Skanska, a leading construction and development firm celebrated the ribbon cutting for the new Food Bank of Northeast Georgia. Skanska Integrated Solutions (SIS), Skanska’s project management arm, served as the Owner’s Representative for the construction of 63,000 square foot facility.
SIS provided a multitude of project management services, including on-site quality assurance, budget management, value engineering, change order negotiations, as well as the vital communication with area stakeholders, which included, federal, state and local officials, to keep them informed on the project’s status. Furthermore, SIS managed the design process, enabled the construction package, and facilitated the permitting and approvals process.
“It was our privilege to work with Skanska on this important project, which will facilitate the Food Bank’s ability to mobilize up to 74% more food and ultimately serve more neighbors facing food insecurity across Northeast Georgia,” said Erin Barger, President & CEO at the Food Bank. “We are grateful for the team’s tenacity and creativity during every stage of this project, ensuring that one day we will see every neighbor with enough food every day.”
“We are thrilled to have celebrated the completion of this important facility and are proud to have played a role in making a meaningful impact to the community of Northeast Georgia,” said Curtis Elswick, Senior Vice President and Regional Executive at Skanska Integrated Solutions. “As a trusted advisor and advocate for the Unified Government of Athens – Clarke, we utilized our full range of management and consultant services to ensure the successful expansion of this vital facility.”
The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, aided with a State of Georgia backed HUD grant of $8.9 million, initiated the 63,000 square foot facility expansion on the 37-acre site. The new facility site is directly across the road from the former Food Bank facility. It features over 30,000 square feet of dry food storage and 10,000 square feet of fresh/frozen food storage, along with expanded spaces to up to 75 volunteers simultaneously.
As a regional nonprofit organization, the Food Bank gathers donated items and purchases food for distribution through human-service, education and faith-based nonprofit organizations. These 225 local Members distribute food to our neighbors, including children, older adults, individuals, and families. Across our 15-county service area, the Food Bank provided the equivalent of 9.8 million meals in 2023.
About Skanska USA
Skanska uses knowledge & foresight to shape the way people live, work, and connect. More than 135 years in the making, we’re one of the world’s largest development and construction companies. We operate in select markets throughout the Nordics, Europe and the United States. Skanska in the U.S. is headquartered in New York City with 28 offices around the country. In 2023, construction in the U.S. generated $7.1 billion in revenue, and as a developer in the U.S., Skanska has invested a total value of $4.6 billion in commercial and multi-family projects. Together with our customers and the collective expertise of our 6,500 teammates in the U.S. and 27,000 globally, we create innovative and sustainable solutions that support healthy living beyond our lifetime.
About Skanska Integrated Solutions
Skanska Integrated Solutions (SIS) Program Management Services are offered through Skanska Integrated Solutions, the consulting and program management arm of Skanska. SIS functions as an “extension of staff” and trusted advisor to its clients. As an advisor and advocate at every step, we enable our clients to maintain direct control over their projects. This allows our customers to stay focused on the day-to-day responsibilities of running their organization. As program managers, we serve as the center point of project team communications from conceptual planning through design, construction, and closeout. SIS currently manages projects from under $1 million to over $350 million. SIS’s construction and project delivery expertise translates directly into maximum savings and quality for our clients.
