LONG ISLAND CITY, NY — New York City is accelerating public construction timelines through an expanded pilot program that aims to deliver libraries, cultural institutions and community facilities faster and more efficiently.
The NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced that five projects are now advancing under its Construction Manager-Build (CM-Build) pilot program. The initiative builds on earlier success with alternative project delivery methods and reflects a broader push to modernize how the city builds critical infrastructure.
Faster Project Delivery Through CM-Build
The CM-Build method allows designers and contractors to collaborate from the earliest stages of a project—an approach that reduces delays, improves coordination and speeds up delivery timelines compared to traditional low-bid contracting.
“We estimate that we can save at least one year on the standard project and up to two full years on larger projects using CM-Build,” said DDC Acting Commissioner Eduardo del Valle, “returning buildings back to their communities much faster. DDC has a proven track record of using CM-Build contracting effectively during emergencies and we are happy to announce that five vital community projects are moving forward in procurement – every project should be managed with a due sense of urgency when we need to take City assets offline to facilitate renovation work. CM-Build allows us to be more efficient, and address issues in the City’s building stock, including at 70 Mulberry Street in Chinatown where we’re rebuilding a local cultural landmark after a fire.”
The pilot program was made possible following legislative approval in New York State, enabling the city to apply this faster procurement model to libraries and cultural projects beyond emergency situations.
City officials say the approach reflects a shift toward performance-based construction delivery rather than cost-only selection, allowing for innovation, flexibility and faster issue resolution.
Building on Design-Build Success
The CM-Build expansion follows the success of the city’s design-build program, which has already demonstrated significant time and cost savings.
“New Yorkers deserve public spaces that are built and renovated without unnecessary delays, and this innovative pilot program ensures the City can more quickly and efficiently build, renovate and return libraries, museums and cultural landmarks to their communities,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “As we saw with the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center, when we use commonsense construction methods, all New Yorkers benefit. This new program will set a new standard for how to build our city faster and smarter.”
One notable example is the $141 million Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center in Brooklyn, which was completed in just three years—roughly half the time required under traditional contracting methods. Officials say design-build projects also typically deliver around 10% savings for taxpayers.
Projects Moving Forward Under the Pilot
The five projects currently included in the CM-Build pilot program represent a mix of cultural, library and public facility upgrades:
- 70 Mulberry Street rebuild (Chinatown): Currently in contractor negotiations, with construction expected to begin later this year.
- Spring Creek Library (Brooklyn): Shortlisted firms are preparing for the proposal phase.
- Harlem Stage Gatehouse: Renovation plans progressing with shortlisted teams.
- Snug Harbor / Staten Island Museum Phase B: Under early-stage planning review.
- Woodside Library (Queens): Procurement process set to begin soon.
Each project will follow a two-step procurement process, where qualified teams are shortlisted before submitting detailed proposals. This approach is intended to ensure both expertise and innovation in execution.
Why This Matters for NYC Construction
Beyond faster timelines, the CM-Build model addresses longstanding inefficiencies in public construction—particularly delays caused by fragmented responsibilities between designers and contractors.
By integrating teams early, the city can better manage risks, control costs and adapt to unforeseen challenges—key factors in large-scale urban construction projects.
The model has already proven effective during emergency responses, including rapid construction of COVID-19 testing and vaccination centers and temporary housing facilities during the migrant crisis.
Looking Ahead
DDC officials say the long-term goal is to expand alternative delivery methods across a wider range of city projects, making faster and more efficient construction the norm rather than the exception.
With billions of dollars in infrastructure projects planned across New York City, the success of the CM-Build pilot could reshape how public construction is delivered for years to come—bringing critical facilities online faster while improving value for taxpayers.
Originally reported by Ian Michaels in New York City Government.
