Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development Incubator topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Red River Regional Council project manager announces EDA approval to advance 532 Hill Avenue incubator; RFQ for construction managers planned
Summary
At the March 17 meeting Brenda Lizakowski Coleman, hired by the Red River Regional Council, briefed commissioners on the 532 Hill Avenue downtown incubator project, said the Economic Development Administration approved moving to a construction‑manager‑at‑risk approach and that the team will issue an RFQ to select a construction manager.
Brenda Lizakowski Coleman, project manager for a downtown development effort managed by the Red River Regional Council, updated Walsh County commissioners on March 17 about the 532 Hill Avenue project and said the Economic Development Administration (EDA) approved the county’s next step: use of a construction‑manager‑at‑risk delivery model.
Coleman said the county’s retained architect is Icon Architects and that the project team will issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) to solicit construction managers. A construction manager at risk provides a guaranteed maximum price and coordinates subcontractors; Coleman said the model is appropriate because the architect is already under contract and because the approach gives the project team flexibility to value‑engineer the design once contractor prices are received.
Coleman described the incubator concept as a mixed use facility including a commercial kitchen, small retail/workspace and programming space intended to support start‑ups and regional cottage producers. She cited a prior incubator she managed in northwest Minnesota that saw client registrations increase when local entrepreneurs were offered shared resources and business support. She said the Red River Regional Council will remain the project owner and will manage procurement and contractor selection.
No formal county funding decision was made at the meeting; Coleman asked commissioners to stay engaged and said she will be available locally to meet with commissioners and stakeholders as the RFQ and selection process proceeds.
