Department of Jobs and Family Services

Keeping an eye on cost – and historical preservation

Welty served as the Construction Manager for the renovation of three floors within a historic downtown office building owned by Akron Phoenix Development Company. The project transformed the space to accommodate Summit County Environmental Health & Safety and Jobs & Family Services, supporting a facility that houses nearly 500 government employees.

To maximize the owner’s budget and project value, Welty incorporated Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) principles and Lean Construction practices throughout the construction process, resulting in an overall project cost reduction of approximately five percent. This approach relied on close collaboration with key trade partners, including HVAC, drywall, plumbing, and electrical contractors, who worked alongside the project team in a Design-Build–style partnership. The project was initiated with a Pull Planning process to optimize workflow and improve schedule reliability, while the Last Planner® System was utilized for daily and weekly field coordination. Lean Delivery practices, including Just-in-Time material delivery, minimized onsite inventory, reduced waste, and improved productivity.

As a designated historic landmark, the building required careful integration of modern building systems while preserving its architectural character. Welty coordinated a comprehensive masonry restoration and oversaw the replacement of all building windows with energy-efficient units designed to replicate the original historic appearance. Interior upgrades included the installation of a state-of-the-art zoned HVAC system that automatically adjusted to changing environmental conditions, improving occupant comfort and energy efficiency.

The completed project successfully revitalized a historic structure, providing modern, efficient workspace for Summit County agencies while preserving the building’s historic integrity and character.