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Higley Construction outlines 16‑month, phased plan for Baberton City Hall/Justice Center project
Summary
Higley Construction presented its CMAR approach and an estimated 16‑month phased schedule for the City Hall/Justice Center project, emphasizing preconstruction coordination, budget diligence and early procurement of long‑lead items to avoid schedule delays.
Higley Construction presented to the council’s finance committee on Dec. 8, describing its approach as construction manager at risk (CMAR) and outlining a two‑phase delivery schedule for the City Hall/Justice Center project.
Gavin Smith, Higley’s director of project management, said the firm brings broad regional experience and will serve as project liaison, coordinating design, schedule and cost management. "A little bit about Higley Construction...we've got roughly 210 construction professionals" he told council and noted the company’s Akron office will run this project.
TJ Pazeta, corporate director of preconstruction, described the CMAR role: early document analysis, real‑time budget estimates during design, and identifying long‑lead items to order before construction begins. "That's probably the most important thing when you're looking at the schedule ... we get those ordered early," Pazeta said, explaining that early procurement helps avoid material delays and keeps the project on schedule.
Higley estimated the project will run about 16 months, with an initial 8‑month push to complete work at the bank building so occupants can be relocated and then another 8 months to renovate or build out the existing city hall/justice center. Smith said the phased approach reduces occupant disruption and improves economy of delivery.
Council members asked clarifying questions about change orders, staffing and how the company would manage construction near occupied facilities. Smith described his role as project liaison and emphasized coordination between the city, design professionals and Higley’s team; he said the firm will manage schedule and costs through preconstruction and into bidding.
The council recorded that the second readings of procurement ordinances for the architect (Ordinance 172) and construction manager at risk (Ordinance 173) are scheduled for Dec. 22; Higley’s presentation supplements those procurement proceedings and provides councilors additional context to evaluate bids and contract terms.
Next steps recorded in the meeting: council will proceed to third reading on the procurement ordinances on Dec. 22 and continue contract review and budgeting work during committee and staff follow‑up.
