Project case study
Transforming project data into actionable insights
On the University of Cincinnati’s Old Chemistry Renovation and Addition project, our team leveraged Skanska Metriks® to arrive at the initial cost model and reconcile the budget while protecting the scope.
During preconstruction, our team used Skanska Metriks® to establish an initial cost model and continuously reconcile the budget as the design evolved. In May 2022, our team prepared an initial cost model of $144 million, providing UC with an early, data-backed view of project costs.
As the design progressed, additional infrastructure requirements, enhanced atrium finishes and the exterior restoration scope were identified. Working closely with the design team, Skanska updated the estimate to $157 million in June 2022, ensuring cost forecasts accurately reflected the project’s evolving ambitions.
Recognizing the importance of aligning scope and budget, UC asked Skanska and ZGF to jointly explore cost-reducing options. By September 2022, Skanska partnered with BHDP to develop targeted cost-saving strategies that met UC’s program needs while maintaining quality and long-term value. These efforts informed UC’s decision to adjust the project budget to $148 million in October 2022, reflecting current market conditions.
Throughout this period, Skanska strategically purchased approximately 70 percent of the project, tracking between one and two percent below the updated program estimate. This performance was driven by a deliberate bid-packaging strategy, strong trade partner relationships and the flexibility inherent in the design-build delivery method. Together, these elements enabled early purchasing, the use of alternates and other cost-saving strategies—delivering confidence, transparency and value during preconstruction.
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