Institutional / Transitional Living Facility Case Study
Walden House – Los Angeles
Challenge
Jack Kozakar was contacted by Walden House’s brokerage team to provide an array of services on an extremely fast paced project. The team had worked with Jack in the past and needed his help to structure an overall plan that could deliver the project on time. Walden House wanted to enter into an agreement with an apartment building owner to convert a condemned apartment building to a transitional living quarter for transitioning inmates. Walden House was expert in setting up programs which leveraged the zeal of ex-cons and ex-drug attics to inspire younger people to find a productive way to lead their lives. The project was complicated by the landlord using the building’s parking lot for public paid parking, making entitlements complicated.
Solution
Jack negotiated with the Landlord from the start to find a solution, and ultimately proposing using three different contracting groups including the Landlord’s Architect and Contractor to expedite the project. Walden House would provide forces for interior improvements and furniture installation. The Landlord would provide their contractor for modifications of egress. And Jack would put together a team to handle the more complex parts of the project including environmental remediation of mold and asbestos, as well as the construction of a commercial kitchen, modifications to the air conditioning systems, cabling and infrastructure improvements. During the RFP process, Jack pushed permits though the city leveraging relationships already established and the City’s interest in project success.
Jack quickly organized RFPs for environmental, commercial kitchen, general construction, cabling and infrastructure. Within 5 weeks the entire project team had been selected, contracts negotiated, and work started.
Results
For several weeks over 200 workmen descended on the building to make quick work of the project. Jack’s plan was a complete success, allowing Walden House to complete the project and move in transition convicts on schedule. Construction was completed in 3.5 months almost ½ million dollars under budget.