Category: Cultural & Entertainment

North Alabama NAWIC Chapter #396 Officially Chartered

Posted on April 10, 2024

March 28, 2024, marked a pivotal milestone for the North Alabama community as Chapter #396 of National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) was officially chartered. To commemorate the occasion, a celebration was held at 106 Jefferson Hotel in Huntsville. Members from NAWIC’s National, Nashville and Greater Birmingham chapters witnessed as chartering members were sworn in.

Among the eight women inducted as the inaugural North Alabama Board of Directors was HPM‘s Sarah Logan, who is serving as the chapter’s first Vice President. Amidst her colleagues, Sarah is known for providing exemplary project management services, most recently completing a dual-facility renovation project at Drake State Community & Technical College.

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve as the inaugural Vice President for the NAWIC North Alabama Chapter #396″, said Sarah. “More than anything, I look forward to connecting with fellow females in the industry as we link arms to pursue and advocate for meaningful opportunities for women in construction.”

Additional officers for the inaugural calendar year include Sara Beth Wilcox as President, Alexa Toler as President-Elect, Mary Seldon Luther as Secretary, Kasi Phillips as Treasurer, and Maurene Hanner and Andrea Simpson as Directors.

NAWIC was created by 16 founding members in the Fort Worth area in 1953. The organization’s mission from day one remains its purpose today: to advocate for the value and impact of women in construction. With more than 115 chapters across the nation, the organization has grown exponentially over the past 71 years.

March Madness: Community Involvement Version

Posted on March 27, 2024

The month of March has been full of community involvement opportunities at HPM. We are grateful for the multitude of organizations that exist to better the communities in which we live and work. Whether rolling up our sleeves to cook chili, attending events or hitting the golf course, it has been a privilege to support outstanding causes as a team across our footprint. Take a moment to learn more about the dedicated organizations we partnered with this month!

It’s Better than Good… It’s Exceptional

HPM’s Birmingham office kicked off the month with a strong start at The Exceptional Foundation‘s 20th Annual Chili Cookoff. With over 70 participating teams, the event saw unprecedented involvement this year. On top of supporting a great cause, we were proud to take home third place for our “HPM’s Chili Madness” recipe. The Exceptional Foundation provides year-round social and recreational services for adults and children with special needs. Their programs provide unique opportunities to promote healthy living, strong social relationships and community involvement. Learn more about getting involved with this impactful organization in the Magic City.

Beat Cancer, Eat Chili!

The following weekend, HPM’s Mobile team brought their chili game in support of the American Cancer Society. The group went all out for the theme, kept their eyes on the prize, and, most importantly, raised funds for a life-saving cause. As an added bonus, we defended our reigning champion status, taking home first place in our category. Thank you, ACS for allowing us to partner with you in your valiant effort to find a cure. Be sure to check out the organization’s volunteer opportunities.

Tomorrow’s Construction Leaders

HPM team members, Melissa Bradley and Sara Chapman participated in Read Across Montgomery Public Schools Week. The district added an exciting twist, focusing on career exploration through reading. Melissa and Sara leveraged this occasion to teach first graders about the many job opportunities in the construction field. They read the children’s book “Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site”, and conducted a coloring activity centered around hard hat safety. It was a privilege to spend time with the next generation of leaders. Thank you, Forest Avenue Magnet Elementary School for having us!

Bold Futures

Next on the agenda was sponsoring and attending Girls Inc.‘s Bold Futures Breakfast. Participants in the program, ranging from fourth-grade to high-school seniors shared stories of the organization’s impact on their personal confidence, character and career goals. Girls Inc. equips girls and young women to reach their full potential while advocating with and for them to end inequity and discrimination. With a presence in more than 350 cities in the United States and Canada, there are endless ways to serve this world-changing organization. Find your affiliate and learn more about involvement opportunities.

Shining Stars Gala

Our Texas team was pleased to support Round Rock ISD‘s 23rd annual Shining Stars Gala, “An Evening in Paradise!” Attendees gathered to celebrate the district’s successful growth strides while raising support for continued progress in the years to come. HPM considers it a great privilege to be a part of the vibrant, thriving community of Round Rock, TX.

Leading with the Lions

Last, but certainly not least, our Huntsville team participated in UNA‘s North Alabama Football Golf Tournament. Proceeds from the event will benefit the university’s upcoming project, Bank Independent Stadium, for which HPM is providing program management and owners’ representation services. We look forward to continuing to interact with the Florence/Shoals community as this project is brought to life!

Birmingham Named a Top City for Sports Events

Posted on March 19, 2024

Sports Business Journal recently named Birmingham a top city for sports events. Having managed the construction of Birmingham’s three largest and newest sports venues, HPM is remarkably proud of this recognition. Cities received credit for major events hosted, annual drafts, attendance, and that’s right, new or renovated venues.

