Michigan State University (MSU) is a forward-thinking public owner that uses ConsensusDocs standard construction contracts as the basis for its projects. At the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) annual conference held in Grapevine, Texas, MSU’s STEM Teaching and Learning Facility was considered “the most significant construction project of 2021” by AGC. Granger Construction Company was the Construction Manager and a signatory party on the ConsensusDocs 500 contract. Granger received the association’s top prize, Construction Risk Partners Build America Grand Award, and the award for the best construction management renovation project under $99 million.
MSU utilized a ConsensusDocs 500 Standard Agreement Between an Owner and Construction Manager and then created a contract finalization form. The MSU finalization form is a two-page document for awarded parties to fill in a limited number of project-specific terms. MSU’s customized version of the ConsensusDocs agreement construction management at-risk (CMAR) is then referenced and attached at the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage. Consequently, the MSU’s contract terms are consistent across projects, and only project-specific review is needed for the two-page document.
The Michigan State University’s STEM Teaching and Learning facility replaced the University’s first coal-fired power plant. Encompassing 120,000 square feet of new construction with 40,000 square feet of renovated space, the Granger team used the existing decommissioned power plant as the central portion of the building, with new additions on the north and south sides. In addition, the Granger Construction team embraced the mass timber hybrid structural system instead of the steel and concrete system originally planned. As a result, the new structure offers best-in-class fire resistance, sustainability efficiency, and strength features.
The Construction Risk Partners Build America Awards highlight the nation’s most significant construction projects. A panel of judges representing all construction areas evaluated this year’s submissions, assessing each project’s complexity, innovation, and client satisfaction, among other criteria. The award is considered the most prestigious recognition of construction accomplishments in the U.S. by many.
Related Resources
AGC’s Project Delivery page related to CMAR: https://www.agc.org/cm-risk.
View all the Construction Risk Partners Build America Award winners.
View pictures of winners.
AGC Press Release is here.