Architect firm picked for campus improvements

A selection committee has made the recommendation that AECOM Technical Services should plan, design, and oversee the construction management of the UCF football campus projects, the Orlando Sentinel has learned.

AECOM was selected over DLR Group and TVS Florida from three finalists that submitted proposals for the projects, according to the university.

UCF posted an advertisement for the job near the end of June. The shortlisted firms were interviewed on July 27 and soon after AECOM was recommended by the selection committee.

As previously reported by the Sentinel, the football campus projects will include expansion to UCF’s football stadium in the form of a south tower, McNamara Cove, renovation to the Wayne Densch Sports Center, relocation of a football practice field and more seating on the north side of the stadium.

In total these projects, all under the title of UCF Athletics Association Football Campus Projects, are expected to cost $125 million. The plans make it clear these costs are just estimations and may be altered based on “scope changes, schedule delays, and market conditions.”

The recommended selection of AECOM was based on a number of important factors such as past performance, personnel, experience and references among other topics.

The recommendation was made to UCF president Alexander Cartwright for final approval.

AECOM has worked on several college venues, including the expansion and renovation of Jones AT&T Stadium at Texas Tech and the design of Bank United Center, now known as the Watsco Center, at the University of Miami, according to the company’s website.

In addition to collegiate-level jobs, AECOM has extensive experience in developing professional sports venues. The company served as the construction manager, in a joint venture with four other construction companies, for MercedesBenz Stadium in Atlanta.

UCF athletics director Terry Mohajir revealed to fans Friday on Twitter Spaces that an architect had been picked but he didn’t reveal the final results. He also mentioned that UCF was nearing a decision about the construction manager.

Six companies — Barton Malow, DPR Construction, PCL Construction Services, Robins & Morton, T&G Corporation and Turner Construction Company — are in the running to be chosen as the construction manager for the job, university documents show.

No specific timeline for completion was shared in the plans.

COURTESY PHOTO UCF released these renderings of upcoming renovations at the football stadium during the Board of Trustees meeting in 2021.