Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with Parametrix, Inc. for the Hands On Children’s Museum Expansion Project
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Parametrix, Inc. to provide Owner Advisor services through design and construction of the Hands On Children’s Museum Expansion Project in the amount of $855,037.00.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Service Agreement for Owner Advisor services for the Hands On Children’s Museum Expansion Project in the amount of $855,037.00.
Staff Contact:
Jim Rioux, Project Manager, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8484
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Olympia’s Hands On Children’s Museum (HOCM) is the most visited children’s museum in the Pacific Northwest. The current facility serves over 300,000 annual visitors in a space that was designed for 212,000 occupants. The main building, constructed in 2011 and opened in 2012, encompasses 28,000 square feet across three stories including 12,000 square feet of exhibit space. The Outdoor Discovery Center consists of interactive outdoor exhibits on an approximately half-acre site. This project will increase the facility’s existing indoor square footage to accommodate more guests, add exhibits and outdoor learning experiences, make critical facility improvements to meet community needs, enhance early learning, attract more out-of-town visitors, improve the museum layout and flow for a better visitor experience, and align with best practices per square foot. Plans include a new arrival plaza, increasing outdoor exhibit space, a culinary classroom, a flexible event space with a traveling exhibit gallery, additional preschool /daycare space and 40 new parking stalls.
Previous Council Action
• 05/19/2025 - Finance Committee approved a proposed funding strategy and bond sale for the expansion of the Hands On Children’s Museum.
• 06/17/202 - City Council approved the proposed funding strategy and bond sale for the expansion of the Hands On Children’s Museum.
• 07/22/2025 - City Council Approved a Resolution authorizing the purchase of real estate owned by the Port of Olympia for expansion of the Hands On Children’s Museum.
Project Delivery Method
After researching other project delivery options, City and HOCM staff decided to use the Progressive Design Build (PDB) delivery method. The PDB method combines design build with a phased approach, emphasizing early collaboration and risk management.
Some of the most significant benefits include:
• Early certainty about construction cost.
• Reduction of risk of added costs from change orders.
• The ability to explore opportunities for innovation, collaboration, quality control, constructability, value engineering and risk mitigation through early involvement of the contractor.
• The ability to select subcontractors to collaborate directly with the design team, City and HOCM staff.
• The ability to accept and integrate donated goods and materials in the construction of the facility.
Use of the PDB delivery method by the City of Olympia must be approved by the State Project Review Committee (PRC). Approval from the PRC was obtained on January 23, 2025.
Owner Advisor Services
Because the City has no previous experience in the use of PDB project delivery, the City is required to obtain the services of consultants that have extensive design build experience. The consultant will provide staff to serve in the roles of Procurement Manager, Project Manager, Construction Manager and Project Controls Manager.
The City and HOCM retained the services of Parametrix to provide Owner Advisor services to assist with the City’s application to the PRC and guide the City through selection of the design build team.
Parametrix was subsequently selected through a competitive process to provide Owner Advisor services through construction.
Climate Analysis:
Because we are at the very early stages of project design, the project team will be able to explore opportunities to reduce energy consumption.
Equity Analysis:
The HOCM has traditionally offered generous discount programs for low-income families. Expansion of the museum will increase the access to the learning programs that are offered at the museum.
The PDB delivery method allows the City to establish ambitious targets for participation of disadvantaged and minority owned businesses.
There is currently no data available to further assess the impact on different demographic groups in our community.
A more thorough analysis will be performed early in the design process.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Expansion of the HOCM will enhance an asset in the heart of downtown Olympia. The HOCM will be able to provide better learning opportunities for the community and people that visit our community.
Financial Impact:
The costs for design and construction will be funded primarily through an extension of the current Thurston County Public Facilities District (PFD). With the latest extension, the PFD will be able to provide sales tax revenue for the HOCM through 2058. The City will issue a 30-year, $20.5M revenue bond that will be paid back with the funds from the PFD. Additional funding sources that may contribute to the project include a Washington State direct appropriation for design, pending Federal funding, grant funding, private fundraising from businesses and individuals.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Parametrix, Inc. to provide Owner Advisor services through design and construction of the Hands On Children’s Museum Expansion Project in the amount of $855,037.00. The project will proceed as planned.
2. Direct staff to renegotiate the agreement. This could significantly delay the project and increase project costs.
Attachments:
Resolution - Parametrix
Professional Services Agreement
Vicinity Map