Category: Owners Representation

Round Rock ISD Breaks Ground on Early College High School

Posted on May 16, 2024

Round Rock ISD, HPM, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, O’Connell Robertson have announced the groundbreaking of a $31 million facility for Early College High School (ECHS), an existing high school with more than 500 students in Round Rock, Texas. HPM will serve as program manager for the project.

ECHS provides an advanced curriculum at both the high school and college levels, allowing students the unique opportunity to prepare for careers directly out of high school or advancing them in their college credits. Currently, ECHS operates out of 10 portable buildings on Austin Community College’s Round Rock campus. This project will consolidate the students, staff and faculty into one 46,500-square-foot facility.

The new building will include classrooms and science labs, student breakout spaces, a cafeteria and central common area to accommodate 150 students, a fitness center, an administration suite, outdoor dining facilities, and study spaces. The site will also be located on Austin Community College’s Round Rock Campus on College Park Drive, allowing students easy access to both campus facilities.

“We are pleased to continue our legacy of providing premier program management services on K-12 initiatives with this meaningful, game-changing project for Round Rock ISD,” said HPM President, Ryan Austin. “Soon, ECHS students and faculty will have a state-of-the-art facility to call home that provides the nurturing, modernized learning environment needed to continue achieving the level of education they deserve. We are excited to work alongside Round Rock ISD and additional partners and look forward to announcing future milestones as progress advances.”

HPM will offer project management, quality control and preconstruction services for the project, ensuring budget and compliance is adhered to throughout construction. Bartlett Cocke General Contractors serves as the Construction Manager at-Risk collaborating with O’Connell Robertson as the architect of record for the school facility.

HPM Completes Renovation at Drake State Community and Technical College

Posted on May 13, 2024

HPM has announced the completion of renovations at Drake State Community and Technical College on the library building and Building 700, which will now house the school’s growing nursing program. HPM served as the construction manager and advisor for the $15 million project, which began in June 2022. The firm provided preconstruction services, including estimating and drawing reviews, project management, field coordination and closeout services.

“The new library and nursing school facilities at Drake State Community and Technical College will greatly enhance student life and overall campus involvement, said HPM President Ryan Austin. “While we have had a long-standing relationship with the Alabama Community College System, this is our first project with Drake State. We look forward to growing this partnership on numerous projects to come.”

The three-story library, which is the only multistory building on the campus, received major renovations to the lower two floors. The first and second floors now include the library; financial aid, admissions and advising offices; a testing center; campus bookstore; game room and lounge areas for students. The third floor houses the campus administration offices, which were previously located in Building 700, and received new paint and ceiling upgrades.

After the school’s nursing program outgrew its former location in Building 100, the decision was made to move it to the larger Building 700 to meet enrollment needs. After the renovation, Building 700 now includes four large-skills labs; two simulation labs, where professors can observe students practicing; and conference rooms and offices for the faculty and staff. With HPM’s guidance on budget allotment, the nursing school was able to purchase $400,000 worth of new equipment with savings, including additional beds, training mannequins and medical carts.

In addition to the renovation of the library and Building 700, HPM oversaw the complete overhaul of the mechanical yard attached to Building 700 in a separate project package. The renovation of the mechanical yard included the installation of two chillers and new electrical equipment, doubling its size. The upgraded mechanical yard allows for future growth on campus, as new buildings will now be able to hook up to the equipment due to its larger size and capacity. HPM also coordinated with the contractor and the campus during the installation of new utility lines to ensure that pathways and building entrances remained open safe for use during the school sessions.

“The completion of these renovations marks a pivotal moment in Drake State’s commitment to academic excellence,” said Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims. “Our updated library and the transformation of Building 700 to accommodate our expanding nursing programs will enhance student experiences and cultivate a dynamic learning environment. We extend our appreciation to HPM for their expertise and dedication throughout this project, which will impact our students for years to come.”

HPM Celebrates National Construction Safety Week

Posted on May 6, 2024

HPM is proud to join over 250 companies in celebrating National Construction Safety Week for the tenth consecutive year. This annual observance was created to bolster a safety-centered culture across the industry. This year’s theme, Value Every Voice, reminds participants of their responsibility to speak up for safety on site. No matter their role, each person on a job site must be empowered to call attention to potential hazards. Construction Safety Week is a great reminder to take ownership of the health and safety of all working alongside them.

