One of the most significant challenges involved the roof structure package, which included a light gauge metal, proprietary roof joist and girder system that was significantly more expensive than a traditional system. ARCO ultimately redesigned the joist, girder, and roof deck systems, generating approximately $1.2 million in cost savings while reducing the construction schedule by an estimated two months.

ARCO also redesigned portions of the tilt-up system to create a more practical and constructable solution as the original design involved panels that were too large for erection.

Additional value engineering solutions included redesigning window openings within the tilt panels, resulting in approximately $200,000 in savings, and rebalancing the site’s grading plan to better utilize on-site material. By minimizing the amount of exported soil required, ARCO generated an additional estimated savings of approximately $450,000 while improving overall site efficiency.

Additionally, ARCO assisted in design-build speculative office buildouts, warehouse cooling, and high-bay lighting. Office buildouts were a value addition to the original project and completed during construction in preparation for immediate tenant readiness.

Delivering eight separate buildings on a single site required careful planning and coordination. Each building featured a unique footprint, creating additional complexity throughout design, submittal, and construction activities.

Tight spacing between buildings required extensive coordination during tilt-up operations, crane activities, steel erection, and site development. Some buildings were located only a short distance apart, requiring detailed sequencing to safely and efficiently execute panel erection and structural work across the campus.

Existing overhead utilities added another layer of complexity, impacting earthwork, tilt-up activities, steel erection, and stormwater improvements. ARCO carefully coordinated construction activities to maintain progress while minimizing disruptions.

The campus was designed to provide flexible industrial space for a variety of users supporting the surrounding technology ecosystem. Building sizes ranging from approximately 23,800 to 59,000 square feet accommodate a wide range of operational requirements, while modern industrial features, including dock and drive-in loading, tilt-up concrete construction, and electrical service ranging from 1,600 to 2,500 amps per building, provide long-term flexibility.

Its location adjacent to major data center infrastructure creates a strategic advantage for contractors, equipment suppliers, maintenance providers, and logistics operators seeking proximity to one of the region’s fastest growing technology hubs.

Through a collaborative approach, ARCO transformed an over-budget plan-and-spec project into a successful speculative industrial development positioned to capitalize on growing technology-driven demand.

By redesigning key building systems, optimizing site development, and improving constructability, ARCO delivered more than $1.8 million in value engineering savings and successfully completed a 330,500-square-foot industrial campus designed to support the vendors, suppliers, contractors, and service providers that contribute to today’s expanding data center ecosystem.

Sossaman Business Campus demonstrates how thoughtful design-build delivery, practical value engineering, and disciplined execution can help owners maximize project feasibility while creating long-term value in rapidly evolving industrial markets.

Spotlight speakers included Campfire Ranch CEO, Sam Degenhard, who emphasized the vision behind the project and how it aligns to Campfire Ranch’s broader mission to energize places through creating meaningful, human experiences in the outdoors.

Oz Trails Bike Park General Manager, Gary Vernon, shared insights on the property’s strategic location adjacent to the recently announced Oz Trails Bike Park set to open late spring 2026. The close proximity and synergies between the two projects mark an exciting moment in the growth of Bella Vista as a premier mountain bike destination in Northwest Arkansas and beyond.

Rounding out the lineup, Mayor of Bella Vista, John Flynn, celebrated the economic and community benefits that Campfire Ranch is bringing to Bella Vista and shared his excitement for the growth and evolution that is currently taking place.

Guests toured the property’s seven upgraded lodging rooms, communal lounge and dining areas, and the reimagined back patio featuring a sauna and cold plunge. The design intentionally nods to the property’s mid-century modern roots, with sustainably sourced vintage furniture and thoughtfully preserved details that honor its history.

And of course, location is everything. Steps from the Little Sugar and Back Forty trail networks — with more than 100 miles of biking, hiking and running trails — the lodge will serve as a true basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts.

For ARCO, this project is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about being part of the energy that’s shaping Northwest Arkansas into a premier destination for both residents and visitors.

As October approaches, our team is proud to help bring Campfire Ranch’s vision to life — blending architectural preservation, modern amenities, and a deep connection to the outdoors. This first look was just a glimpse; the real excitement begins when guests return to Bella Vista this fall and experience the finished lodge for themselves.

Traditional project delivery methods like design-bid-build frequently encounter cost overruns due to changes unknown to the owner. Change orders are among the most common challenges in multi-family projects, typically accounting for up to 10% of additional project costs due to scope alterations and misaligned expectations. These surprises often stem from design gaps, late-stage value engineering, or conflicting interpretations between project stakeholders. Without proactive management from the start, they can quickly derail timelines and strain budgets.

With the design-build approach, these risks were minimized as designers and construction experts worked collaboratively from day one. This meant fewer Requests for Information (RFIs), as potential challenges could be addressed and solved early in the design phase. In the design-bid-build project, however, the separation between design and construction left the door open to mid-project modifications and selection decisions creating budget surprises for the developer.

