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Commissioners choose construction manager-at-risk for Sudan Temple site, plan demolition and parking
Summary
The Craven County Board of Commissioners authorized use of the construction-manager-at-risk method and selected Barnhill Contracting Company to support redevelopment of the former Sudan Temple property downtown.
The Craven County Board of Commissioners on April 21 authorized use of the construction-manager-at-risk (CMR) delivery method for redevelopment of the former Sudan Temple property downtown and approved Barnhill Contracting Company as the recommended CMR.
Why it matters: The decision establishes a project delivery team early in design and positions the county to control cost risk and schedule as it redevelops a parcel the board intends primarily for vehicle parking to support court, election and county administration needs.
Board members told residents the immediate intent is to clear and convert the site to parking rather than begin construction of a new administration building. Staff said Oakley Collier Architects (OCA) will continue master-planning work and that a certificate of appropriateness for demolition was issued 02/26/2025 with conditions from the New Bern Historic Preservation Commission.
After a request for qualifications issued February 17 yielded three responses, a five-member panel interviewed finalists and recommended Barnhill Contracting Company of Rocky Mount, N.C., based on experience with similar CMR projects, assigned team and subcontractor selection approach. The board approved the recommendation and directed staff to negotiate fee and contract terms.
Commissioners discussed timing and costs in general terms. One commissioner asked whether demolition could occur before the next election cycle; staff said demolition was targeted for the coming winter to avoid disrupting elections. An estimate mentioned in discussion—characterized as preliminary by staff—placed total redevelopment costs (including purchase) on the order of “roughly $7,000,000,” but no formal project budget was adopted at the meeting and staff emphasized additional financial review would be required.
The board approved the use of CMR and Barnhill’s selection; no construction contract or guaranteed maximum price was executed at the meeting.
Next steps: Staff will negotiate a professional services/CMR agreement with Barnhill, return to the board with a negotiated fee and any guaranteed maximum price, and proceed with demolition planning under the certificate of appropriateness.
