When public entities, non-profit organizations, and private corporations collaborate, smart solutions result. While partnership-projects have been around for years, recently, perhaps due to shrinking funds or the difficulty in passing referenda, or simply effective pooling of resources to positively impact communities, there is an increase in public-nonprofit-private collaborative projects.
One recent example is the Osseo Area Public School District in a northwest suburb of Minneapolis, which partnered with the local Community Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP), Hennepin County Human Services Public Health Department, and the State of Minnesota in the development of a $13 million building project. The 63,000 square-foot three-story health/social and adult basic education services facility serves community residents in the northwest quadrant of the county. Rather than serve patrons through separate facilities with multiple operational costs, the entities pooled funds effectively to benefit those in need through efficient application of taxpayer dollars.
A second example is Independent School District No. 279 in the City of Maple Grove, another Minneapolis suburb, which combined funds with the non-profit OMGBA Youth Basketball Association and utilized District property to build six indoor practice basketball courts (three tournament courts and pickle-ball courts) for community youth activities, senior citizens sports, and school programs. This partnership resulted in an $8.6 million project with 43,000 square feet of new construction attached to Maple Grove Junior High School. The city funded 80% while the basketball association funded 20%. The school district will own and operate the facility on the junior high school property.
An example that will dramatically impact southwestern Minnesota is the new regional sports complex and conference center that includes two sheets of ice (adaptable for exhibitions, events, and conventions), locker rooms, and meeting rooms. The complex is a collaborative funding effort between the rural City of Marshall, the Southwest Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission, a Marshall-based international private corporation, and funding from the Minnesota State Legislature. The prerequisite for participation set by the city and the participating private corporations is that the site be located adjacent to the new Marshall High School and within walking distance to Southwest Minnesota State University. A component of this project is an outdoor sports complex with playfields and support structures. The $16 million project will serve the community, local school district and university students, and regional youth sports programs.
Each partnership-project is unique, but a common theme is communication and cooperation between entities. Projects usually start with a “wouldn’t it be great” idea shared with potential partners; excitement is generated, creative thinking and momentum develops, and a concept model emerges. When the funding structure is finalized (usually the most critical element for proceeding ahead), planning and design typically moves quickly.
For the architect, balancing the needs of multiple owners can be a delicate process. Success comes about through transparency and open dialogue, through idea generation at the executive level and through effective communications with the partnering governing boards. Typically, a steering committee is formed with two to three members from each participating entity so that discussion and necessary compromise in defining project scope, space needs, and final design solutions can occur at the committee level to keep the process moving.
Collaborative partnership-projects are on the increase; it’s worth the time and effort for public, non-profit, and private entities to pool together resources to create something greater for their community than they otherwise could do on their own.
Paul W. Erickson, AIA/NCARB/REFP, is president of ATS&R Planners/Architects/Engineers, Minneapolis, a firm specializing in pre-K to 12 and post-secondary school planning and design.
