"When programming started the second time, the key players were at the table, which allowed conversations that don't usually happen," says Rosenquist. That was helpful due to the "tremendous schedule pressure," she adds.

The panels were the schedule driver, to make the interior watertight as soon as possible. Says Gregor, "We were still going vertical with the structure, while we were ringing the lower floors with panels."

Mortenson met the tight schedule, thanks to the off-site strategy. And while the off-site work boosted productivity, it cost 6% more. Gregor attributes that to the fear factor in the bids of subcontractors, unaccustomed to off-site work. He expects prices to come down once subcontractors gain a comfort level that comes with experience.