Construction Safety Week 2024

This morning, HPM joined Hoar Construction in hosting a Construction Safety Week breakfast to kick off this year’s festivities. Vice President of Field Operations Mike Pitts shared a meaningful quote, “If you see it, you own it. If you walk by it, you condone it.” Attendees signed a banner pledging to value every voice. All who signed committed to doing their part to ensure safe environments both on and off job sites.

Additional events will be held throughout the week across the company’s footprint. Various instructional training sessions will be held, one of which includes a heavy equipment demonstration at RPI Rentals. HPM looks forward to offering employees numerous opportunities to gather with coworkers this week in recognition of the vital role safety plays in the life of our company.

Construction Safety at HPM

Safety is critical to the HPM culture, and the health and safety of anyone in our care is paramount to our overall success. All HPM employees are expected to adhere to the project safety requirements while visiting a job site, and the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is always worn while on site. Safety glasses, hard hats, high-visibility vests, and work shoes are the minimum requirements.

Our role in safety may change from project to project, but it’s HPM’s role as the owners’ representative to verify and understand the contractor’s obligation with every project as it pertains to safety. Our culture requires that we “know the deal” which means we confirm our responsibilities on every new project rather than assuming they are the same as they were on our last project.

HPM’s Field Coordinators play an active role in ensuring safety protocols are strictly adhered to. This protects everyone in proximity to the job site, while also protecting the owner from potential lawsuits. An important factor is ensuring the job site is safe, particularly when located in a highly trafficked area. For instance, HPM manages numerous projects for clients in the K-12 and higher education industries. On these projects, students and faculty are often attending classes near active job sites. Field Coordinators add tremendous value in implementing the highest level of safety precautions to protect everyone in the vicinity of the project.

HPM Hosts Second Annual Georgia Education Executives Summit

Posted on May 1, 2024

April 24-26, executive leaders in Georgia education gathered for HPM‘s Second Annual Summit. School districts from across the state were represented at the event held in Adairsville. The Summit is a premier event designed to connect leaders in the K-12 industry to create unique strategies for navigating common challenges. Speakers included national experts in financing, staffing, planning and international business. Presenters shared insights on optimizing learning environments for students while maximizing facility lifespans.

About the Program

Featured keynote speakers included Cheryl Logan, Executive Director at the University of Pennsylvania and Casey Morris, Senior Director of Capital Planning at Ameresco. HPM’s Chris Allee, Megan Whitten Cordingly, Greg Ellis, Jake Ortego and Tracy Richter also shared best practices for navigating successful capital improvement programs. Each session was designed to foster a conversational, interactive environment to build connectivity among participants.

In a particularly insightful session highlighting program controls, attendees took an in-depth look at cutting-edge technology designed to empower leaders to make more informed decisions and better communicate with internal and external stakeholders. Embracing the digital world is paramount to achieving a successful program. Guests were also offered an approach to facility condition assessments that breaks the cyclical nature of facility planning. When implemented, this strategy enables K-12 leaders to create actionable, defensible and sustainable capital plans resulting in predictable outcomes.

The Summit’s closing session provided information on the role of educational facility standards in the development of an effective long-range facilities plan. These standards play a critical role in shaping the curriculum. Furthermore, they can be utilized to inform new construction, renovation and modernization, ultimately serving as a tool to generate improved educational performance.

“I was extremely satisfied with the quality of the content provided at The Summit,” said an attendee. “The Setting the Standard session brought everything together and was tremendously applicable. I am very likely to attend the event again and recommend that my peers in Georgia education do the same.”

Why HPM?

HPM partners with K-12 school districts to create and implement data-driven long-range planning initiatives. This team of seasoned planning professionals is comprised of former educators turned facilities conditions and assessment experts. They frequently teach the essential practice of integrated planning into capital improvement programs. HPM’s continuous planning practices consistently yield efficiencies and savings to K-12 clients. In turn, every dollar within a bond program is utilized to its full potential. Learn more about HPM’s extensive resume managing large-scale programs on behalf of K12 school districts.

Why Hire an Outsourced Project Management Team?

Posted on April 22, 2024

The ever-increasing approaches, expenses and decisions that accompany the construction process may drive hiring an external project management team to the bottom of your priority list. Paradoxically, the overwhelming nature of these demands may be the very reason you need professional support. In this article, we will take a look at three of the most transformational benefits of procuring a project management team to sit on your side of the table as you undergo a capital building program.

