Miller Valentine Construction’s recently completed Sandy Run project isn’t just the largest speculative warehouse in the Columbia, South Carolina, metro area. It’s also illustrative of how trusted collaboration between the owner and construction team can lead to better outcomes.

The 498,000-square-foot Class A distribution building was completed on May 5, just a year shy of breaking ground. The cross-dock structure totals 108 dock doors and is expandable up to 663,900 square feet. It is the first speculative industrial building  in the 760 acre Sandy Run Park.

Removing Hurdles to Budget Targets

The client, Red Rock Developments, aimed to have the facility leased prior to completion, making both the budget and schedule non-negotiable. But early on, the project budget was challenged by market-driven uncertainty. Interest rates began to climb as the design phase got underway. At the same time, construction materials across the country were being rocked by pricing volatility.

To keep costs in line, the Miller Valentine team worked collaboratively with the design team to provide value engineering assistance. Strategies included sourcing an alternate roofing system, exploring alternative HVAC equipment,  and partnering with the civil engineering team to develop  the most cost-effective erosion control and storm sewer design.

The project team also asked its trade partners to find efficiencies without sacrificing quality or safety.

“That is one of the benefits of working with a construction team that prioritizes positive relationships with their trade partners,” said Miller Valentine Senior Project Manager, Zach Ward. “Everyone is willing to step to the plate and contribute in support of the  project’s owner and their goals.”

That early collaboration enabled the project to meet its targeted budget while preserving the best-in-class design for which Red Rock is known.

The team also needed to revisit the scope three months into construction, when Smart Warehousing signed a lease for the entire space. The tenant’s build-out included 54 dock levelers, more than 300 warehouse light fixtures, specific electrical needs & power points,  and 3,000 square feet of office space. These changes increased the original timeline by two months. Through continued collaboration with the owner, tenant, and its trade partners, Miller Valentine finished two weeks ahead of schedule.

Offering Peace of Mind for the Ownership Team

Sandy Run was Miller Valentine’s second project with Red Rock Developments. Last year, the company completed a 400,000-square-foot expansion on a 600,000-square-foot manufacturing facility operated by Allied Air.

Red Rock Developments closed on the sale of the warehouse to a buyer in July. Later this summer, Miller Valentine will begin its third project with the developer.

“We are proud to build on our collaborative partnership with Red Rock Developments as they continue to develop assets across the country,” said Brian Taylor, Vice President – Southeast, for Miller Valentine. “We value their integrity and high standards for quality and safety, and we look forward to helping them achieve their strategic priorities on our next venture together.”