Robert "Sonny" Hill Community Center |
Cincinnati, Ohio
When people think about a successful construction project, they often focus on what happens in the field. But some of the most important decisions are made long before construction begins.
At Universal Contracting Corporation, we believe preconstruction is where projects are truly won. The Robert “Sonny” Hill Community Center renovation and expansion is a perfect example of how collaboration, creativity, and early planning can deliver significant value to an owner before the first shovel ever hits the ground.
A Community Investment
The Robert “Sonny” Hill Community Center was envisioned as an expanded resource for the Middletown community, providing new spaces for recreation, family services, and community programming.
As Construction Manager at Risk, Universal partnered with Brandstetter Carroll and the project team to deliver a comprehensive renovation and expansion that included:
- A new 4,000 SF Family Services addition
- A new 14,000 SF gymnasium with a stage and locker rooms
- Structural steel and masonry construction
- PEMB
- Roofing for both existing and new facilities
- Wood athletic flooring and gym equipment
- Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems
- Interior and exterior renovations
- Complete sitework and landscaping improvements
After an 18-month construction schedule, the $6.7 million project was completed on time, providing the community with a modern facility designed to serve residents for years to come.
Looking Beyond the Plans
Universal’s role extended well beyond estimating costs.
During preconstruction, our team carefully evaluated the original design and identified an opportunity to improve both efficiency and value.
The initial concept called for two separate building additions. While functional, the design required:
- Extensive demolition
- Independent foundations
- Separate structural steel systems
- Multiple mobilizations
- Increased construction complexity
Rather than simply pricing the drawings, our preconstruction team worked collaboratively with the owner and architect to evaluate alternative solutions.
One Smarter Solution
Universal proposed connecting the east and west additions into one integrated structure.
This redesign maintained the project’s vision while creating a significantly more efficient building.
The revised approach allowed the project to:
- Reduce demolition
- Share foundation systems
- Utilize one structural steel system
- Simplify the building envelope
- Streamline construction sequencing
- Reduce overall construction costs
The result was more than $300,000 in project savings before construction even began.
Those savings allowed the project to move forward under budget while providing valuable contingency funds throughout construction, giving the owner greater financial flexibility and reducing overall project risk.
Why Preconstruction Matters
Too often, preconstruction is viewed as simply developing an estimate.
At Universal, we see it differently.
Our preconstruction process is designed to challenge assumptions, identify opportunities, evaluate alternatives, and collaborate with owners and design partners to maximize value before construction begins. We also take an active role in managing the preconstruction schedule by coordinating design milestones, estimating updates, permitting, procurement, and owner decisions to keep projects moving forward. By maintaining accountability throughout preconstruction, we help preserve critical groundbreaking dates and ensure the project transitions seamlessly into construction.
Sometimes that means identifying cost savings.
Sometimes it means reducing schedule risk.
Sometimes it means improving constructability.
Sometimes it means keeping the project on track so construction can begin as planned.
Every project is different, but the goal is always the same: deliver the greatest value possible for the owner while creating a clear path from concept to construction.
What Our Partners Say
Phil Schilfarth, Vice President and Division Principal at Brandstetter Carroll, experienced that collaborative approach firsthand:
“Working with Universal Contracting Corporation (UCC) has resulted in a very productive and efficient team experience. They always over-promised and over-delivered on their duties. Their pre-construction services are honestly the best that I have experienced. Where many contractors think they can CM, the UCC Team ‘does’ CM. I would be extremely pleased and eager to work with them again as I know they will follow through with transparency, clear communication, and precision.”
Building Value Before We Build
The Robert “Sonny” Hill Community Center stands today as a vibrant community resource, but its success started long before construction began.
Through thoughtful planning, collaborative problem-solving, and a commitment to delivering value, Universal helped create a better project for the owner and the community.
Because the best projects aren’t just built well.
They’re planned well.
