The Board of the Office of Public Health and Safety on March 5 approved a preconstruction services agreement with Shiel‑Sexton Company, Inc., to serve as construction manager as constructor for the Housing Hub supportive housing and low‑barrier shelter project.

Andrew Merkley, administrator for the Division of Homelessness and Eviction Prevention, told the board the city received a $20,000,000 grant from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCD A) and will add approximately $9.5 million in city funds. Merkley said the project is expected to be a mixed‑use facility of about 62,333 square feet that will include a day services center and an emergency shelter with capacity for up to 50 individuals.

Merkley said the board was being asked to authorize a preconstruction agreement not to exceed $38,444 so Shiel‑Sexton can begin bidding and preconstruction work under a CMC (construction manager as constructor) delivery method. He said Shiel‑Sexton was selected through RFP 19PHS039 after seven proposals and in‑person interviews.

Dustin Jones of Shrewsbury and Associates, the owner's representative, described how the CMC delivery method will work: after bidding the project to subcontractors, staff will return to the board with a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) amendment that includes construction costs, manager fees and contingencies. Jones said the team expects the GMP to be roughly $20,000,000 for the construction portion; Shiel‑Sexton's proposal includes a fee of about 3% on construction costs.

Shiel‑Sexton is partnering with Patrium LLC, an OMWBD‑certified MBE, for project management and consultation during preconstruction. Merkley and project staff said staging of the project will likely break the GMP into multiple amendments (site civil, building package, etc.) and that the team hopes to begin earthwork and utilities in July with architectural packages advancing through the fall.

Board members asked whether the IHCD A funds were secure; Merkley said the mayor's senior policy adviser was in contact with the agency and staff were confident funds would be delivered. A motion to approve the preconstruction services agreement was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; the transcript does not record a numerical roll‑call tally.