Bringing the Vision into Focus: Realigning a Natatorium Project Through Partnership and Precision

Understanding the Overages

The final design had grown beyond what was originally outlined in the bond package. Natatoriums carry high per-square-foot costs by nature, and the selected site—raw, undeveloped land—added substantial infrastructure needs that weren’t fully anticipated early on. This combination created a significant financial gap.

Listening First, Then Leading

Rather than rush to cut or compromise, we gathered the full team: architects, engineers, district stakeholders, and our internal leads. With the architect also having played a role in bond planning, we were able to directly compare original assumptions to the evolving design.

That collaborative review surfaced smart, strategic opportunities. One of the most impactful involved reevaluating a large, non-code-required parking lot. The lot had been added to accommodate event overflow but contributed to a significant increase in both paving and stormwater management costs. By reallocating that scope across adjacent projects, we helped reduce the natatorium’s share of those expenses.

We also worked with MEP engineers to right-size the geothermal system—cutting energy system costs in half while still honoring the district’s long-term sustainability goals.

Real Results, Clear Direction

The result of this process wasn’t just cost reduction—it was clarity. The project now stands roughly $2.3 million over budget, down from $18 million, with the district choosing to proceed, confident in the direction and supported by updated estimates trending lower.

A Lesson in Timing and Trust

This project reaffirmed the value of early involvement and honest conversations. Had program management been included sooner, many of the scope-to-budget misalignments might have been caught earlier. Still, with the right team and a shared commitment to solutions, the project is now back on track—and stronger for it.