Elevated Technology

Project management firms are often well-versed in the most up to date, cutting edge technology. HPM makes it a priority to sharpen every tool in our technology tool belt to best serve the owners we represent. From tracking expenses and change orders, to monitoring project schedules with acute attention to detail, technology enables project management teams to ensure excellence. Procore, one of the most commonly used construction management platforms, specializes in streamlining processes related to project management, quality and safety, project financials, invoice management, design coordination and bid management. Implementing this software allows you, as the owner, to build with fewer risks and bigger profits.

SmartPM, an automated project controls and schedule analytics software is another frequently used tool. This platform can be used as a standalone or integrated with Procore to automate the most complex aspects of project management. To visualize the data collected from SmartPM and Procore, project management teams often use Microsoft Power BI. This tool transforms data into an easily digestible dashboard, allowing you to make informed decisions. Employing a project management team well-versed in these technologies allows you the freedom to carry out your daily responsibilities while remaining informed of progress on the job site.

Stakeholder Involvement

Owners undergoing construction projects are charged with the tall task of satisfying varying ranges of stakeholders. It can be difficult to balance the input of all vested parties. Project management teams help create an environment of thorough, transparent communication, ensuring all voices are heard. The elevated technology PM teams implement enable your stakeholders to feel involved and included throughout the construction process. Access to stream-lined, concise points of data fosters a high level of involvement, allowing the project to achieve optimal outcomes. A project manager fully committed to your project can serve as the go-to expert, fielding questions and alleviating your workload.

Peace of Mind

Last but certainly not least, employing a team of project management experts provides you the invaluable gift of peace of mind. With a qualified team of experts on your side, you can rest assured, knowing your investment is being safeguarded at all times. Project management teams independent from the general contractor bring a unique perspective on the job site. Your priorities are their priorities, and your interests are their interests. They serve as your full-time eyes and ears on the project, protecting your budget, maintaining your schedule and ensuring your expectations are not only met, but exceeded.

Progress Forges Ahead at Airbus Manufacturing Facility in Mobile

Posted on April 16, 2024

Construction was recently completed on two new paint shops at Airbus’ Mobile, AL campus. These facilities located on the west side of campus enable Airbus to triple their monthly paint production. The completion of these projects is only a symbol of the progress underway within the Single Aisle Ramp Up (SARU) expansion, slated to double the size of the Airbus footprint in North America. When the program is complete, Mobile will rank as the 4th largest aerospace manufacturing community in the world.

Leading the Charge

Leading HPM’s project team is Stewart Nobles. Stewart was recently promoted to Senior Program Manager after joining the account in 2019. His mechanical and technical background proved essential in providing value to the client, quickly establishing him as the “perfect fit” for a complex program such as Airbus. He is a strong team leader with a demonstrated ability to hone in on the finite details of a project, while also keeping the “big picture” end goal in mind.

A Robust History

HPM’s relationship with Airbus began over 15 years ago with the construction of their Mobile Engineering Center. From there, the HPM project team led the development of the first Final Assembly Line campus in North America at Mobile’s Brookley Aeroplex. Following the successful completion of the first A320 FAL, Airbus called upon HPM again to lead the development of the A220 FAL project and expand the Mobile campus to produce a second line of aircraft.

A Bright Future

In 2022, HPM was honored to be called upon once again to lead a third campus expansion increasing the production of the original A320 series aircraft line. Presently, we are deep in the construction phase, projected to reach completion in late 2025. Without question, bright days are ahead for Mobile as Airbus continues to generate unique new job opportunities for residents while fostering economic growth within the community.

North Alabama NAWIC Chapter #396 Officially Chartered

Posted on April 10, 2024

March 28, 2024, marked a pivotal milestone for the North Alabama community as Chapter #396 of National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) was officially chartered. To commemorate the occasion, a celebration was held at 106 Jefferson Hotel in Huntsville. Members from NAWIC’s National, Nashville and Greater Birmingham chapters witnessed as chartering members were sworn in.

Among the eight women inducted as the inaugural North Alabama Board of Directors was HPM‘s Sarah Logan, who is serving as the chapter’s first Vice President. Amidst her colleagues, Sarah is known for providing exemplary project management services, most recently completing a dual-facility renovation project at Drake State Community & Technical College.

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve as the inaugural Vice President for the NAWIC North Alabama Chapter #396″, said Sarah. “More than anything, I look forward to connecting with fellow females in the industry as we link arms to pursue and advocate for meaningful opportunities for women in construction.”

