SPI Insights

Big construction projects are on the horizon in almost every state

Big construction and development projects are extremely prominent in the government sector. Funding is being consolidated from federal grants, economic development budgets, state allocations, and local bond elections to tackle big initiatives that will create not only jobs but also provide ongoing revenue generation for governmental entities.

Examples of projects currently on launch pads throughout the U.S. are described here, but many more could also be outlined. The demand for private sector collaboration is at an all-time high.

A $700 million renovation of Beaver Stadium was approved by the Penn State University board of trustees in Pennsylvania.  The first phase to launch will likely be a $70 million effort to address critical maintenance projects and winterize the facility. The final design plan may not be finalized until the end of 2024, but construction is expected to begin by January of 2025 with a projected completion date of 2027. The first stage of the renovation will be to procure an architectural and engineering firm for design work and a structural maintenance assessment.  The project will address crowd and traffic control, plumbing, winterization, and field lighting. It will also include components related to safety and security.  The west side of the stadium will be completely renovated, seating will be expanded, and executive suites will be built. Amenities of all kinds will be added, and accessibility will be improved. Restrooms will be upgraded, inside lighting will be enhanced, concessions will be expanded, and wi-fi and cellular service will be enhanced.

City officials in Austin, Texas have released solicitation documents for a design and engineering firm to begin the very large initiative to expand the city’s current convention center. The effort is expected to cost approximately $1.6 billion over the next several years. The current state of the convention center is inadequate and not capable of handling the many large conventions that would otherwise be held in Austin. When completed, the expansion project will almost double the current space. Throughout the development process, special consideration will be given to minimize any negative impact on businesses surrounding the area and to accomplish this, the redevelopment plan will involve a one-phase building concept and approach model.

Construction will begin in 2024 on a $4 billion convention center project in Dallas.  Because of the size of the project, a completion date is projected for 2029.  In addition to the convention center construction, planning documents outline a complete area revitalization plan that could take a decade to complete. The complexity of this initiative is complicated even more because transit routes will be changed, access to the area will be expanded and some streets will be closed.  The goal will be to make it easy to access the convention center and the entire surrounding areas which will be developed to create a unique and cohesive destination. Organizers believe the project, when completed, will establish Dallas as one of the world’s premier destinations for conferences and all types of events.

Planning is already underway for a multi-purpose sports stadium in Mauldin, South Carolina.  The project will be led by officials from the City and Greenville County officials. The project currently carries a projected cost of approximately $39 million. The multi-sport stadium will be built on 6 acres of land located near BridgeWay Station.  When completed it will have between 8,000 and 10,000 seats for spectators and be owned by the county. Planning documents outline an expectation of more than 150 events per year and the Greenville Triumph soccer team will be one of the anchor tenants.

A new student performing arts center with a projected cost of $75 million will be constructed on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. An architectural firm was engaged earlier, and the design phase has been completed. The construction launch is anticipated for 2024 and a project completion deadline has been set for 2027. The new building will include a 37,300-square foot facility with a 300-seat theater, an orchestra pit, a 125-seat studio theater, space for five rehearsal studios, and a loading dock. There is ample time for interested private sector contractors to engage with stakeholders and university officials.

City officials in Indianapolis, Indiana plan to expand the existing convention center and incorporate a new hotel which will be located just across the street.  The hotel will be 40 stories tall, and it will house 800 rooms.  The planning and design phase for the project is complete and a cost projection of $625 million is anticipated.  Some components of the project are likely to be ready for bidding in 2023. Additional solicitation documents will be released in 2024.

Another stadium renovation project is planned for a facility that will be known in the future as the new Lady of Our Lourdes Stadium in Lafayette, Louisiana. This project has a projected cost of somewhere between $45 million to $65 million. The initiative will include numerous upgrades to the existing facility including construction of a new tower and numerous other components.  Construction will include the development of a new club level area, an enlarged press box, expanded premium seating, new lighting, enhanced sound systems, office spaces and a new videoboard. A new outdoor façade is also planned. Once demolition and construction commence, completion of the renovation could take up to 24 months, but the hope is that the stadium can be ready for the 2025 football season.

Construction, engineering, planning, technology, equipment, and development firms should take check locally about similar planned projects.  Most states have numerous city and county officials either interested in or planning convention center expansion, stadiums, performing arts centers, or a sports complex project.