[Publib] Benefits of a project manager

[Denice Lee]

Having just completed a building project for a new library in July 2009,
I wanted to pass along a lesson learned to anyone in the library
community who may be currently looking at a library building project or
may be doing so in the near future.  

 

In Lebanon, Oregon, a new library (19,000 sq.ft.) and a new justice
center (30,000 sq.ft.) were managed as one project and built at the same
time. The project started with Ground Breaking in May 2008 and finished
with the Grand Opening in July 2009.  The City of Lebanon used the
Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) building method for the
project which came in on time and on budget.  The core team from the
City of Lebanon was made up of me as the library director, the chief of
police, and the information technology manager.  

 

One of the key elements to the success of the project was hiring a
project manager.  In our case, that was Doug Roberts of Hill
International, Inc.  The benefits of having a project manager cannot be
overstated.  The complexity and time demands of a project like this are
significant, to say the least.  A project manager understands contracts,
the hiring of architects and contractors, the building process, how to
manage a construction schedule and how to manage costs and the project
budget.  When our project initially came in WAY over budget, Doug
understood what needed to be kept in the project, what could be cut, and
what could be modified.  Through his understanding of the construction
process he was able to discuss construction techniques with the
contractors (Howard S. Wright Constructors) that would reduce costs but
retain the necessary functionality and overall integrity of the project.


 

A project manager is your agent and advocate throughout the building
process.  The earlier he/she is brought into the project the more you'll
be able to benefit from their skills.  

 

When Jim Scheppke came to see our new library we talked about the
building project and project managers in particular.  He asked me to
share my experience with all of you.  I hope you find it helpful.

 

Doug Roberts made some information available to me when I told him I
wanted other librarians involved with building projects to understand
the key role played by a project manager.  It's too large to include
here, but if you'd like to have it, email me directly and I'll see that
you receive it.

 

Denice Lee

Lebanon Public Library

55 Academy Street

Lebanon, OR 97355

541-258-4232

Fax 541-258-4958

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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