A New Era in the Magic City

HPM served as the owner’s representative for the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center as they invested $330 million in transformative sports & entertainment projects. The scope included the construction of brand new, 45,000-seat Protective Stadium. This premier facility is home to the UAB Blazers, the Birmingham Stallions and Birmingham Legion. HPM served as the eyes and ears for ownership, continuing a distinguished track record of successful execution of high-profile capital projects across Alabama. Protective Stadium has positioned Birmingham as a top regional and national destination for meetings and conventions while also generating new opportunities to host a variety of top-tier sports and entertainment events.

A Landmark Revitalized

Furthermore, the BJCC called upon HPM to provide program management services on the holistic renovation of Legacy Arena. Home to Birmingham Squadron, this facility was constructed in 1976. Desperately in need of updates, HPM stepped in to oversee $102 million of improvements to the building’s interior and exterior. A glass-and-steel facade providing natural light and expanded space was added to the facility’s entrance. Landscaping and new paint colors gave the exterior the fresh look the owner was seeking. Inside, fans now enjoy club-level boxes, VIP suites, modern seating and enhanced concessions. These updates give Legacy Arena the capability to serve Birmingham’s residents, visitors and touring talent for decades to come.

An Economic Boom

Over a decade ago, HPM was sought out to manage the construction of a new home for the Birmingham Barons. This project was unique in that it was a strategic effort to catalyze economic revival in downtown Birmingham. Plans were drawn for the facility to include 8,500 seats, 26 luxury boxes, a picnic section, a children’s area and more. In spite of various hurdles, HPM kept work moving smoothly, allowing first pitch to happen right in time for opening day. In numerous ways, the city took a chance making a substantial investment in a luxury ballpark. Eleven years later, this recognition proves the success of the endeavor.

HPM to Manage $40 Million Recreation Center Project in Shelby County

Posted on March 18, 2024

The article below was written and shared by Birmingham Business Journal.

The city of Alabaster, AL is in the planning phases of bringing a $40 million recreation center to life over the next year.

The city has partnered with Birmingham-based HPM, a program management firm, to provide pre-construction and project management services for the construction of the city’s first comprehensive community recreation center.

The 118,000-square-foot recreation center will include an indoor facility with multiple meeting rooms, gyms, workout spaces and a walking trail. Outdoor facilities will feature two pools, renovated football and softball facilities, walking trails and a splash pad. Other components of the development include a new library that’s three to four times the size of the current facility and space for retail on the southern end of the project site.

Construction on the new development, which will be located at the intersection of Highway 119 and Thompson Road, is expected to start early 2025.

According to HPM’s vice president for the East region, Brooks Ballentine, the firm is starting the project with the end in mind while considering the most efficient and effective way to get there.

“It does take a lot of partners that HPM and the city are working with, from architects and engineers and other consultants,” said project manager Charles Phillips. “Really, HPM’s role as project managers and preconstruction managers is making sure that all parties are communicating effectively, and working and aligned to that same goal.”

Timing is critical for the project to stay on schedule and within budget. Delaying any project could cost an owner millions due to the cost and availability of materials and possibility of inflationary changes during the process. HPM monitors cost trends, inflation trends and makes recommendations for early procurement needs to project current construction costs and lock in a schedule.

Discussions are ongoing with the city of Alabaster and other project partners to factor in several considerations in terms of planning, such as relocating existing occupants ahead of work beginning, utilities services and potential future uses of the retail space, parking and access, topography challenges, and how the project will impact traffic and other nearby businesses and destinations.

“You’ve really got to look at it holistically,” Ballentine said. “You can’t really do any one piece by itself.”

HPM was selected as a partner on this project earlier this year and is actively moving forward, meeting with utilities providers and working with CMH Architects in the design phase.

“We came in at the right time and we’re super happy Alabaster trusted us to be part of this process, especially so early. That’s where we can provide the most value to owners — when they allow us to come in very early in the pre-planning and pre-construction design phase and really advise them and partner with all their community,” Phillips said.

HPM Celebrates 26th Annual Women in Construction Week

Posted on March 1, 2024

HPM is pleased to celebrate Women in Construction Week, an annual observance initiated by the National Association of Women in Construction March 3-9. The first Women in Construction Week was held in 1998. Awareness of the observance has increased exponentially over the past 26 years. Today, men and women in the construction industry recognize this week nationwide. This is an important time for construction companies of all shapes and sizes to show support for their female employees.

Women in Construction Week Events

The National Association of Women in Construction offers virtual events each day of the week, as well as events by region. This year’s topics of conversation include opportunities for tradeswomen, DE&I and leadership in the industry.

