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Continuing a long track record of design/build projects, Clark/DLR, A Joint Venture recently completed construction of a new high-security prison in Coleman, Fla. The $77.5 million U.S. Penitentiary project for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is the agency’s first design/build project for a major new institution. Located on approximately 90 acres, the 544,000-gross-square-foot prison houses over 1,000 inmates and is adjacent to and will become part of the existing Coleman Federal Correctional Complex, completed by Clark in 1995.
Clark and DLR have worked successfully on other complex government projects such as the Pinellas County Jail in Clearwater, Fla. and the Roman Hruska Federal Courthouse in Omaha, Neb. “Because of the established relationship, Clark and DLR made a strong team,” said Mary Galey, AIA, project administrator for the Design and Construction Branch of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. “The design was collaborative - BOP and Clark/DLR participated in the partnering process throughout the job.”
The project included all inmate services and ancillary functions for the secure, perimeter-fenced compound. Clark’s project team also was responsible for building six, 60-foot guard towers. Designed by The DLR Group of Phoenix, the prison features a facade of gray concrete with punch windows.
In keeping with the design/build process, subcontractors and suppliers were brought on board early in the planning stage. Value, schedule, material availability and constructability issues were discussed to ensure the best possible selections for the project.
Design/build proved to be successful for every member of the team. The owner enjoyed substantial cost savings and the facility was available months before it would have been using the traditional design-bid-build method of procurement.
In addition to serving as architect, The DLR Group provided mechanical, electrical and structural engineering services. The project was managed by Clark’s office in Tampa, Fla.
Clark Construction Group, LLC is headquartered in Bethesda, Md.
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