Savannah, Georgia

Client
Chatham County

Architect
TVS, Hansen, Hayes- Robinson, Rosser Fabrap

Construction Cost
$76.5 million

Size
345,000-SF

Delivery Method
Construction Management

Completion Date
June 2000

Skanska was construction manager for this convention center project in Savannah for Chatham County, Georgia. The Savannah International Trade and Convention Center is a landmark addition to Savannah’s economic and convention trade. Skanska was chosen for the project after an exhaustive selection process. The Savannah International Trade & Convention Center features 100,000-SF of customizable exhibit space with 35’ ceiling heights and clear spans of 90’ X 120’. An additional 50,000-SF of meeting space can accommodate large general sessions or up to 17 smaller groups. Other facilities include a 25,000-SF ballroom, 400-seat amphitheater/auditorium with state of the art AV equipment and four executive board rooms.
Skanska teamed with architect, Thompson Ventulett Stainback (TVS) during the pre-construction phase, which was completed in July 1997. Our knowledge of the design and construction issues related to this project will be a significant benefit to other river and water front assignments. Working with the design team, the Skanska pre-construction services team identified roughly $7.2 million in cost savings from the original schematic design budget estimate of $62 million. The savings were significant because the project, as designed, exceeded the county’s original $55 million budget. The savings consisted of roughly 35 separate items, none of which exceeded $700,000, and which averaged  $100,000 to $200,000. The savings were primarily items that did not effect the aesthetic look or interior finishes–items such as improved foundation systems, mechanical, electrical and plumbing design, and alternate construction materials and procedures.