City hall construction: staff outlines CMAR approach, early release packages and summer 2027 target

City of Franklin staff and the owner’s representative updated the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on the schedule, procurement approach and near‑term decisions for the new city hall during the Feb. 25 work session.

Owners’ rep Chris Kepper and staff described a three‑package CMAR (construction manager at‑risk) strategy with early release packages (ERPs) so work can begin earlier on abatement, demolition, excavation and foundations while design proceeds on later elements. The early release approach is intended to reduce inflationary risk and long lead‑time issues for major mechanical equipment; staff said procurement of long‑lead items is already being identified.

Staff said abatement, demolition and excavation ERP work is scheduled to begin in spring and run into fall, with subsequent foundation and heavy‑structure work following. The final ERP (exterior skin, interiors and urban park/streetscape) is planned to be included in the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) phase, with construction completion currently estimated in summer 2027. Chris said drawings for the first ERP are roughly 90% complete; overall design development is in the 50–75% range.

Staff reported $5.4 million spent to date (costs back to 2018) and said they will provide monthly cost updates and periodic in‑person briefings; the first estimate for the full project is expected later in the month. Board members asked for quick notification of supply‑chain or schedule risks; the owners’ rep and staff agreed to report issues promptly and to provide a baseline monthly report plus more frequent updates when necessary.

No formal board action was taken at the work session.