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James Island selects local design‑build team to advance Hillman Art and Community Center design
Summary
Town staff and the mayor briefed council on the selection of a local design‑build team for the Hillman Art and Community Center, the reasons for choosing a design‑build procurement, project timeline, funding source (accommodations tax grant) and next steps for design and public input.
The Town of James Island has hired a local design‑build team to begin work on the Hillman Art and Community Center, town engineer Laura Cabiness told the council during an update on the project.
Cabiness described the decision to use a design‑build delivery method — where the contractor and design team collaborate on cost, schedule and design from the start — as a way to accelerate delivery and reduce the risk of cost overruns. She said the town rezoned the Hillman property for the art center in 2024, accepted accommodations tax grant funding for the project in January 2025, and asked JLA to prepare the request for proposals used to select the design‑build team.
The procurement timetable given to council: the RFP was advertised June 1; proposals were received in July; interviews took place in August; and the council approved a contract on Aug. 21. Cabiness said the design process is just beginning and that the selected team has proposed measures to accelerate permitting and manage long‑lead items and materials to help meet budget and schedule targets.
Mayor Bridal Lyon and council members highlighted the selection of a local engineering partner and a firm with Charleston subcontractor relationships as key reasons for the award. Cabiness said the design‑build contractor and its local engineer partner offered to pre‑order long‑lead items and assist with expedited permitting. She also noted the contract includes public engagement steps: the design‑build team will help conduct future public input sessions and the town expects to reactivate the James Island Arts Council to support outreach.
Cabiness told council she had not encountered significant resident opposition in her conversations and that the reaction she’s heard has been largely positive. No design is complete yet, and the town staff emphasized there will be multiple opportunities for public input as plans are developed.
