Non-Profit Case Study - Coral Gables Chamber

The Common Area is experienced in managing through various project types across multiple industries and build out building out requirements from office to industrial, medical, & higher education and even government projects, infrastructure, and ground-up development work. Each client type has different needs that need to be focused on based on unique challenges and needs. Non-profit organizations are in particularly high need. We have built a practice area around supporting our community - managing their projects so that they can stay focused on their mission. The Common Area is experienced in managing through various project types across multiple industries and build out building out requirements from office to industrial, medical, & higher education and even government projects, infrastructure, and ground-up development work. Each client type has different needs that need to be focused on based on unique challenges and needs.

Non-profit organizations are in particularly high need. We have built a practice area around supporting our community - managing their projects so that they can stay focused on their mission.

Goal Alignment:

For non-profit organizations, we begin with budget management conversations knowing that resources are often limited while the needs are significant. We quickly jump in to identify the client's priorities, define the scope of work, and correct expectations on timing and costs immediately so that the leadership team is prepared. Often the board of directors needs to be adequately informed throughout, and it helps when everyone agrees on the project schedule and projected costs.

As project managers, we gain stakeholder agreement on goals through a project charter and then get to work by limiting the risks to these client teams.

Relationships & The Mission Matter:

They always matter with a non-profit client; they are constantly tapping the market for fundraising and benefit greatly. When we can bring the designers, engineers, vendors, contractors, consultants, and property management teams on board with the mission of the organization and provide materials, equipment, furniture, and services at a discounted rate.

Through years of collaboration with our preferred vendors, we know who to go to for various projects and use our relationships in the market to help these non-profit organizations get the most out of their limited funds yet into space they are incredibly proud of. In turn, these spaces re-energize the mission, the staff, the beneficiaries, and their supporters. These industry partners can give back and be recognized for their contributions as well – which feels great!

We are proud to highlight a few active non-profit projects we are working on. Please reach out to us if you work with an organization going through a real estate transaction and need our expertise and support. We save our clients more than we cost them through proper planning, relationships/negotiation power, and the aggravation of the process and draw on their staff's time. This allows them to focus on what's essential – their mission!

Case Study:

Coral Gables Chamber Of Commerce

The mission of the organization:

The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce's primary purpose is to advance the business success and member engagement in Coral Gables and beyond through our commitment to inclusiveness, relevancy, and integrity. Founded in 1925 by Coral Gables visionary George E. Merrick, the Chamber is comprised of businesses and professionals whose goal is to expand the local economy. The Chamber hosts a variety of events each month, creating an opportunity for business leaders to network, connect, and strengthen their relationships.

Project Goals:

The Chamber has occupied their current space for 15 years, and they have outgrown it. Eager to create the Chamber of their dreams, we engaged with the landlord's architect and our project consultants to plan their space for every last detail. As a landlord buildout, it was also important to establish clear communication lines and decision-making processes and advocate for our client through the buildout to avoid change orders and delays.

Mark Trowbridge, the chamber president, planned the project budget and began validating all of his assumptions, creating a schedule, and providing the design team with feedback. We also selected furniture, Audio Visual components, storage shelving, accessories, and decorative light fixtures.

With COVID-19 hitting Florida right when we were ready for permitting, we hit a few setbacks but have rebounded and are now full steam ahead on the construction of this community center.

Team:

Leasing Negotiations: Thad Adams, The Allen Morris Company
Owners Rep Project Management Services: The Common Area
Architect: Leotta Designers Inc
Design Support: Anabella Smith, Zyscovich
Audio Visual: Cristina and Henry Miller, Intermedia Touch
IT Infrastructure: Ildefonso Balart, C3 Connect
Furniture: Danny Garcia, WrkLab