The challenge
Northville Township had been experiencing tremendous growth, and its public facilities were straining to keep pace with the demands placed upon them. After civic leadership performed a facility needs analysis, they determined that the Township needed a new township hall and fire station, along with expanded police facilities.
Northville Township engaged Plante Moran Realpoint (PMR), formerly Plante Moran Cresa, to assist with developing a project that met current and projected needs — and that could be built on a large ($1.2 million) parcel of donated land. Exacerbating the challenge was a desired millage proposal that had failed twice, forcing the Township to achieve its goals without exceeding the available millage capacity.
The solution
PMR's competitive bidding approach permitted the Township to afford a larger township hall than originally anticipated. Relying on PMR's contracts and processes, the Township saved more than $1 million in change order expenses alone.
The benefit
Using careful analysis, effective communication among stakeholders, and efficient project management, PMR helped the Township build a cost-effective municipal complex — totaling 80,000 square feet over all three projects — that will serve the community for decades.