Tag: Higher Ed

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.

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.”

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!

Reflecting On HPM’s History in Alabama’s (New) Largest City

Posted on February 16, 2022

In 2021, U.S. News & World Report announced that Huntsville surpassed Birmingham as Alabama’s most populous city after results from the 2020 Census indicated that its population now exceeds 215,000 people. Huntsville has seen significant economic growth over the past decade, spurred by a surge of projects coming to the area, as large players within key industries turn to the city to establish new headquarters and major manufacturing plants.

Since HPM’s beginning, Huntsville has remained an important market within our portfolio, and we have built lasting relationships in the city that have spanned decades. Over the past few years, HPM has worked on a number of dynamic projects in a range of sectors throughout the region, which capture in part the impressive growth Huntsville has experienced recently. This includes the following:

HPM served as the owner’s representative for the construction of a new 136,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and the renovation of a 30-year-old office building for Aerojet Rocketdyne, a rocket and missile manufacturer that sought to move its headquarters from California to Huntsville. HPM’s support led the projects to completion under budget and within the tight timeline allotted, and the entire project brought roughly 800 jobs to the city.
HPM recently completed program management work for Calhoun Community College. The college renovated the 180,000-square-foot Sparkman Building, the most commonly used building on campus, as it remained occupied with students taking classes. HPM oversaw the project through the construction phase, including a new exterior façade, new TPO roofing, new pedestrian entrance plazas and updated landscaping.
When Pepsi-Cola bottler Buffalo Rock looked to build a new distribution center to replace its current facility in the area, the prominent Alabama-based company called on HPM to provide program management services for the 200,000-square-foot tilt-up construction project. This is part of an ongoing relationship between HPM and Buffalo Rock, as we have also assisted in managing a one-million-square-foot expansion for the company’s Birmingham distribution hub and headquarters.

“HPM is honored to have served a role in the incredible growth story that the state of Alabama has written over the past decade,” said Ryan Austin, HPM president. “Huntsville has established itself as one of the main hubs in the Southeast for some of the fastest-growing industries in our nation, including aerospace, manufacturing and technology. As the city continues to grow, we look forward to forging new partnerships in the community and finding more opportunities to share our firm’s expertise with these key players who are looking to call Huntsville home.”

We are proud to see Huntsville prosper as Alabama’s largest city, as it continues to attract top-tier companies looking to open new offices and hubs in the area. 2022 already looks promising and our firm is excited for a new year of possibilities and success, as we strengthen our team and pursue new opportunities to serve The Rocket City.

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A Legacy Lives On: Giving a Storied Residence Hall a New Place to Call Home

Posted on February 8, 2021

Not only do residence halls house college students, they also house fond memories and mark the beginning of lifelong friendships and connections. Some historic residence halls have even housed generations over the years, making living in them a family tradition. When alumni visit these halls, they are reminded of so many memories from their college years and feel emotionally connected to their former homes which will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Tutwiler–one of these historic residence halls is located on the campus of the University of Alabama and is being rebuilt to house even more students and memories.

According to HPM President Mike Lanier, “To my memory, this is the single largest publicly bid project HPM has ever managed in our 22+ year history.”

The HPM preconstruction team and the University’s project teams have collaborated on this project over the last three years.

“The teams started working together on the project from its conception and are dedicated to ensuring the project is on schedule for completion and move-in ready for University students for the fall of 2022,” said Trent Hall, Senior Project Manager.

The five-story replacement to the historic residence hall includes a project budget of more than $140 million. It will exceed 300,000 square-feet and house 1,200+ freshman female students.

“The University and our team worked tirelessly cultivating the market for general contractors and subcontractors to bid the project in this overheated market we are all in, canvassing regionally trying to get qualified firms to pursue the project,” Lanier said. “Through it all they stuck to who we are and what we do at HPM day in and day out: evaluate, analyze, strategize, advise, listen, and counsel, but mostly lead.”

The Tutwiler residence hall will include double-occupancy units and community-style living spaces, and a feature of the residence hall will include keyless entry to the building. Additionally, the residence hall will include a food service venue, a storm shelter, and satellite Housing and Residential Community offices. Furthermore, furnishings are included in the project to fully equip all residence rooms, common areas, peripherals, and offices. Construction of the new residence hall began this fall and is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2022 fall semester.