Construction manager takes responsibility for Gahanna Civic Center delay after electrical subcontractor default

Alfred, the construction manager for the Gahanna Civic Center and 825 Tech Center Drive project, told Gahanna City Council on May 18 that the project will miss earlier target dates because the electrical subcontractor failed and was terminated.

"Our schedule on this project has been substantially impacted by the failure and eventual termination of our electric subcontractor," said the Alfred representative, Mr. Fitzpatrick, who took responsibility for the delay and said the contractor's default "has had a significant impact on the project, its schedule, and the other trades that follow or rely upon the electrical work." He said the team is performing inspections and repairs, and that Alfred and the city will pursue remedies with the defaulting contractor's bonding company "in accordance with Ohio law."

Kevin Schultz, the city's senior director, said staff and the project team prioritized safety and reliability given the building’s functions, including police department elements. Staff told council that the electrical flaws tended to follow floor‑by‑floor patterns, which limited options for phased occupancy and pushed practical completion out to mid‑July 2026.

Fitzpatrick noted the original GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) contemplated a November 4, 2025 completion and said the team had hoped to be finished by spring 2026. He emphasized the project remains on budget and that the team is using qualified third parties and the city attorney as needed to verify corrections.

Council asked technical and scheduling questions and were invited to tour behind‑the‑scenes work. No formal council action was taken at the meeting; staff said they are coordinating inspection signoffs and legal remedies with the bonding company.