The

YMCA

A partnership rooted in values.
The YMCA is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening individuals and communities across the country. Dedicated to creating opportunities that promote growth for all individuals, the ORB and YMCA partnership has connected deeply on the shared values and mission to strengthen the communities in which these infrastructures exist. It is this vision that has been the guiding compass to success throughout every unique YMCA partnership.

20+ years of continued connection.
Since 2002, we have had a connection to YMCA’s through board member and committee participation as volunteers. Throughout these 20+ years of involvement, we have watched the “YMCA Movement” continue to grow, and are honored to be a part of each of our partners' continued journeys.

YMCA project nuances.
The YMCA is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening individuals and communities across the country. Dedicated to contributing to a stronger, more cohesive community for all, the ORB and YMCA partnership has connected deeply on shared values and mission.

20+ years

of active YMCA involvement through personal and professional participation.

18+ YMCA

partnerships throughout the country for over a decade.

feature

COOK COUNTY, DULUTH YMCA

A collaboration between Cook County, City of Grand Marais, ISD 166 and Duluth YMCA.

This collaborative project started as a dream by the City of Grand Marais to build a community center. It became a reality after an approved Local Sales Tax referendum in Cook County. Chosen among 6 other Owner’s Representative firms, ORB’s growing rapport and knowledge of community centers sealed the partnership. With a need to engage stakeholders, onboard community support, and secure a facility with longevity in mind, ORB stood before the city council and informed them on their options, including the option that was ultimately chosen — the proposed center to be managed under the Duluth YMCA. With a proven track record of success throughout countless communities and supportive facts by ORB, the notion was approved. The post-site analysis resulted in a partnership with ISD 166. During this collaboration, an underutilized portion of the school building was renovated. Ultimately, the county created a lasting structure with security under the Duluth YMCA management, while enabling fiscal benefits for the school, and a holistic haven for community members.

LETTERS OF REFERENCE

Emily Marshall
Branch Executive Director
Cook County Community YMCA

SUE HAKES
Steering Committee Chair
Cook County Community Center

Chris Francis
President & CEO
Duluth Area Association of YMCAs

client

experience

“From my first meeting with ORB, I was impressed with their knowledge of the essential elements needed to successfully operate a YMCA. I would strongly recommend ORB to other YMCAs and non-profits that are looking at enhancing a current facility or are thinking of building a new one.”

Chris Francis President & CEO

Duluth Area Association of YMCAs

“ORB has been with us every step of the way: keeping us on track, assuring that decisions are made in a timely manner, making sure the scope of our project meets our budget, maximizing opportunities, following up on all of the many details, and keeping in close communication with leadership.”

Betsy McBride Executive Director

Itasca County Family YMCA

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Alexandria Area YMCA

Alexandria, MN | phase 1 & 2

A collaboration between Lakes Area Recreation Association, Douglas County Hospital, City of Alexandria, Young Peoples Place and YMCA.

ORB provided Construction Management Services for the Alexandria Area YMCA. The YMCA facility includes a full-service day care center, a lap pool, leisure pool with slide, suspended running track and state-of-the-art health center that overlooks the gymnasium, front lobby and pool.

YMCA Board & Committee Involvement

Feasibility analysis – conceptual planning / design / estimating
Capital campaign participation
Site analysis & land acquisition negotiations
Master program scheduling / space programming / FF& E planning
Design team solicitation / selection / process management
Executive Director search / selection assistance
Young People’s Place negotiations – Y childcare center / merger
Douglas County Hospital lease negotiations – physical therapy service
Negotiations w/ FCA to locate an office in the Y

Services

Construction Management
Liaison between Owner, architect, engineers and contractors
Professional construction advice, input and leadership on planning activities to facilitate decision-making leading up to the design phase
Site analysis and selection, preparation of pro forma and information needed to secure financing
Develop an overall facility needs assessment including future expansion planning
Solicit community input
Prepare total project cost budgets needed for feasibility and financing
Coordinate surveying and soil investigation reports
Participate in design review meetings with local officials
Development of responsibility matrix and master program schedule
Development of centralized cost management system for project
Design team solicitation, selection and management
Construction Management and Site Supervision
Value engineering recommendations
Comprehensive review and provide input on final construction bid documents
Monitor request for information (RFI) process
Coordinate temporary on-site facilities
Submit regular project updates and conduct weekly site construction meetings
Coordinate shop drawings and product approvals with architect and engineers
Observe construction for quality and conformance to documents
Coordinate inspections by Building Officials, architects and engineers
Manage punch list walk through and approval

Itasca County Family YMCA

GRAND RAPIDS, MN

A collaboration between ElderCircle, City of Grand Rapids, Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital and YMCA.

