Project team selected for North Residential District transformation
The Ohio State University today announced that Ohio-based Messer Construction will lead the project team that will finalize the design and move forward with construction for the renovation of the North Residential District.
After issuing a Request for Qualifications in early December, the university engaged in a competitive review process with each qualified firm to generate additional ideas on how to deliver the project. Additional savings could be identified based on the final design, which will be determined as part of the contract process with Messer, but the university estimates that this review process has already resulted in a savings of $26 million, bringing the new project budget to $370 million.
“The time and effort we put into this review process allowed us to work with industry experts to identify efficiencies in construction techniques and scheduling that will not only save a significant amount of money, but will also allow us to deliver facilities that will enhance the student experience, including the new Second-year Transformational Experience Program,” said Jay Kasey, senior vice president for Administration and Planning at Ohio State. “We are dedicated to keeping costs affordable for students while delivering an exceptional product.”
Once contracts are finalized, Ohio State will work with Messer to further design and implement construction. It is anticipated that infrastructure and small, enabling project work will begin this summer. The project will be complete for use Fall Semester 2016.
In total, about 3,200 new bed spaces would be added to the North Residential Area. The project will also include new dining facilities, recreation facilities and other support facilities that will directly support the university’s ground-breaking Second-year Transformational Experience Program.
“At the core of the STEP initiative is student engagement and student success. This project will enhance and expand our ability to provide an extraordinary student experience at Ohio State,” said Javaune Adams-Gaston, Ohio State’s vice president for Student Life.
Led by Messer, the construction team also includes: Miles-McClellan Construction, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., Brailsford & Dunlavey, HKS Inc., Schooley Caldwell Associates, KZF Design Inc., Heapy Engineering, Shelley Metz Baumann Hawk, Korda Nemeth Engineering, and MKSK.
The criteria design team that brought the project to this point included Sasaki Associates, Inc., Elkus Manfredi Architects, OLIN, and Acock Associates Architects.
About the STEP Program
Ohio State’s Second-year Transformational Experience Program (STEP) was developed as a continuation of the university’s effort to redefine the student experience. STEP is designed to focus on student success and development and will allow students the opportunity to engage in activities that cater to their individual interests and needs.
A central feature of STEP is giving participants the chance to engage with faculty outside of the classroom in one-on-one meetings as well as in group settings. During their time together, STEP Faculty will help students explore unique, educational-enriching experiences including the following categories: Study Abroad; Undergraduate Research; Service Learning and Community Service; Leadership; Internships; Artistic/Creative Endeavors.
About Messer Construction Co.
Messer Construction Co. is a construction manager and general contractor providing leadership for complex commercial building projects. Founded in 1932, Messer has built a premier reputation through outstanding construction experiences and value with a focus on health care, life sciences, higher education and industrial markets. An employee-owned company, Messer ranks nationally as one of the premier health care builders and Top 100 largest contractors. Messer was honored with the 2009 International Torch Award for Marketplace Excellence by the Council of Better Business Bureaus for superior commitment to exceptional standards that benefit customers, employees, suppliers and surrounding communities. In fiscal 2012, Messer put in place more than $792 million in commercial construction.
About The Ohio State University
Founded in 1870, The Ohio State University is a world-class public research university and the leading comprehensive teaching and research institution in the state of Ohio. With more than 63,000 students (including 56,000 in Columbus), a major medical center, 14 colleges, 80 centers, and 175 majors, the university offers its students tremendous breadth and depth of opportunity in the liberal arts, the sciences and the professions.
