Challenge

This project faced challenges related to an aggressive schedule that required construction of the new aquatics facility during the pool offseason. The goal was to demolish the existing facility and rebuild the new one without losing any time of operation. Therefore, construction and occupancy activities were confined to an 8-month period over the winter months.

Success

Northstar effectively managed the design and bidding process in order to maximize the time available for construction. This provided the selected constructor the opportunity to immediately mobilize and commence work upon seasonal pool closing. Two week look-ahead schedules were utilized throughout the project to track overall progress. This tool provided a method to quickly assess how the project was trending against the overall construction schedule and allowed the project team and Owner the advance warning to make real-time changes to correct lagging critical path activities. In addition, a change management process was designed with threshold levels of approval that provided timely decision authority that contributed to maintaining the project schedule. Ultimately, with a focus on detailed planning, process checks, and timely decision-making, the project was completed in time for Opening Day of the 2012 swim season.