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The Portland City Council on Wednesday approved two more resolutions relating to the planned renovation of the Portland Building. One authorized the city to finalize a $5.6 million contract for Day CPM Services to serve as the owner’s representative for the project. The other exempted the project from a requirement to use the typical low-bid method.

Three months ago, City Council passed three resolutions to move the process along, including one calling for project participants to commit to a 2020 deadline and a maximum cost of $195 million.

The city’s team favors a 鈥減rogressive鈥� design-build-relocate process, meaning only one contract will be used for the project’s design, construction and relocation aspects. 鈥� 鈥楶rogressive’ means that we have a collaborative team from the start,鈥� said Kristin Wells, a construction project manager. 鈥淚t’s something that is picking up in the construction industry.鈥�

The method should save costs and time, Wells said. 鈥淩elocation鈥� was added to the contract because the potential exists to reduce lease costs, and make other savings.

During construction, some city services will be relocated in an effort to trim approximately $5 million from the project cost.

A request for proposals will go out in 30-45 days. Staff members will return before City Council with updates in spring and summer.

About 5 percent of the project’s cost ($10.5 million) will be covered by a cash contribution from the city; the remainder will come from debt financing. In October, City Council resolved to raise rents across city departments to help pay for the renovation. Money raised will make up about 40 percent of the cash contribution.

The contract with Day CPM Services includes a stipulation for 20 percent participation by minority- or women-owned businesses or emerging small businesses. The firm has already selected a public outreach consultant and a financial officer for the project.

The 33-year-old Portland Building houses more than 1,300 city employees. It was designed by architect Michael Graves and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But it has suffered mechanical and structural problems, and drawn complaints about its aesthetics. A thorough renovation/seismic upgrade is expected to bring it in line with current building codes, but leave the exterior intact.