Q&A
Discussion on the shift from modular to conventional construction
0:39:09
ยท
133 sec
Justin Donlon from HPD explains the reasons for changing from modular to conventional construction, citing cost reduction and timeline considerations. Council Member Sandy Nurse asks for specific details on cost and time differences.
- The original goal of the modular development RFP was to reduce costs and development timelines
- Conventional construction was found to be more cost-effective in this case
- HPD agrees to provide specific cost and timeline comparisons later
- Council Member Nurse expresses interest in incorporating modular construction in future HPD projects
Justin Donlon
0:39:09
Yeah.
0:39:09
So I think the the best way to answer that is to to kinda go back to the the beginning of what the the purpose of the RFP was.
0:39:16
So when the city put out the modular development RFP in 2018, the goal was utilizing what was at the time a very new construction method that could reduce costs and development timeline to bring things online faster in terms of affordable housing development.
0:39:31
That was, like, the whole purpose.
0:39:33
So, of course, things change as development goes on in time.
0:39:38
So as we were continuing to refine the project and the financing the project financing, we came to learn that the conventional construction route in this case would actually allow us to reduce costs, and we weren't really benefiting from potential time savings by opting for modular in this case.
0:39:57
So that's why we felt comfortable with pivoting to conventional construction, knowing that we can still deliver the project as we were presented through pre UARP and the UARP process more quickly as opposed to remaining with the modular development.
Sandy Nurse
0:40:12
Yeah.
0:40:13
Just just for my, curiosity, what what is the difference if you have what's the difference in time and what was the cost?
0:40:20
Like, what makes it a significant threshold for you?
Justin Donlon
0:40:23
Mhmm.
0:40:23
So so I I think specific costs, we we'd have to get back to you on, but that's certainly something that we could provide.
Sandy Nurse
0:40:30
And timeline?
Justin Donlon
0:40:31
In terms of, what it would have been
Sandy Nurse
0:40:33
Yeah.
0:40:33
Usually, the cost and timing for Yeah.
Justin Donlon
0:40:36
So let me follow-up with that specifically.
Sandy Nurse
0:40:38
Yeah.
0:40:38
Yeah.
0:40:38
It would be helpful to know I have another modular project on the other side in Bushwick that's going up really fast.
0:40:43
And, I I as someone who's formerly worked in construction, I'm really a big fan of modular, construction.
0:40:50
So I was excited that this was happening.
0:40:52
And if if I'm I'm curious to understand more how
Annabelle Meunier
0:40:55
we can Sure.
Sandy Nurse
0:40:56
Incorporate this type of, method into HPD projects.
0:41:01
So it's more from my curiosity.
0:41:02
It's not a an attack at all.
0:41:04
All.
Justin Donlon
0:41:04
Yeah.
0:41:04
Yeah.
0:41:04
And then and then just to just to be clear on that, and then certainly as an agency, it's not something we're opposed to exploring in the in the future.
0:41:10
You know, it always really just comes down to to feasibility and timing and things like that.
Sandy Nurse
0:41:14
Okay.
0:41:15
Yeah.
0:41:15
And any, adjustments that were made from the feedback from the community board?