City’s First Design-Build Project Recognized by CMAA with “Project of the Year” Award

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City’s First Design-Build Project Recognized by CMAA with “Project of the Year” Award

Completed in just 22 months, less than half the time required under lowest bidder contracting, saving $12.9 million

DDC: Denisse Moreno, morenoDe@ddc.nyc.gov, 718-391-1854

(Long Island City, NY – July 3, 2024) The NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced today that the combined garage and community space building it constructed as part of the City’s Borough-Based Jails Program in Queens, and which is the agency’s first design-build project, has been recognized by the Construction Management Association of America in the 2023 Project of the Year Awards.

DDC’s first design-build project in Queens was completed in less than half the time, with no change order delays and with large M/WBE participation

Using design-build, the facility was completed in 22 months – less than half the time expected under the old lowest bidder contracting system – and with cost savings of $12.9 million. Because of the flexibility allowed by design-build, none of the project’s $9.5 million contingency fund was used. M/WBE participation on the project was over 90 percent for prime contractors and 60 percent for subcontractors.

“This sustainable and modern multi-use building was the first in our design-build pilot program and immediately showed the benefits of design-build over lowest bidder contracting,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. “The project was completed in less than half the time, and because time is money with large cost savings. We are continuing to bring the benefits of design-build to other projects including several large recreation centers that are being built years faster than before. We’re planning a design-build program for park restrooms. And this summer we’re starting work on our first design-build infrastructure project on Lexington Avenue in Midtown, where we expect to save at least three years.

“We are very much getting stuff done at DDC and we need more tools to do even more. In June, the State legislature passed a bill that would allow DDC to use Construction Manager-Build for library and cultural institution projects, and another that would give us a form of progressive design-build for future resiliency projects. We now need those bills to be signed into law so we can continue to reform City construction,” said Commissioner Foley. “Thank you to CMAA for the recognition.”

The new structure includes sustainability features such as a partial planted green roof, EV chargers, solar panels and high efficiency lighting

The structure is behind Queens Borough Hall in Kew Gardens and has parking for 600 vehicles, 63 bike rack spots as well as a two-level 25,000-square-foot flexible community space. It includes sustainability features such as a partial planted green roof, electric vehicle chargers, solar panels and on-site stormwater retention.

The community space portion of the project received LEED Gold certification for environmental sustainability, and the parking garage obtained Parksmart certification to recognize that it is high-performing and sustainable. DDC worked with Hunter Roberts Construction Group, Urbahn Architects, and Marvel Architects for this project.

CMAA’s Metro NY/NJ Chapter 30th Annual Awards recognize the performance of outstanding Construction Management or Program Management services for projects completed in the New York State and New Jersey area in six major categories. DDC’s project won in the category for projects constructed with a value of $60 - $100 million. DDC received the award during the chapter’s 30th Annual Project of the Year Awards & Scholarship Banquet on June 20, 2024.

DDC staff during construction of City government’s first design-build project

The same building also received the Silver Award in the Special Projects category in the 2024 Engineering Excellence Awards from the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC New York).

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor Adams’ long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $33 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.