2525 Ponce deLeon

Coral Gables, Florida

Leasing commitments dictated an extremely aggressive schedule for the construction of the 300,000 sf office building and 9-level parking structure. One of the challenges was completing the project within the prescribed time frame in a city known for its extensive involvement in the process. Typically cities limit their involvement to structural and life safety issues. Coral Gables was also intimately involved in aesthetic approvals, and required over 8,000 individual inspections during construction. The city was severely understaffed leading to significant approval delays. Hoar developed a plan and responded in two ways. First, we sent a representative to the area a full three months before construction started to understand City requirements and to establish a relationship with the city officials. After that, we constructed a complex matrix and instituted daily coordination meetings between designers and the city to expedite approvals. As a result, we met the schedule and the lead tenant moved in as planned.