T-288: Going in Circles

It wouldn't seem right if anything associated with this project moved in linear fashion. If the construction manager could do his job at Step 1, the engineer, his at Step 2 and the architect do hist at Step3, it wouldn't sit well with the Universe.

Concept will be a green social and business space that is dedicated to sustainable operating by using products that have been sourced responsibly. That goes from using an existing structure for the project (industrial recycling) to making sure that the paints we use do not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to ensuring that are food products will be certified organic.

Let's start with the existing structure. The building that will house Concept was built in 1971 (oooooo-oooop!!) and has been empty for about 5 years now. The construction manager that I want to lead the project can't give me an estimate on the cost of the buildout or a specific timeline unless he has an understanding of what the Heating-Ventilation-Air Conditioner (HVAC) system looks like and its capability to handle the output that I would need for a successful venue of this nature. He also needs insight on the Mechanics, Electricity and Plumbing (MEP) capacity. He can't do those things without an engineer. I asked him if he had an engineer that he could recommend and he said that he did.

OR! I could just hire he and his staff to outsource those jobs, look into zoning and permitting and bring on their own architect and designer. Because unless he had that information, he wouldn't be able to supply me with a construction bid. Which I need for my SBA 504 Loan Application. I can't submit the application unless the lender has an idea of the construction timeline and cost. The contract for the pre-construction services for Concept will be my first official expense for the project but it will only be one of many.