Lenexa approves construction manager‑at‑risk contract with Newkirk Novak for Fire Station 6 and LiveWell clinic relocation

The Lenexa City Council approved a construction manager‑at‑risk (CMAR) contract with Newkirk Novak Construction Partners to support design, preconstruction pricing and future guaranteed maximum price (GMP) proposals for two projects: Fire Station Number 6 and the relocation of the city’s LiveWell employee health clinic.

Todd Pelham, deputy city manager, told the council the city received 11 proposals and shortlisted four firms before selecting Newkirk Novak. The council approved an initial preconstruction services fee of about $20,000 to allow Newkirk Novak to attend design meetings, develop cost estimates and test subcontractor pricing prior to returning to council with a GMP for construction.

Why it matters: The CMAR delivery method brings the contractor into design early to refine cost estimates and reduce the risk of designing an unaffordable project. The council also waived the sealed bid process for this procurement and approved the CMAR contract to move the projects into detailed pricing and GMP negotiation.

Project scope and process

Pelham said the city has three options under study for the old City Hall/PD site where Fire Station 6 may be located: reuse portions of the existing building, build apparatus bays and living quarters while preserving some existing structures, or demolish and build a new combined headquarters and station. The preconstruction work will produce cost models for those options so the council and finance staff can evaluate CIP inclusion and funding strategies.

Pelham described the selection process: the review team included user groups from human resources (LiveWell), information technology, and the fire department; Newkirk Novak was praised as a local firm with relevant fire‑station experience and prior work with the selected architect (Finkel Williams Architects). Newkirk Novak co‑founders Lynn Newkirk and John Novak introduced project staff who will be involved in preconstruction and community engagement.

Key contract points and follow up

- Initial authorization: Council approved preconstruction services (approx. $20,000) and directed staff to return with amendments for GMPs covering the LiveWell clinic and Fire Station 6 when pricing is complete. - Procurement method: The resolution waives the sealed‑bid process and uses the CMAR single‑contract delivery method; future construction cost will be governed by a GMP amendment to the CMAR contract. - Schedule and budget: Staff said design documents are underway for the LiveWell relocation and the team will complete options and pricing over the coming months; the council has not yet placed final construction on the CIP.

Council members asked about the firm’s local experience and past performance; Pelham and references confirmed Newkirk Novak’s local work on public projects and their engagement with the design team. Lynn Newkirk said the firm recently made Lenexa its home and emphasized its focus on public‑purpose projects.

Vote and next steps

Councilmember Melanie moved to approve the resolution authorizing the CMAR contract and waiving sealed bids; Mark seconded and the motion carried. Staff will work with Newkirk Novak and Finkel Williams Architects to develop GMPs and return to council with recommended contract amendments for construction authorization.

Ending: The council’s action begins a priced design phase; the city will consider GMP amendments and CIP adjustments after preconstruction pricing is complete.