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Coral Gables selects Kaufman Lynn as top ranked preconstruction manager for downtown Mobility Hub; commissioners press for tight contract controls
Summary
The commission accepted staff’s recommendation to negotiate with Kaufman Lynn as the highest‑ranked proposer for preconstruction services on the downtown Mobility Hub. The mayor emphasized no open‑ended allowances and called for strict staging, traffic management and A‑team staffing; Commissioner Castro registered a 'no' on the final motion.
The City Commission voted Feb. 24 to move forward with negotiations with Kaufman Lynn as the construction manager‑at‑risk for Coral Gables’ downtown Mobility Hub after procurement staff presented scoring that ranked Kaufman Lynn highest among five proposers.
Celeste Walker Harmon, the city’s chief procurement officer, told the commission the top three proposers were close in scoring and that Kaufman Lynn led the field. Mayor Lago said the preconstruction contract is the “most important” piece of the project, urging negotiators to avoid open‑ended allowances, to secure the contractor’s A‑team and to tighten change‑order controls. He also emphasized detailed staging, traffic controls and daily coordination with the manager and neighboring businesses to minimize downtown disruption.
Commissioner Castro said she has been consistent in her concerns about the mobility hub and reiterated reservations she has previously raised; during the vote she recorded a 'no' position. Other commissioners voiced support for proceeding but asked staff to ensure robust mitigation measures (on‑site traffic plans, dedicated police for staging, daily clean‑ups and communication protocols) are included in negotiation guidance.
Separately the commission approved a series of other procurement items (a pool of landscape architecture consultants, a sole‑bid HVAC and refrigeration services contract, and a low bid for parking‑lot improvements) and waived competitive bidding for a county broadband contractor in a separate, short item.
Next steps: City staff will enter contract negotiations with Kaufman Lynn and return to the commission for contract ratification. Commissioners asked for explicit contractual language limiting allowances and change orders, and for a public staging plan for downtown construction impacts.