Effective communication is key to any successful project, yet design-bid-build often places the burden of coordination on the project owner. With separate entities managing design and construction, owners must navigate between the two teams, sometimes stepping in to resolve issues and ensure expectations, adding time and requiring more involvement than anticipated.

For the design-build project, the team’s early involvement ensured that the owner’s vision was clearly understood and integrated from the start. This single-point-of-contact structure reduced the owner’s role as an intermediary, allowing the project to progress smoothly and with less direct oversight. The design-bid-build project, by comparison, required more hands-on management from the owner, adding complexity and increasing the chances of miscommunication between design and construction teams.

As illustrated by the design-build project, this delivery method offers multi-family developers a more modern, streamlined approach that accelerates timelines, mitigates risks and simplifies communication. In today’s competitive market, choosing an experienced design-build team, such as ARCO Construction, can make a critical difference in your project’s success.

With years of multi-family expertise, ARCO has refined a process that not only brings projects to market faster but also safeguards against issues and reduces the burden on owners. For developers ready to move beyond traditional methods, ARCO’s design-build model offers a proven path to more efficient, cost-effective, and profitable multi-family projects.

With 75% repeat customers, we’ve delivered design-build projects nationwide for more than 30 years — producing faster, better, and more cost-effective results. Click on each project to learn more.

Contact us to learn how ARCO can deliver faster, more cost-effective results tailored to your goals.ĚýLet’s connect.

Beginning with early collaboration, the design-build partner helps navigate these phases:

Design-build streamlines early project planning by aligning your vision with cost and schedule expectations from the start. With a single team evaluating site conditions, zoning and code requirements, you can make confident decisions before committing significant resources.

In design-build, the design phase is collaborative and budget-conscious. Architects, engineers and builders work together to develop plans that meet performance goals and constructability to reduce unwanted surprises in the construction phase.

With design and construction teams integrated from day one, the transition to construction is seamless. This integration reduces changes during the course of construction, compresses timelines and fosters problem-solving throughout the build, helping projects stay on track.

Design-build is key to ensuring smoother project closeout. After construction is complete and through building turnover, the design-build partner handles final inspections, assists with move-in coordination and manages owner warranty. This continuity helps ensure the space operates as intended and gives owners a clear path to resolve any lingering issues or concerns.

The earlier a design-build team is involved, the more value they can provide. During site selection or early planning stages, the team can assess project opportunities and implications to help you avoid costly surprises.

Early engagement also allows for more meaningful collaboration during design development to set the tone for a smoother construction process.

In design-build delivery, clients are able to maintain operational continuity from start to finish. Design-build’s single-source solution model minimizes disruptions by streamlining project communications and maintaining a single point of accountability.

With the same team managing the project from preconstruction through turnover, you’re free to focus on your business.

Common challenges include:

Design-build minimizes these risks by uniting all disciplines from the start. With a single point of contact, clients experience fewer handoffs, faster resolutions and greater visibility into project progress.

Selecting a design-build partner is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and it’s important to seek out an experienced general contractor that is detail-oriented and able to support your business needs.

Considering these key factors when engaging a design-build partner can lighten your load and position your project for success:

ARCO Construction’s approach to design-build combines quality of design and construction. Our team seamlessly manages budgets and schedules to foster a partnership between team members at all levels, which accelerates delivery, streamlines communication and mitigates risk for the client.

ARCO’s internal collaborative culture unites design and field experts. Our Project Managers and Superintendents are well equipped to deliver the best client experience.

Our team is dedicated to understanding your vision and optimizing your investment. Early collaboration with ARCO identifies both your project’s opportunities and implications, ensuring your project is set up for success.

Engineers by trade, ARCO Project Managers are skilled in overcoming design challenges to deliver tailored solutions.

Design-build is key to ensuring smoother project closeout. After construction is complete and through building turnover, the design-build partner handles final inspections, assists with move-in coordination and manages owner warranty. This continuity helps ensure the space operates as intended and gives owners a clear path to resolve any lingering issues or concerns.

With 75% repeat customers, we’ve delivered design-build projects nationwide for more than 30 years — producing faster, better, and more cost-effective results. Click on each project to learn more.

The design-build difference made a positive impact in the construction of the Citrine Apartments in Lake St. Louis, MO alongside ARCO repeat client Mills Properties:

When every day counts and every dollar matters, clients need a partner who can navigate the construction process and execute your vision with certainty. Design-build isn’t just a collaborative effort, it’s a delivery method that integrates design, engineering and construction into one seamless process. This approach prioritizes schedule, cost certainty and a fully integrated construction experience.

Contact us to learn how ARCO can deliver faster, more cost-effective results tailored to your goals.ĚýLet’s connect.

TheĚýdesign-build approachĚýcombines management of expense risk and guidance of schedule through a single point of responsibility. Including this method in your preconstruction efforts provides the advantage of streamlined communication and accountability, resulting in reduced cost exposure, accelerated timelines and early assessment of design and construction budgets.

