Build it and they will come

Interesting article in Business First of Columbus, the weekly business journal covering the Columbus, Ohio area, that talks about the fervent activity surrounding a proposed convention center hotel.

The Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority wants a national design architect and a Central Ohio design firm to administer the $160 million project. Last week, the agency sent a request for proposals to 58 firms interested in the project and is also seeking candidates via the Internet to submit proposals by the May 19 deadline.

Not surprisingly, local architects told the newspaper that they expect heavy competition for design contracts. With the agency planning to select architects as soon as June while also looking for construction management firms in May and selection in July, there's plenty of activity and, by extension, many interested firms chasing the money.

The authority's request for qualifications divides the architectural duties, with the project's design work targeted primarily for a national firm. Meanwhile, a local firm will share in preparing construction and bid documents and do construction administration.

The article quotes Karlsberger, DesignGroup, and NBBJ Design architects and partners and is an interesting read. Given that there are very few projects out there, it's not surprising that they believe many national firms will be submitting proposals.

Ed