In addition to encouraging employees to attend NAWIC events, HPM is hosting an internal event curated for female employees. Women across the company’s footprint plan to participate in a virtual workshop Elevating Confidence and Building Leaders. The course is centered around navigating a male-dominated field as a woman. Emotional intelligence skills such as self-awareness, assertiveness and empathy are incorporated into the curriculum, as well as leadership skill building. HPM’s core values also inform the content.

Building Women

The steering committee of HPM’s Building Women initiative is hosting the workshop. Building Women was created in early 2023 in effort to create a more inclusive and diverse workplace, where everyone feels welcome and valued. The group holds professional development, networking, and community service events throughout the year. HPM’s female employees enjoy a unique camaraderie as a result of the professional and relational opportunities Building Women provides.

The Forum

In October, HPM hosted the Inaugural Building Women Forum. Attendees found the opportunity to gather in one place with their female colleagues to be invaluable. Company leadership presented on various topics impacting females in the workforce, imparting wisdom, vision and inspiration, including self-advocacy in the workplace, work-life integration, strategic communication and more. HPM is committed to continuing this forum, providing an equitable platform to discuss challenges related to the ever-evolving corporate landscape and providing innovative solutions for advancing women within the company and beyond.

HPM to Manage Construction of City of Alabaster’s Community Center

Posted on February 19, 2024

The City of Alabaster, a suburb of Birmingham, Ala. has announced plans to construct a large-scale community recreation center. The need for a facility of this nature has arisen from a considerable surge in the area’s population. Alabaster is home to about 35,000 residents. This will be the city’s first comprehensive community recreation center. As more families continue to flock to Alabaster, revitalization of the area’s amenities has become a top priority.

Partners for Success

HPM was selected by the City Council to partner with the City of Alabaster in this endeavor. The program management firm will provide preconstruction and project management services. The City of Alabaster will rely on HPM to provide guidance throughout the design phase and the construction phase, ensuring the protection of the project’s budget, schedule and quality. HPM’s vast experience in sports & recreation and municipal projects is sure to prove beneficial to city leaders.

A One-Stop Shop for the City of Alabaster

A true “one-stop-shop” for the community, the area will include indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, an aquatic center, a library and space for retail development. The 118,000-square-foot indoor facility will include multiple meeting rooms, gyms, workout spaces and an indoor walking trail. Outside, visitors can enjoy two pools, renovated football and softball facilities, walking trails and a long-awaited splash pad. Adequate parking is factored into the design plans.

Additionally, the new library will be 3-4 times the size of the city’s current facility. Community members who have grown accustomed to enjoying the events and programming put on by the local library are in for a treat, as events will continue on a larger scale.

Location, Location, Location

The plot of land purchased to house the complex is located on the corner of Highway 119 and Thompson Road. Adjacent to the location are the city’s brand-new police station, City Hall, and senior center. These amenities will allow city residents to eat, play and conduct business within the span of a few blocks.

“The City of Alabaster looks forward to offering residents a comprehensive city center downtown”, said Neal Wagner, Public Relations Manager for the City of Alabaster. “Our goal is to provide a place that will meet the needs of all community members, and city leaders are working diligently to make that goal a reality.”

The Land: A Symbol of Growth for the City of Saraland

Posted on February 8, 2024

The City of Saraland

Saraland, AL has experienced exponential growth in recent years. With a renowned school system, many young families have chosen to call the community home. The uptick in population, a hefty percentage of which is children, combined with the increased desire for community-oriented recreational facilities following the pandemic revealed a need within the city. Subsequently, the vision for The Land was born. Plans for the large-scale facility were approved in 2022, and the preparation process began.

Collaborating with HPM

HPM is representing the City of Saraland from conception to completion. Our team began working on the project immediately upon hire, providing preconstruction services. The preconstruction team worked with city officials to optimize the selected 80-acre plot of land, while maximizing the impact of the allotted budget. After finalizing plans, construction officially got started towards the end of 2023, with the goal of opening the outdoor space in late 2024.

As construction continues, HPM is sitting at the helm providing project management services. Our Project Managers are diligently monitoring progress, ensuring milestones are met with quality. It is our job to protect the interest of the City of Saraland throughout all phases of the project’s lifespan.

All About The Land

With a budget of $72 million the City of Saraland plans to pull out all the stops for its citizens. City leadership understands the need for a facility of this nature in their area, and they want to make sure to get it right. The outdoor portion of The Land offers youth-sized baseball/softball fields, multipurpose fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts and walking trails. Additionally, the indoor facility includes a fitness center, basketball courts, a climbing wall and meeting spaces. Undoubtedly, The Land has something for community members of all ages to enjoy. HPM is proud to serve as a trusted partner to the city, providing a beautiful and sustainable complex for many future generations to enjoy.

