Cold Spring Elects to Go With Construction Manager At Risk For Government Center Remodeling

(KNSI) – Cold Spring City Council opted to go with a construction manager at risk to lead the remodeling of the government center after discussing the issue at Wednesday’s meeting.

Administrator Kris Dockendorf explains the CMAR option reduces the liability to the city and simplifies the large construction project for staff. “This way, we just have one contract if any of the subs fail in what they’re doing, or if there’s any problems with any of them, the construction manager deals with them, not us, because they have their contract with them, so, therefore they’re taking on more of the risk.”

Dockendorf says that it is especially important when dealing with a remodel, as there’s more uncertainty about the scope of the work until paneling and plaster are removed and the guts of the building are inspected.

According to Dockendorf, the project will begin in the fall and consist of two phases. “The first one will just be to start utilizing the empty fire department space that they’ve vacated, and keeping the library here. And then the second phase will be the eventual taking over of the library area.”

The CMAR model costs more, but the council found it to be worth it. Waite Park is using a similar arrangement to renovate and expand its facility.

The architect will help craft a request for proposal, or RFP, that will go out for bid in the next couple months.

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