October 22, 2024

Freese and Nichols Setting the Standard in Construction Management

Freese and Nichols has been recognized in ENR’s annual Top Professional Services Firms report, ranking 59th among the Top 100 Construction Management/PM-for-Fee Firms.

“With over 100 years of experience, our construction management philosophy is built to safeguard our clients throughout the building process,” said Practice Leader Rich Heine. “Whether we’re providing construction services for a project we’ve designed or acting as your third-party construction manager, we excel in managing risk and controlling costs. Our proven approach consistently results in projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and with minimal hassle for our clients.”

Below are four recent examples where Freese and Nichols is delivering construction management services.

SH 170 Enhancing Connectivity in Tarrant and Denton Counties

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has significantly enhanced the transportation infrastructure in Texas, particularly with the construction of main lanes and operational improvements along State Highway 170. This project spans approximately six miles from Interstate 35 West to State Highway 114, covering areas within Fort Worth and Westlake in Tarrant and Denton Counties. The improvements were driven by the need to accommodate land development and the resulting population and employment growth since the frontage roads were first built in 1992. The project included the construction of four main lanes, ramps to bypass intersections at key cross streets, and the removal of certain crossings to improve traffic flow and safety.

Since late 2020, Freese and Nichols, in collaboration with the TxDOT North Tarrant County Area Office, has managed and inspected the construction of the SH 170 project, which officially opened to traffic in early March 2024. The project’s success is attributed to the concerted efforts of a dedicated team, including Freese and Nichols as the Prime, 12 sub-consultant partners, the TxDOT management team, and Zachry Construction Corporation as the Prime Contractor. This collaborative effort has resulted in a project that not only meets current transportation needs but also anticipates future growth, marking a significant milestone in Texas’s infrastructure development.

Terminal Expansion at San Antonio International Airport

Freese and Nichols is providing program and construction management services for the $1.4 billion Terminal Development Program at San Antonio International Airport. This program is redeveloping existing facilities to accommodate the increasing demand for both domestic and international flights. The Terminal Development Program (TDP), set to be completed by 2028, includes the construction of a new Terminal C with up to 17 gates, terminal roadway alignment, and various support facilities such as a Centralized Receiving and Distribution Center, Ground Transportation Center, and Terminal C Parking Garage.

Freese and Nichols is overseeing the execution of various projects within the TDP, working as part of a city-led team that includes both City and Executive Program Manager staff. The program’s scope and complexity require specialized airport expertise and technical services that result in its success. The TDP also involves relocating employee parking and adding or relocating Remain Overnight aircraft parking, among other tasks resulting from Advanced Terminal Planning. This comprehensive development effort supports the airport’s growth and enhances its capacity to handle increased passenger and aircraft traffic.

Parker County Transportation Bond Program

For nearly 20 years, Freese and Nichols has supported Parker County in executing their Transportation Bond Program, completing more than 60 projects. The program, initiated in 2008, aims to address critical transportation infrastructure needs. A notable project, the East Loop of the Ric Williamson Memorial Highway, showcased innovative construction management techniques, including a dedicated construction documentation system and a modified traffic control plan to enhance safety. Originally scheduled for completion in November 2023, the project was finished ahead of time and opened in September 2023.

The East Loop project marked the conclusion of the 2016 Parker County Transportation Bond Program, with Freese and Nichols overseeing 25 transportation projects. Following the completion of the 2016 bond, voters approved a new $130 million bond on November 7, 2023, to fund 32 transportation projects aimed at improving community safety and mobility.

Improving Dallas Water Utilities Through Effective Construction Management

The City of Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) provides high-quality drinking water to 2.3 million people in Dallas and 27 nearby communities. For reliable and clean water services, ongoing improvements are necessary for maintaining and expanding water treatment plants and other key facilities. Over a five-year program, Freese and Nichols served as the Construction Manager for system-wide improvements across more than 24 water quality projects, including renovations of existing storage facilities and pump stations, as well as the construction of new treatment facilities at DWU’s three water treatment plants: East Side, Elm Fork, and Bachman.

The project team managed four major tasks: Constructability and Design Review Support for Shutdowns and Restrictions, Program Construction Management, Standardization and Training of the Construction Management Team and OPT, and Operations & Maintenance Commissioning and Startup Assistance. Their collaborative approach led to significant innovations and benefits, such as the use of e-Builder for efficient project management, the creation of a comprehensive Construction Management Manual, and the development of an organization-wide training program. These efforts resulted in better collaboration among city departments, increased performance at DWU facilities, and approximately 5% savings across the program’s lifespan.