News & Insights

In 2016, Jacksonville State University (JSU) called in B&D to advise on how to best construct and pay for a new state-of-the-art Recreation and Fitness Center. From there, the process flew:

• September 2016 – B&D presents to JSU’s Board
• January 2017 – JSU’s Board unanimously approves the project
• September 2017 – Groundbreaking
• January 2019 – Ribbon cutting

Not only was this a fast-paced project, it had a lot of moving parts. B&D led the project definition process, managed procurement to determine the right design and construction partners, and navigated the financing structure to confirm the best approach for the school—ultimately a P3 with the JSU Foundation. B&D also provided strategic leadership during the planning process, provided risk and quality management throughout the design and construction processes, and acted as liaison between JSU and the JSU Foundation during construction and close-out.

The $32M (hard cost), 101,000 ft² facility, which celebrated its formal grand opening on January 28^th, will boost JSU’s recruitment and retention efforts, and serve as a gathering space for current students. It will also create approximately 150 student jobs, and will be operated by CENTERS, LLC, a management company that focuses exclusively on campus recreation for colleges and universities.