Category: Hospitality

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.

HPM Johnson Brings Holistic Program Management Services to Georgia

Posted on November 29, 2022

HPM and Atlanta-based Johnson Construction Services have announced a structured joint venture as HPM Johnson. The strategic partnership delivers holistic and integrated program management, flexible and scalable owner’s representation, and a range of services across the construction lifecycle for new and ongoing projects throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area, throughout Georgia and the Southeast.

Dedicated to all aspects of program management, HPM Johnson provides assessment, planning, contracting and procurement, design and construction management, project controls and move and transition coordination — through to audit, occupancy and closeout. Its approach to program management incorporates a cyclical pattern of assessment and planning to bring about a more effective and efficient program management plan, and ultimately save time and money for its clients.

“Both individually and collectively, the team behind HPM Johnson already possesses a proven track record of program management triumphs within the Atlanta market,” said Johnson Construction Services President and CEO Artis Johnson, an Atlanta native. “Our advantage now lies in our partnership’s ability to execute projects of any size or complexity, while offering access to management and leadership only a firm our size can offer.”

Johnson continued, “Relationships are the driving force behind our business, and our purpose is to represent the interests of owners and bring home success for our clients.”

HPM Johnson brings a combined 55 years of program management experience to Metro Atlanta, having worked with several high-profile clients in the market. Johnson Construction Services was founded in Atlanta in 1993, with a portfolio of projects ranging from education facilities to historic preservation projects. HPM originated out of an 80-year-old Hoar Construction and began our owner’s representation services more than 25 years ago, serving K-12, higher education, local and municipal entities, industrial and manufacturing, and additional sectors throughout the Southeast. After connecting and discovering similarities in each company’s core values and business approaches, HPM President Ryan Austin and Johnson decided to merge services in the Atlanta area and began pursuing partnership opportunities in early 2022.

Home for the Holidays: Helping a Louisiana Resort Reopen on Time

Posted on November 23, 2021

At HPM, we’re dedicated to leading a project every step of the way—striving to ensure that the owner’s vision comes to life on time, within budget, and beyond expectations. For our clients in the hospitality industry, the pressure to complete projects on time is often intensified by peak seasons and holiday travel.

In 2020, the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana came to us with a difficult timeline for the renovation of its Coushatta Casino Resort, which had suffered significant damage caused by Hurricane Laura that August. The Notah Begay III Junior Golf Championship was scheduled for the following November and Christmas season occupancy for the Seven Clans Hotel was also a top priority. The Coushatta Tribe initially hired a restoration contractor to do the work, and while the demolition and removal of wet and damaged materials progressed quickly, the restoration effort faltered, leaving no area of the hotel occupiable.

It quickly became evident to the tribe leadership that they were lacking the planning and organizational manpower needed to get the work completed on time, so they sought a program manager with the necessary experience to lead the way. HPM was hired to oversee the restoration of 160 guestrooms and other ancillary buildings.

Our services included:
• temporary furniture relocation
• identification of materials and furniture needed
• installation of new finishes and reinstallation of furniture
• coordination of contractor’s work activities with on-going hotel operations
• development of the construction schedule for restoration contractors
• tracking and reporting progress of rooms on each floor
• identification of temporary finish materials to overcome materials
procurement issues
• verification of work completion and acceptance
• coordination of the turnover of completed rooms floor by floor and wing by wing
• review of change orders and pay applications
• expedition of long-lead materials

HPM also coordinated the restoration and roof repairs of other buildings on the resort campus, including the golf clubhouse, restaurant and lounge, golf course comfort stations, human resources and training offices, and other miscellaneous buildings.

HPM’s efforts enabled the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana to reopen its casino and resort facilities efficiently, host the Notah Begay III Junior Golf Championship as scheduled, and welcome guests back in time for the holidays.

Through effective project management, HPM leads construction projects to completion on time and within budget while maintaining safety, achieving quality, and maximizing our clients’ resources.

HPM Services

Image courtesy of https://www.coushattacasinoresort.com

Project Success and School Spirit at Hyatt Place TCU

Posted on November 16, 2021

The new six-story Hyatt Place Fort Worth/TCU is the first and only hotel located directly adjacent to the Texas Christian University campus, making it a popular place for out-of-town fans and alumni to stay. Its unique location called for an equally unique design, one that is distinctly inspired by the university’s history, mascot, and colors. The 113,000 square-foot, $40 million hotel development includes 150 guestrooms, a 6th-floor rooftop bar and restaurant, Top Golf Swing Suites, an expanded lobby and first-floor bar, extensive meeting and ballroom spaces with catering kitchen, and an outdoor pool and gym.

Once the project came to fruition, a former TCU board member recognized the need for an experienced owner’s representative to oversee this unique and challenging project. As a trusted advisor to TCU, HPM was introduced and accepted the challenge.

HPM procured and managed the various team members including but not limited to the general contractor, architect, designers, operator, furniture, equipment, interior and exterior signage, security, audiovisual, food and beverage, acoustic consultant, envelope consultant, access control, technology, warehouse, moving, commissioning and final turn over.

We also coordinated and managed municipality efforts, compliance with TCU’s guidelines and design standards, cash flow, brand communication and approvals, bank inspectors and the model room process.

Having experience in leading hotel developments, HPM was able to provide solutions and value options when city codes and urban development requirements changed during design and planning. The project overcame additional planning approval time, budget and scope additions through HPM’s efficient and effective leadership.

In addition to the standard build-out procedures, special pre-planning for the design had to be implemented to accommodate changes in sanitary precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the dining area in the lobby of the building was originally designed to feature a buffet-style setup. In response to the challenges and lifestyle changes created by COVID-19, changes were made to install sneeze guards and other modifications to allow for prepackaged food service and to adhere to safety protocols related to self-served meals. HPM remained agile, ensuring that the project moved forward and delivered on schedule, despite the challenges of designing and constructing a hotel during a pandemic.

Through effective project management, HPM led Hyatt Place Fort Worth/TCU to completion on time and within budget, while maintaining safety, achieving quality, and maximizing our client’s resources.