The Oakland Community College Culinary Studies Institute is a 78,000-square-foot, three-story landmark in downtown Royal Oak that redefines culinary education while serving as a vibrant community destination. Delivered by Barton Malow as construction manager, the facility includes five state-of-the-art teaching kitchens, a full-service public restaurant, retail space, hospitality areas, and a central utility plant that supports the broader campus. Built within a dense urban setting, the project required careful coordination to manage limited laydown space, maintain neighborhood access, and minimize disruption – all while delivering a highly technical facility that supports immersive, hands-on learning for students and meaningful engagement with the public.
Teamwork + Collaboration
Project success was driven by disciplined project management and a deeply collaborative team culture. Barton Malow coordinated dozens of trade partners through daily foreman meetings, biweekly commissioning sessions, and detailed sequencing to manage the installation of 940 pieces of kitchen equipment – each requiring precise, multi-trade coordination. Innovative logistics strategies, including QR-code-based delivery scheduling, ensured efficient site flow and accountability despite tight constraints. Strong relationships with the owner, design team, subcontractors, city officials, and neighboring residents enabled the team to navigate challenges proactively and deliver the project within budget while maintaining exceptional safety and quality standards.
BIM Modeling + Clash Detection
Virtual Design and Construction tools, including advanced BIM modeling and regular clash detection, were critical to the project’s execution, particularly within the central utility plant and complex kitchen environments. Through biweekly coordination sessions, the team identified and resolved spatial and systems conflicts before they reached the field, optimizing routing for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. This proactive approach reduced rework, supported efficient trade sequencing, and ensured seamless integration of new infrastructure within an active campus setting – demonstrating how digital construction tools can elevate both performance and outcomes.
