Baseball is one major sport that is played without the constraints of a clock. And perhaps that's why the sport has been known as a "pastime." But the clock is ticking quickly for Cobb County, Ga., and the Atlanta Braves as they rush ahead to build a new major-league ballpark, estimated at $672 million.
Construction management-at-risk proposals were due May 8. Review of those proposals was apparently quick, since Cobb County's published timeline for the ballpark project indicates that selection committee members interviewed bidders on May 13. In fact, according to the schedule, the county is negotiating an agreement with a potential construction manager today, May 15th. However, exactly who the lucky bidder is remains under wraps.
On May 14, the Atlanta Braves released some initial drawings of the future ballpark, which is being designed by a team led by Populous.
According to Ballpark Digest, four groups submitted bids. A team that includes four firms—calling itself American Builders—includes Mortenson Construction, Barton Malow, Brasfield & Gorrie and New South Construction.
Also, Hunt Construction Group and Holder Construction—the two primary firms selected to build the Atlanta Falcons' $1-billion stadium—have teamed up on a bid for the Braves ballpark.
Additionally, Clark Construction Group and Skanska USA partnered to submit a bid. Turner Construction Co. also is vying for the project.
Cobb County's schedule indicates negotiations with the CM-at-risk entity could continue until May 20, with May 27 set as the date for board of commissioners to act on the selection committee's recommendation. Finally, previously Cobb County and the Braves had announced that the "projected project start date" is May 28, with site work expected to begin by August.
So, stay tuned. More news should be coming soon.
*This post was updated with additional information about one of the project's bidders.
