastes of all types. The project team provided preconstruction and construction services on the project including contract oversight and quality control and assurance, working closely with design teams during the planning stages to ensure the initial drawings aligned with the budget and timeline, while also managing communication with all partners and subcontractors to guarantee that progress remained on schedule.

HPM’s involvement in the realization of this project served as its solid foundation, ensuring that safety, schedule, budget and quality were all managed in a manner that would come to exceed the client’s expectations. Our firm oversaw logistics for aspects of the project being managed by numerous vendors, ensuring that cohesion and strategy were cornerstones throughout the entire process. Whether in office crunching numbers for estimates or in the middle of the action with boots on the ground to ensure safety and best practices, our group of experienced professionals brought organization, expertise and integrity that will forever be etched into the DNA of this best-in-class facility.

We would like to thank CMAA for recognizing the value of this project, Auburn University for trusting us with this important work, the outstanding vendors that served as excellent partners in delivering the facility and the members of #teamHPM who worked diligently for many years to see this dream through to reality.

HPM Celebrates Completion of Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center at Auburn University

Posted on February 9, 2023

Team HPM oversees preconstruction and construction services for 142,000-square-foot facility housing learning hotel, restaurant, training labs and more.

We are pleased to announce the grand opening of Auburn University’s Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, an innovative, dual-purpose building that houses a learning environment blended with a luxury boutique hotel, restaurant, food hall and more. HPM served as program manager on the project, providing project management support for Auburn University Facilities Management during the preconstruction and construction phases of the world-class educational and hospitality facility.

HPM Celebrates Completion of Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center at Auburn University

The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center is a 142,000-square-foot complex with the capacity to facilitate hands-on, immersive learning experiences for students pursuing careers in hospitality and culinary sciences. Students will train alongside world-renowned chefs and hospitality professionals in Class-A training kitchens and restaurants, labs, a brewery, retail food hall and boutique hotel. Also located on the first floor of the building is 1856, a tasting-menu-only teaching restaurant. Situated at the corner of East Thach Avenue and South College Street in downtown Auburn, construction on the building began in 2019.

“We have had a wonderful experience working with Auburn University Facilities Management to bring this one-of-a-kind hospitality learning environment to life. The strong relationships we have formed with our partners have driven home success for this project and kept us focused throughout every step, even as we faced a global pandemic. This is another successful project that we are pleased to add to our portfolio of high-profile hospitality and higher-education initiatives across the Southeast.”
– Ryan Austin, President HPM

The project team provided preconstruction and construction services on the project including contract oversight and quality control and assurance, working closely with design teams during the planning stages to ensure the initial drawings aligned with the budget and timeline, while also managing communication with all partners and subcontractors to guarantee that progress remained on schedule. We scoped out and managed the bidding of a separate utility and enabling works package for the building contractor, helping bypass time-intensive utility relocations and keeping the overall project schedule on track. The team also oversaw the construction of a six-story, $10 million parking deck nearby before beginning work on the culinary facility.

“I am proud of our team’s dedication to collaboration and preplanning, which ultimately led to a smooth transition between each phase of the project lifecycle. This facility is a trailblazer in both the hospitality and higher education industries, providing a range of training opportunities that are not offered at other institutions in the country. HPM’s expertise in owner’s representation and construction management maintained cost efficiency and ensured this project was completed to Auburn University’s high standard of excellence.”
-Caleb Camp, Operations Manager HPM

Auburn alumnus and Board of Trustees member Jimmy Rane helped kickstart the project with a $12 million gift dedicated to the building’s construction. The board later approved naming the facility in honor of his parents, Tony and Libba Rane.

Our team helped administer the State of Alabama bid process during the preconstruction phase to select qualified, experienced contractors and partners. Additional project partners include architecture and design firm Cooper Carry, facility operator Ithaca Hospitality Partners, the Auburn Facilities Management department and general contractor Bailey Harris Construction Company. We are thrilled with the finished product of this best-in-class facility.