Not every project goes according to plan. Some begin with momentum and stall out halfway. Others face permitting delays, budget pressure, or unexpected turnover on the construction team. At Pritchard Associates, we’re often brought in when a project has hit that critical moment—when ownership needs structure, accountability, and leadership to move things forward.
Here’s how we helped get a 40-story multifamily tower back on track—and the process we use when projects need rescuing.
The Situation: A Midstream Transition on a 389-Unit Tower
We were brought into a large high-rise project during a challenging transition period. The original general contractor had been removed, and the ownership team was left facing a complex puzzle of open permits, incomplete scopes, and misaligned consultants.
Construction was nearing completion, but turnover and occupancy were nowhere in sight. The team needed clarity, communication, and leadership—fast.
Step 1: Stabilize the Project
We began by conducting a full review of the project’s current state. That included:
- Walking the site to assess completion status
- Reviewing contracts and scopes across disciplines
- Evaluating permit status and inspection sequencing
- Listening to the concerns of ownership, consultants, and property management
Our team created a centralized issues log, organized priorities, and re-established project cadence through structured weekly meetings with all stakeholders.
Step 2: Rebuild Communication and Accountability
The lack of continuity between the former and new construction teams created friction and confusion. We rebuilt the project’s communication rhythm by:
- Aligning consultants under a single coordination framework
- Creating a turnover plan to systematically release units for occupancy
- Coordinating with the city and inspectors to expedite approvals
- Clarifying responsibilities and deliverables for all parties
Our focus was not just on solving problems—but on reestablishing trust across the entire team.
Step 3: Execute a Thoughtful Turnover and Closeout Strategy
One of the most common failure points on large projects is poor closeout planning. We addressed this early by:
- Establishing a phased TCO strategy to allow unit turnover ahead of full completion
- Tracking all life safety, MEP, and documentation deliverables in a transparent log
- Facilitating direct coordination between construction and property management for pre-turnover walks, punchlist reviews, and unit acceptance
This allowed ownership to begin leasing while work continued in other areas of the building—maximizing value and minimizing delay.
The Result: Momentum, Clarity, and Confidence Restored
No project turnaround is instant. But by bringing structure, visibility, and ownership-focused leadership, we helped stabilize a critical asset and reestablish progress toward completion.
The Takeaway: Rescue Work Requires a Different Gear
Stepping into a struggling project is never about finger-pointing—it’s about creating clarity, making decisions, and restoring alignment. At Pritchard Associates, we thrive in this environment because we know what matters: communication, consistency, and fierce advocacy for the owner’s goals.
If your project has lost momentum or needs a fresh start, we’re ready to step in and lead with calm, focused direction.