“The planning, analyzing and establishing of the scope of work, coupled with design services and streamlined communication helped us know exactly what to expect with our projects,” said Eric Murray of Providence Group.

StoryPoint Group’s Dave Baylis noted the efficiency of the design-build process provides them the ability to “adjust for potential budget fluctuations in material, labor, loan interest rates or expected operational inflation,” which may otherwise be difficult to navigate. Baylis added, “Adaptability is key in anticipating customers’ needs. ARCO’s customer-centric approach to design-build allows StoryPoint Group to accomplish this needed flexibility.”

Due diligence is essential for minimizing risks, optimizing project finances and delivering a successful development that meets quality standards, budgetary constraints and timeline expectations. But completing this essential phase can prove difficult if done without a trusted partner.

Thomas Jurbala of Generations Healthcare said the knowledge and experience ARCO brings to their projects’ due diligence is invaluable. “In addition to knowing what has or has not worked in the past, having their finger on the pulse in regard to the submarket, labor and cost implications of certain designs has been key to launching successful projects.”

Engaging with a design-build partner during due diligence can expose those heavy-hitting implications early and ensure expectations are met with little upfront investment, ultimately getting you operational faster.

With the evolving demand in senior housing, expanding your market share through increased reach and rapid entry is essential to success. Working with a nationally-established partner will allow you to tap into larger markets, providing expansion potential and accelerated preconstruction schedules, while reducing exposure to regional market fluctuations or other localized challenges.

“As a regional player, StoryPoint Group often enters new states that carry an entirely new set of regulations, general practices, subcontractors and suppliers,” said Baylis. “Working with a design-build partner with a national breadth of experience in various construction types and market sizes gives us the confidence we need to expand, without missing a beat or looking over our shoulder.”

If repeatability is a factor in your business, you’ll also want to consider how the design-build delivery makes replicating building and operational layouts faster and more efficient when evaluating site constraints in varying nationwide markets.

Jim Eisenhart of Aligned Equity Group said for him, rapid market entry is essential in this competitive climate. “Speed to market is one of the biggest advantages you can have as a senior housing developer. ARCO removes many of the risks associated with moving quickly towards the finish line.”

From new builds to expansions, conversions to renovations,ĚýARCO is suited for even your most complex senior living projects. Our team is prepared to help you manage risks, accelerate due diligence schedules, increase market share and make the most of this dynamic market so you’re well positioned for whatever lies ahead.ĚýConnect with our team today.

In markets with high vacancy rates, TIs can help owners and developers remain competitive by modernizing existing buildings and offering flexible layouts to attract long-term tenants.

For example, ARCO’s current work on theĚýHorizon at Skyway CommonsĚýwas designed with long-term flexibility in mind, offering future tenants a functional space while focusing on The Valley’s current industrial needs. Once completed, the space will be positioned to maximize developer investments.

When clients look to update their current facilities, keeping operations running smoothly is a top priority. ARCO works closely with stakeholders to minimize disruption and ensure a seamless transition, demonstrated by our work with Live Nation Entertainment and Parkside Bank in St. Louis.

ARCO partnered with Live Nation Entertainment to renovate St Louis’ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater. Amidst the increasingly busy concert season, various portions of the facility were updated to reflect the venue’s brand identity and upgraded to improve concertgoers’ experience. Throughout the project, Live Nation was able to maintain preparations for the upcoming concert season.

In an urban office setting, our team coordinated closely with Parkside Bank to complete office space upgrades including high-end finishes, architectural lighting packages and new audio and visual components. With our team’s phased construction approach, Parkside Bank was able to remain fully operational from start to finish, with minimal disruption to fellow building tenants.

Time is often a critical factor when clients need to scale. Compared to ground-up builds, TIs commonly offer a faster path to occupancy, allowing companies to expand quickly and cost-effectively.

As Crown Equipment prepared for its expansion to Oklahoma City, they opted to tailor an existing industrial space that would accommodate their technical operations, manufacturing and logistics, rather than completing a ground-up build. As a result, Crown Equipment began serving the greater Oklahoma City area within 4 months of project kickoff, compared to following an extended ground-up construction timeline.

Our design-build delivery model facilitates a streamlined approach to TI work. From day one, we collaborate with clients to develop thoughtful and budget-conscious designs that meet tenant needs and maximize developer investments.

With a combination of national resources and local expertise, no project is too small or niche for our team. ARCO Project Managers are dedicated to understanding our clients’ businesses and delivering tailored solutions to meet their needs. From project launch to completion, our Project Managers serve as the client’s sole point of contact to ensure clear communication and accountability.

With experience across a wide range of industries, ARCO brings the same high standards to every TI project as we do to our ground-up builds.

Whether you’re investing in a flexible space for future tenants or renovating a space to meet your own evolving needs, ARCO is ready to help.ĚýConnect with our team today.