The Itasca County Family YMCA Advisory Committee named ORB as their Owner’s Representative for the planning, design and construction process of an expansion and renovation of their existing facility. The project includes an Active Living Center, clinic space, Adult Day Stay area and improvements to key YMCA program spaces. The Advisory Committee’s goal is to have the $4MM – $5MM project up and running by fall/winter of 2014.

Betsy McBride, Executive Director, on behalf of the Advisory Committee, stated that ORB was selected because the company has: 1) an outstanding track re cord advising on other YMCA projects; 2) the leadership skills and ability to align multiple stakeholder groups with common, unified goals; 3) shared values with the YMCA; and 4) demonstrated care for people and safety over care for just a project.

Wade Cole, ORB’s Project Manager, will facilitate and lead the project. According to Cole, “Qualifications bring opportunities. It’s the inta ngibles that create trusted partnerships and lastin g relationships. Equipped with our passion for excel lence and the YMCA mission, we are excited to help the Itasca Y and the Grand Rapids community expand their mission through this facility investment.

Services

Owners Representative
Liaison between Owner, architect, engineers and contractors
Advice, input and leadership on planning activities to facilitate decision-making
Development of responsibility matrix and master program schedule
Development of centralized cost management system for project
Design team solicitation, selection and management
Construction Manager solicitation, selection and management
Negotiation of Construction Manager’s Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP)
Value engineering recommendations
Comprehensive review and provide input on final construction bid documents
Monitor request for information (RFI) process

Cook County Community YMCA

Grand Marais, Minnesota

A collaboration between Cook County, City of Grand Marais, ISD 166 and Duluth YMCA.

The Cook County Community YMCA project began 10 years ago as a dream to build a Community Center in Grand Marais. In 2009, Cook County voters approved by referendum a 1% Local Option Sales Tax to construct and improve community centers and public recreation areas in Grand Marais, Tofte and Lutsen that transformed their dream into a reality.

ORB was selected on a qualifications basis over 6 other firms to be the Owner’s Representative and Construction Manager for the project. The selection committee stated three reasons why they chose ORB: “1) they have team-building and relationship s kills that set them apart from other firms; 2) their organizational skills, both on paper and in-person, were extraordinary; and 3) they have a lot of experience working on public projects and facilitating local involvement.

Unique Services

Assisted the County in developing a partnership with the Duluth Family YMCA. The YMCA validated operational expense projections and ensured stability within the management structure.
Assisted the County with settlement of a contract dispute between an aquatics consultant previously engaged by the City of Grand Marais who claimed breach of contract. The settlement ensured that the County and City would move forward with the project under a joint powers agreement.
Guided the County through a site analysis which ultimately led to a partnership with ISD 166. By attaching the Community Center to the school it is anticipated that the School District will save $300,000 in critical renovation costs and an additional $40,000 per year in maintenance and utility expenses.

Services

Owners Representative / Construction Management
Liaison between Owner, architect, engineers and contractors
Professional construction advice, input and leadership on planning activities to facilitate decision-making leading up to the design phase
Site analysis and selection, preparation of pro forma and information needed to secure financing
Develop an overall facility needs assessment including future expansion planning
Solicit community input
Prepare total project cost budgets needed for feasibility and financing
Coordinate surveying and soil investigation reports
Participate in design review meetings with local officials
Development of responsibility matrix and master program schedule
Development of centralized cost management system for project
Design team solicitation, selection and management
Construction Management and Site Supervision
Value engineering recommendations
Comprehensive review and provide input on final construction bid documents
Monitor request for information (RFI) process
Coordinate temporary on-site facilities
Submit regular project updates and conduct weekly site construction meetings
Coordinate shop drawings and product approvals with architect and engineers
Observe construction for quality and conformance to documents
Coordinate inspections by Building Officials, architects and engineers
Manage punch list walk through and approval
Administer warranty work throughout warranty period

unique projects. tested services.

While each project is unique, we provide data-driven solutions for the physical, functional and financial metrics for all of our partnerships. Learn about our areas of expertise.

Wayfinding

Featured: YMCA Projects

The

YMCA

20+ years

18+ YMCA

feature

COOK COUNTY, DULUTH YMCA

LETTERS OF REFERENCE

client

experience

explore these

YMCA

features

Alexandria Area YMCA

Alexandria, MN | phase 1 & 2

YMCA Board & Committee Involvement

Services

Itasca County Family YMCA

GRAND RAPIDS, MN

Services

Cook County Community YMCA

Grand Marais, Minnesota

Unique Services

Services

unique projects. tested services.

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