Commissioners approve Phase 1 of unhoused support center and extend construction manager contract; project scoped at $17 million

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 11 voted 5–1 to accept Phase 1 deliverables for a planned unhoused support center and to extend the county’s contract with construction manager Barr & Barr for one year.

Assistant County Manager Heather Skeens introduced the project team and the Phase 1 presentation by LS3P (architects) and Barr & Barr (construction manager at risk). Bob Presley, LS3P project manager, said the team had completed programming and conceptual visioning and presented a high-level budget and site considerations. Presley described the project as “very early in the process” and emphasized that design details will evolve in Phase 2 (schematic design, design development and construction drawings).

The project team presented a total project cost the county directed them to assume of $17,000,000. Presley and Barr & Barr reported an estimated construction cost of work of about $13,949,215, plus contingency and soft costs (furniture, fixtures, equipment and professional fees). Dean Raines, LS3P lead designer, described a 24,000-square-foot program with most space devoted to sleeping areas (men, women, family), staff and support spaces, and public areas such as dining and education. The design team said the concept achieves approximately 100 beds using a mix of bunk beds and single-use beds.

The proposed site is off Holly Lane and includes four adjoining parcels; the design team indicated the building would be sited on the north part of the property to preserve parking and avoid a mapped floodplain and existing utility easements. Two conceptual massing options were shown: an intersecting-bar concept with courtyards and a courtyard-rectangle option. The team said the designs were conceptual and subject to change as the project advances.

Commissioner Tyson — a member of the project’s advisory committee — reiterated concerns raised at the committee level about who will operate and provide services at the center (county-run versus private or nonprofit operators) and how the new facility will relate to the city’s existing shelter capacity. Tyson said the board must “do its due diligence” and ensure the county has clarity on operations before committing large sums. Vice Chairwoman Jones, also a member of the advisory committee, said the center’s primary goal is to provide transitional support — case management, job placement, substance‑use and behavioral health referrals — and that county and community partners would be part of the service model.

Heather Skeens recommended the board accept the Phase 1 deliverables and authorize staff to proceed with Phase 2 design work. She also recommended approval of a one-year contract extension for Barr & Barr — the company’s current contract ends Dec. 2025 — and said a formal contract amendment will be brought to the board.

Vice Chairwoman Jones moved to accept the Phase 1 deliverables and extend Barr & Barr’s contract for one year. The motion passed 5–1: Commissioners Jones, DeBier (chair), Patel, Faircloth and Adams voted in favor; Commissioner Tyson voted in opposition.

Next steps include returning to the unhoused support committee for more detailed review, proceeding with Phase 2 schematic design and bringing a formal contract amendment for Barr & Barr to the board for approval.