The Challenge

Quickly Establishing Multiple Locations in a New State is a Challenge For Any Business, Especially During Times of Rapid National Expansion When Internal Resources are Stretched. ​

Hurd Construction Management worked with Columbia Care to deploy a strategic approach that solved for the unique complexities of the cannabis industry, Florida’s diverse regulatory landscape, and an uncompromising need to maintain the highest brand standards.

The Solution

• Site review and selection support
• CMA/Construction Manager as Advisor services for the 14 selected sites
• CMAC/Construction Manager as Constructor services for 6 sites
• Post construction and ongoing facility maintenance
• Hurricane and disaster preparedness plan documentation and implementation

Site Review and Selection Support​

Given the regulated nature of the cannabis industry, site selection is inherently complicated. Hurd developed a specialized site criteria matrix to efficiently narrow choices and provided direct physical assessments of proposed locations, enabling Columbia Care to make quick, well informed site selection decisions.

Permitting Strategy

With deep re-development experience across the entire state of Florida, as sites were selected, Hurd provided critical input for design, made sure key regulatory issues were considered upfront, and engaged agencies proactively to speed up the permitting process. Through a careful blend of “art and science,” Hurd balanced timing and risk reducing permitting timelines by 50% as compared with a traditional linear process.

Scope Development and Vendor Management ​

Hurd Construction Management provided a roster of proven, pre-qualified contractors to support construction. Because Columbia Care’s patient-centered environments required a precise blending of construction materials, technology and high end finishes, Hurd only engaged contractors who had a proven track record of complex projects and high-quality performance. Hurd also provided a comprehensive responsibility matrix making sure all drawings and scopes were well understood and included contractors in pre-bid meetings to improve communication and bid comparability.

Hurd’s vendor management scope extended across dozens of trade and specialty contractors, ensuring proper sequencing, conflict avoidance and streamlined site activation.

Value Added Services

To address critical timing and capacity issues, Hurd strategically self-performed general contracting in 6 locations strengthening the rollout while adding additional control, quality assurance, and cost savings.

Finally, as part of the post-construction process, Hurd prepared and implemented a comprehensive facility maintenance program and service request management solution for all locations. including a comprehensive hurricane and disaster preparedness program.

The Results

• 60 locations reviewed/analyzed
• 14 locations selected and established
• 56,000 sq ft redeveloped or outfitted
• 85 subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors managed