Worthington selects construction manager at risk and owner's representative for outdoor pool project; firm to begin pre‑construction work

Worthington City Council on March 17 authorized selection of a construction manager at risk and an owner’s representative to support the city’s planned outdoor pool project.

Staff recommended Resili Construction (presented in the meeting as Roselli/Resili) to serve as construction manager at risk because the firm is already working on adjacent Thomas Worthington High School projects and can leverage site familiarity and personnel continuity. John Moorhead (city staff) said the selection committee received six statements of qualifications, interviewed three firms and chose Resili for the pre‑construction and construction manager at risk role.

Representatives from Resili, including Toni Roselli and Capria Gross, told council the firm will coordinate closely with the school district and the city and said early engagement will help identify alternatives to materials subject to tariff risk (for example, steel) during design refinement. “We’re gonna help your architects in the design and look at alternate materials and how to build something that, stays away from some of the items that are gonna get hit hardest on the tariff side,” Toni Roselli said.

Council also approved selection of Williams Architects as the city’s owner’s representative; Nancy Weir (Williams) noted Williams has specialized aquatics experience and has supported other Ohio pool projects with compressed schedules and supply‑chain challenges. Staff said the resolutions authorize Resili to begin pre‑construction services and Williams to act as the city’s third‑party reviewer and coordinator; separate legislation and bond issuance will be required before full construction contracting and appropriation of construction funds.

Council members discussed timing and phasing. Staff said the intent is to finish design and enter bonds for construction soon so that the pool construction can begin after the outdoor season ends; the goal discussed by proponents was to complete the new outdoor pool in roughly a year from construction start. Resili emphasized the team’s existing presence on the adjacent natatorium project and said scheduling and superintendent continuity should speed transition to the outdoor pool work.

Council approved both resolutions by voice vote, authorizing staff to move forward with pre‑construction services and to return with bond and appropriation legislation for the construction phase.