The Fran Ryan Center

Project Description

This new two-level, 42,000 SF building will accommodate the operations of the Broad Street Arts Center, consolidating programs from the Golden Hobby and the Martin Janis Center, and will provide expanded programs and service offerings to Columbus residents. The facility, which will be built using a combination of load-bearing masonry with brick veneer and structural steel beams and columns, will house flexible studios and activity spaces for a variety of activities, including ceramics, painting, stained glass, lapidary, woodworking, model railroading, dance, and fitness. Other features will include kitchen and dining spaces, sales areas for participant-created items, storage, and public art installations. A new public park and surface parking will also be included on the 3.91-acre site.

VALUE MANAGEMENT

Despite a small initial budget-to-GMP variance, the final GMP included a $1 million Owner contingency and a two-story expansion, yielding over $2 million in savings through value engineering. Elford, brought in late, rapidly integrated low-impact VE strategies to prevent project delays. Proposed changes included: a revised site approach to avoid costly soil replacement, alternative glazing systems, slight MEP equipment modifications, and challenging non-mandatory scope reductions in Columbus city requirements.