Project info

  • Case Studies
  • California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

  • Hensel Phelps

  • Gilbane Construction Management

  • Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (HOK)

  • EXP Engineers

“Formal Partnering brought together CDCR, Hensel Phelps, Gilbane, Kitchell, and Vanir executives to discuss and strategize what their main focus and top goals would be, as well as how to remove roadblocks from slowing the project down. In the working group partnering sessions, focus groups were established and became the areas where active and open discussions took place to solve any challenges facing the next phase of the project.”
Timothy Vice, Project Director, CDCR

Project description

Built to provide adequate healthcare and relieve overcrowding for inmates in the Mule Creek State Prison, the Mule Creek Infill Complex project entailed construction of a modern prison complex spread across 25 new buildings and 80 acres. Completed in less than two years, the new facility accommodates space for 377 employees and provides 264 inmate beds, classrooms and healthcare facilities in an energy efficient facility.

To help align the team and successfully complete this fast-paced project, a Formal Partnering program was initiated by CDCR at the project’s outset. Over the course of the project, eight Partnering sessions were conducted and a Partnering Charter was created to establish a foundation for effective communication, as well as to identify common project goals and key areas of focus. Resulting from this collaborative partnership, the project team persevered through many project challenges and ultimately met or exceeded all goals related to scope, schedule, quality, safety and budget.

IPI Magazine Interview with Jim Pappas

Partnering results

  • Design-Build
  • 544,000 SF
  • $373.4 million
  • LEED® Silver-designed