Albuquerque Chapter: Bernalillo County @ Alvarado Square Case Study

The Bernalillo County @ Alvarado Square project was a true Design-Build project experience that included a two-part Design-Build team selection process, fast-track existing building investigation, design of a new ground-up County Commission’s Chambers, and extensive remodel of the existing office building.

With perspectives from both the DB and Owners teams, this presentation will walk you through the stages of the project’s DB team selection process. The team will then touch on the design process once awarded, the construction phase, adapting to owner requested changes, and dealing with pandemic-related concerns during the project.

Project Description:

Delivered through a Design-Build Done Right partnership with HB Construction, the Bernalillo County @ Alvarado Square project delivered a new headquarters for the County. The project includes the renovation of an approximately 280,000sf existing, eight-story tower and the construction of a new 12,000sf Chamber building with a single entry that unites the two buildings into one cohesive facility and revitalizes the neighborhood in Downtown Albuquerque.

The Design-Build team incorporated the County’s goals of bringing all of the County’s customer services and over 800 employees together into one building and adding a new Commission Chambers that is welcoming, efficient, and secure. The facility also achieves the County’s goal of accommodating its multi-cultural population through its efficient business processes, transparency, welcoming lobbies and multi-functional spaces, and display of the County’s art collection. For employees, the facility design promotes interdepartmental interaction and incorporates considerations for occupant health and wellness, achieving the state’s first 2-star Fitwel rating. A fitness center, employee wellness clinic, rooftop terrace, and on-site café also support staff wellbeing, recruitment, and retention.

The DB team created visuals, budgets, construction schedules, and presentations for open meetings to inform the Commissioners and the community of the project. They worked extensively with multiple stakeholders to develop public interface strategies and innovative workspace solutions including change management strategies for the move from private office to an open office environment. This project is on track to receive at least a LEED Silver rating.