After nearly two years of in-depth and lengthy negotiations, the MHPM Pacific team helped the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) student union (the Alma Mater Society of UBC or AMS) come to an agreement with the university on a new Student Union Building.
The project marks the first time MHPM has worked with AMS. AMS, which represents 43,000 students, selected MHPM for the task due to MHPM’s proven track record of handling major institutional assignments valued at more than $100 million; collaborative approach to managing multiple stakeholders; in-depth knowledge; and flexibility and timeliness in adapting to changing priorities.
With MHPM’s assistance, AMS and UBC established a nine-figure development deal, as well as an operating agreement spanning more than forty years. The AMS celebrated this milestone on April 30 with a signing ceremony where both AMS and UBC representatives signed the development, financial and lease agreements for the new $103-million, 255,000-square-foot, sustainable Student Union Building. At the event, AMS and UBC representatives acknowledged MHPM’s contributions during the project’s planning stage.
In addition to providing comprehensive project management services, MHPM is also serving as advisor to the students representing AMS on the project team.
Architect selection for the new Student Union Building is underway and design work will start in September 2010. The new Student Union Building is scheduled to open in September 2014.