Establishing a new hub for transit-oriented development in the LaVilla neighborhood, the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center integrates local and regional bus networks, taxis, rental car services and an elevated rail system into one facility. Developed by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, the center created street connections to the neighborhood, a grand staircase point of entry and an elevated urban plaza for mixed-use retail spaces with scenic views of downtown Jacksonville. Following the contract award, additional scope and rising costs required continued value engineering. The team of Pond|Michael Baker International Joint Venture provided an all-inclusive design with enhanced focus on cost-consciousness. For example, the team reduced the size of public terraces, opting for a monumental staircase that would still express the design intent. Delivered under a construction manager at-risk method, the design team was able to collaborate directly with Balfour Beatty and the project’s fabricators, thereby retaining the project’s functional and aesthetic goals while delivering it on time and on budget.

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