HPM, acting as construction manager and advisor, has completed a $15 million renovation project involving two buildings on Drake State Community & Technical College’s campus in Huntsville.
The firm provided preconstruction services, project management, field coordination and closeout services on the library building and building 700, which will house the school’s growing nursing program.
“The new library and nursing school facilities at Drake State Community & Technical College will greatly enhance student life and overall campus involvement,” said Ryan Austin, HPM president, adding it was the firm’s first project with Drake State.
The three-story library was renovated on the first and second floors and now includes space for financial aid, admissions and advising offices; a testing center; campus bookstore; game room and lounge areas for students and the library. The third floor, where campus administration offices are, received new paint and ceiling upgrades.
The school’s nursing program, which had outgrown its former building, now has four large-skill labs; two simulation labs; conference rooms and offices for the faculty and staff. With HPM’s guidance on budget allotment, the nursing school was able to purchase $400,000 worth of new equipment with savings, including additional beds, training mannequins and medical charts.
In a separate project package, HPM also oversaw the overhaul of the mechanical yard attached to building 700, including the installation of two chillers and new electrical equipment, doubling its size, which will allow for future growth on campus.
“Our updated library and the transformation of building 700 to accommodate our expanding nursing programs will enhance student experiences and cultivate a dynamic learning environment,” said Patricia Sims, president of Drake State. “We extend our appreciation to HPM for their expertise and dedication throughout this project, which will impact our students for years to come.”
Based in Birmingham, HPM has a total management portfolio value of more than $1 billion annually. Its clients include education, aerospace, automotive, sports and entertainment venues, commercial, industrial and government entities.
