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CBRE briefed commissioners on ICON Center campus plan; SOM identified as lead designer, construction RFQ shortlist underway
Summary
CBRE presented an update March 20 on the planned Pinellas County ICON Center campus: site selection, design firm shortlist (SOM recommended), construction manager at‑risk shortlist work, a 15‑month design target and a $263M–$333M preliminary cost range depending on parking strategy and finishes.
CBRE representatives gave the board an update March 20 on the county’s plan to consolidate operations onto a single campus at the ICON Center site. Leanne Khorst, CBRE Southeast region government practice, and Robert Shaw, CBRE design lead, described site selection, programmatic blocks for courts, administration and permitting services, parking scenarios and early cost benchmarking.
CBRE reported seven qualified architectural firms responded to the county RFQ; an internal evaluation committee conducted written short‑listing and oral interviews and identified SOM as the design firm with which staff will begin contract negotiations. CBRE said SOM will partner with a local engineering team and will provide on‑site staff during design. The county expects to take a negotiated contract to the board in May.
On the construction side, staff issued an RFQ for a construction manager with preconstruction services; CBRE reported seven qualified construction firms responded and the shortlist process was underway with presentations scheduled in early April. CBRE said the team will marry preconstruction services and architectural design so budget and design can be reconciled during early phases.
Cost and schedule highlights
- Preliminary rough‑order‑of‑magnitude construction estimate presented earlier ranged $263 million (lower‑cost surface parking and modest finishes) to $333 million (structured parking garage and higher finishes). CBRE clarified the range includes architecture, FF&E, security and technology, and noted the parking strategy is a major cost driver.
- CBRE said the design vendor confirmed a 15‑month design schedule is achievable; staff included four‑to‑six months for permitting. The updated timeline expects design, permitting and construction through 2028 with permitting handled by the City of Largo.
Other program matters
CBRE and county staff discussed how to relocate or rehouse some operations that do not belong on the new campus (for example a water laboratory) and said some functions now spread across 14 downtown buildings will be reassigned or monetized. The county is working with the City of Clearwater on redevelopment options and expects to issue an RFP to market downtown county parcels once zoning and timing are aligned with the campus move.
Next steps and board items
CBRE said staff plans to bring a negotiated design contract to the board in May and to return with a recommended construction manager in June. The county has a capital fund that will pay early design and preconstruction work; larger construction financing will be addressed later by the board. CBRE also noted the project team will bring naming and wayfinding options to the board during design; staff recommended deciding a campus name before 75–100% construction documents are submitted to avoid naming lock‑in in procurement documents.
