New recreation complex poised to become region’s premier entertainment and sports hub while generating economic impact of $120 million annually
HPM announced today the completion of construction at the new Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater (SMPA) in Albertville, Alabama, a transformative project that will spur a new wave of economic development and entertainment opportunities in Albertville and the broader Sand Mountain region. The 135-acre sports, leisure, wellness and entertainment venue is expected to create more than 1,200 jobs while generating an annual economic impact of $120 million.
HPM served as the owner’s representative for the City of Albertville and played a key role in bridging the gap between multiple contractors that were involved in various phases of construction. The firm was tasked with coordinating a complex program schedule that featured numerous logistical challenges ranging from the complications due to the pandemic to one of the rainiest winters in North Alabama history, and was able to successfully navigate those hurdles while saving the city over $2 million in total project costs.
“Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater will be an economic driving force that will turn Albertville into a family destination for the entire region, and provides a place for both children and adults to have fun and stay active,” said Caleb Camp, Project Manager at HPM. “Whether it was finding new avenues for optimizing performance of the park’s sprawling utility network, or collaborating with the owner and contractors on change orders that would increase overall efficiency and keep things moving, the project partners rose to every challenge. This is a testament to HPM’s ability to weather any storm and deliver a successful project that exceeds expectations for our client, no matter the circumstances. We’re pleased to help the City of Albertville turn its game-changing vision into reality.”
The development boasts a two-story recreation center, a 7,500-capacity amphitheater, an RV park, 16 tennis courts and 14 playing fields all within the property, which will become the area’s premier destination for concerts, conferences, sporting events, private parties and recreation activities. In addition, Sand Mountain Park will also include four miles of walking trails that run directly through the center of the park, allowing for both outdoor fitness capabilities and convenient access by foot to all of the park’s major amenities. Two dog parks will also be conveniently located next to the gated RV park, which will be large enough for 17 campers.
The inside of the 103,000-square-foot recreation center features state-of-the-art basketball and volleyball facilities, racquetball courts, an 8-lane indoor competition pool, fitness center, elevated walking track, and meeting and party rooms. Outside, the complex boasts multiple playgrounds and an outdoor competition pool, as well as a recreational pool and water park featuring a lazy river, wave pool, splash pad and slides. The building’s interior includes tongue and groove decking that spans the entire roof, enabling the facility to properly transfer loads to the structure while insulating and eliminating the need for traditionally low ceilings.
“Early on in this process, it became evident that the massive scope of the Sand Mountain Park project, with its vast multitude of partners—from a large-scale design and development team, to two general contractors and a host of sub-contractors, a number of consultants, and so on, required us bringing in a firm that had profound experience in management and oversight at this level,” said Albertville Mayor Tracy Honea. “The city landing on HPM to fill this role didn’t come without much deliberation and due diligence, and I can say that we are very pleased with the professionalism and perseverance they have displayed throughout the project’s entirety. From our great relationship with ‘boots on the ground’ Project Manager, Caleb Camp, to our frequent and available access to HPM executive leadership in Birmingham whenever necessary or requested, we have enjoyed a very impactful partnership with HPM that has proven to be integral in bringing our world-class park to a successful completion.”
Groundbreaking at SMPA took place in January of 2019, with main construction launching December 2018. HPM signed on to the project in 2017 to begin pre-construction services, joining design firm Chambless King and general contractors Ra-Lin & Associates and Carmon Construction. Additional project partners include Sports Facilities Management (SFM), who will manage the park on behalf of the city, adding to its award-winning portfolio of sports and entertainment venues across the U.S.
With a presence throughout the U.S. and with a total management portfolio value annually of $1+ billion, HPM has established itself as one of the industry’s leading program managers and owner’s representative companies. The firm ranked number 22 on Engineering News Record’s (ENR) list of top program management firms in 2020. HPM’s recent notable clients and accounts include a program management contract for Airbus’ campus including the A320 and A220 assembly lines in Mobile, Alabama; an assignment to lead the site selection process, planning, design and construction of Boom Supersonic’s first manufacturing facility; project management services for several major league spring training facilities in Florida; a construction administration contract for facilities owned by Regions Financial Corporation and a similar account for FedEx Express U.S. facilities; owner’s representative services for the Alabama Department of Corrections to replace and repair the statewide prison system; and program management services for multiple K-12 school districts and higher education institutions throughout the South.
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About HPM
HPM provides comprehensive planning, design and construction-related experience to offer clients a one-stop approach to complete program management and owner’s representation. From real estate acquisition analysis and facilities assessments to construction auditing and move management, HPM services clients in aerospace, automotive, sports and entertainment venues, higher education, K-12 and state and local government. With a footprint of accounts, projects and offices spanning throughout the US, the HPM team manages its work for national and international clients while providing a flexible, scalable team of experts at just the right time in the life of your facilities. For more information, please visit www.hpmleadership.com.