Additional officers for the inaugural calendar year include Sara Beth Wilcox as President, Alexa Toler as President-Elect, Mary Seldon Luther as Secretary, Kasi Phillips as Treasurer, and Maurene Hanner and Andrea Simpson as Directors.

NAWIC was created by 16 founding members in the Fort Worth area in 1953. The organization’s mission from day one remains its purpose today: to advocate for the value and impact of women in construction. With more than 115 chapters across the nation, the organization has grown exponentially over the past 71 years.

Megan Cordingly, Ph.D. Promoted to Senior Business Analytics Manager

Posted on April 2, 2024

An integral part of HPM’s Operations team, Megan Cordingly, Ph.D. has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence and a keen understanding of the intricacies of business analytics. Her expertise in data visualization and ability to translate complex insights into actionable strategies have significantly contributed to HPM’s ability to provide accurate and digestible reporting metrics to our clients, project teams and company leadership. Because of her dedication and contribution to the continued success of our company, she has been promoted to Senior Business Analytics Manager.

Megan joined HPM in 2022. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in streamlining internal processes, resulting in significant improvements in efficiency and productivity. For example, she transformed HPM’s accounts receivable reporting by automating and digitizing the process. She was also instrumental in overhauling and improving the marketing quarterly checklist, allowing the marketing team to access vital project information, while combining historical data through a custom marketing dashboard. This allows the team to better pinpoint arising opportunities. In addition, she has worked with numerous project teams to develop custom dashboards that effectively deliver the information needed by our clients.

In her new role, Megan will lead efforts to create a comprehensive data analytics program for HPM that will support the continued evolution and growth of the company. Her key responsibilities will include driving the vision and strategies for collecting, managing and analyzing data while deploying cutting-edge visualization tools to automate reporting and enhance decision-making.

The initiatives led by Megan will be critical to HPM’s continued evolution as a technologically innovative company that leverages real-time data to identify trends and patterns valuable to predictive analytics efforts that can then be delivered as actionable insights, driving our project teams and our clients to success.

Megan and her husband David are the proud owners of two Great Danes, Shadow and Grace. In her spare time, Megan enjoys kayaking, growing vegetables in her backyard and spending time with family and friends.

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 $40 Million Recreation Center Project in Shelby County

Posted on March 18, 2024

The article below was written and shared by Birmingham Business Journal.

The city of Alabaster, AL is in the planning phases of bringing a $40 million recreation center to life over the next year.

The city has partnered with Birmingham-based HPM, a program management firm, to provide pre-construction and project management services for the construction of the city’s first comprehensive community recreation center.

The 118,000-square-foot recreation center will include an indoor facility with multiple meeting rooms, gyms, workout spaces and a walking trail. Outdoor facilities will feature two pools, renovated football and softball facilities, walking trails and a splash pad. Other components of the development include a new library that’s three to four times the size of the current facility and space for retail on the southern end of the project site.

Construction on the new development, which will be located at the intersection of Highway 119 and Thompson Road, is expected to start early 2025.

According to HPM’s vice president for the East region, Brooks Ballentine, the firm is starting the project with the end in mind while considering the most efficient and effective way to get there.

“It does take a lot of partners that HPM and the city are working with, from architects and engineers and other consultants,” said project manager Charles Phillips. “Really, HPM’s role as project managers and preconstruction managers is making sure that all parties are communicating effectively, and working and aligned to that same goal.”

Timing is critical for the project to stay on schedule and within budget. Delaying any project could cost an owner millions due to the cost and availability of materials and possibility of inflationary changes during the process. HPM monitors cost trends, inflation trends and makes recommendations for early procurement needs to project current construction costs and lock in a schedule.

Discussions are ongoing with the city of Alabaster and other project partners to factor in several considerations in terms of planning, such as relocating existing occupants ahead of work beginning, utilities services and potential future uses of the retail space, parking and access, topography challenges, and how the project will impact traffic and other nearby businesses and destinations.

“You’ve really got to look at it holistically,” Ballentine said. “You can’t really do any one piece by itself.”

HPM was selected as a partner on this project earlier this year and is actively moving forward, meeting with utilities providers and working with CMH Architects in the design phase.

“We came in at the right time and we’re super happy Alabaster trusted us to be part of this process, especially so early. That’s where we can provide the most value to owners — when they allow us to come in very early in the pre-planning and pre-construction design phase and really advise them and partner with all their community,” Phillips said.