HPM Project, The Laurel Hotel and Spa Earns AAA Ultimate Luxury Five Diamond Recognition

Posted on November 14, 2023

AAA recently awarded The Laurel Hotel And Spa, located in the The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center on campus at Auburn University with a five-diamond rating, indicating ultimate luxury. The Laurel is the first hotel in the state of Alabama to be given this recognition, and one of only 89 total recognized hotels in the United States. AAA deems five diamond hotels their “crown jewel”, reserving this indicator for only the most extravagant accommodations. In total, 119 hotels worldwide are given this distinction.

The Laurel occupies the fifth and sixth floors of the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, a facility for which HPM provided the full spectrum of program management services throughout construction, including quality assurance, procurement and preconstruction, schedule and budget controls and safety compliance. HPM oversaw logistics for aspects of the project being managed by numerous vendors, ensuring that cohesion and strategy were cornerstones throughout the entire process.

The Laurel is a key component of one of the Southeast’s most innovative facilities, seeking to blend academia, hospitality, culinary excellence and retail spaces into a marquee location on the Auburn University campus. The hotel provides advanced education and training for students seeking success in hospitality, culinary arts, event management and beverage appreciation.

Housed in the facility is the exclusive 1856, the country’s first tasting-menu-only teaching restaurant- a unique and elevated experience where education meets exceptional dining. The hotel’s rooftop features a beautiful infinity pool, bar and lounge area for guests to enjoy as they enjoy an unmatched view of Auburn’s campus.

Learn more about HPM’s work on the facility here!

HPM Johnson Brings Holistic Program Management Services to Georgia

Posted on November 29, 2022

HPM and Atlanta-based Johnson Construction Services have announced a structured joint venture as HPM Johnson. The strategic partnership delivers holistic and integrated program management, flexible and scalable owner’s representation, and a range of services across the construction lifecycle for new and ongoing projects throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area, throughout Georgia and the Southeast.

Dedicated to all aspects of program management, HPM Johnson provides assessment, planning, contracting and procurement, design and construction management, project controls and move and transition coordination — through to audit, occupancy and closeout. Its approach to program management incorporates a cyclical pattern of assessment and planning to bring about a more effective and efficient program management plan, and ultimately save time and money for its clients.

“Both individually and collectively, the team behind HPM Johnson already possesses a proven track record of program management triumphs within the Atlanta market,” said Johnson Construction Services President and CEO Artis Johnson, an Atlanta native. “Our advantage now lies in our partnership’s ability to execute projects of any size or complexity, while offering access to management and leadership only a firm our size can offer.”

Johnson continued, “Relationships are the driving force behind our business, and our purpose is to represent the interests of owners and bring home success for our clients.”

HPM Johnson brings a combined 55 years of program management experience to Metro Atlanta, having worked with several high-profile clients in the market. Johnson Construction Services was founded in Atlanta in 1993, with a portfolio of projects ranging from education facilities to historic preservation projects. HPM originated out of an 80-year-old Hoar Construction and began our owner’s representation services more than 25 years ago, serving K-12, higher education, local and municipal entities, industrial and manufacturing, and additional sectors throughout the Southeast. After connecting and discovering similarities in each company’s core values and business approaches, HPM President Ryan Austin and Johnson decided to merge services in the Atlanta area and began pursuing partnership opportunities in early 2022.

Visiting a Piece of Civil Rights History During The World Games: HPM’s Jalal Slade’s Feature in AL.com

Posted on August 10, 2022

As The World Games buzz took over Birmingham and the entire state of Alabama, local leaders and organizations also shifted their focus to honoring the triumphs and challenges of Black athletes and the civil rights movement in Alabama. Multiple exhibits and displays were created around the city highlighting the achievements, obstacles and contributions of Black innovators and the history of athletic competitions in the Southern states.

At the historic A.G. Gaston Motel, a new wing housed an exhibit called “A.G. Gaston, Black Power is Green,” about the life and legacy of the motel’s owner, A.G. Gaston. HPM’s director of program development Jalal Slade and his family visited the motel and other historical sites in the area, after traveling from Atlanta to attend The World Games opening ceremony and watch some of the sporting events in action. While at the motel, Slade and his family stood in the same spots as iconic civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Check out the full article from AL.com featuring Slade’s visit to the Birmingham civil rights district and other monumental sites around town.

HPM encouraged our employees to partake in the various activities around town leading up to and during The World Games, for which we proudly served as the official program management partner. Our team fully embraced the many ways Birmingham displayed its history and educated visitors from around the nation and world on important moments that have shaped the timeline of our country and beyond. The World Games was a monumental event for Birmingham (and the biggest international sports competition in the South since the 1996 Olympics), and HPM has been delighted to play a role in bringing The Games to our hometown.

To read how we helped transform existing parks and facilities around the city into world-class sporting venues, visit our blog about HPM’s work on this high-profile project.