Projects with a smaller footprint may seem easier to manage and complete due to their smaller size, but limitations in space can pose unique problems for any building contractor. Projects contained within tight physical parameters, such as Whitson CM’s work at the Vista Melrose shopping center in Vista, CA, require knowledgeable and creative construction management techniques that our team is ready and able to provide.

Whitson CM and its partner firm, CFS, were brought onto the Vista Melrose project in early 2023, after the planned stormwater treatment system for the site was found to be cost prohibitive. Our team designed an affordable stormwater system instead, cutting $170,000 out of the budget during the design phase and leading to Whitson CM being selected as the general contractor for the project’s site development. As the design phase ended and the work began, a number of problems were identified by our team: the small site contained a high amount of clay, there were inconsistencies in the panned vs actual grades of the soil, extremely limited space was available for needed features such as drive-thru lanes, and the plans called all dry utilities to be brought in from the other side of Melrose drive at great cost to the project. While practical issues are by no means uncommon in construction work, these combined challenges required careful mitigation for the project to move forward as planned.

Nonetheless, the Whitson CM team implemented a number of solutions in response to these challenges, demonstrating our ability to troubleshoot unanticipated problems as they arise. Our team was able to engineer around the multiple “grade busts” on site, detailing the need in some instances to install geogrid retaining walls not shown on the plans. To assist in access to the site over the compacted, clay terrain, our team installed a fire and delivery lane using Ecoraster, a permeable paving solution provided by our partner firm. Perhaps most significantly, upon investigation of the site it was discovered that gas, power, and other dry service connections existed on the same side of Melrose Drive as the project. By eliminating the need to bring in such utilities across Melrose Drive, our team was able to save the project several thousands of dollars in anticipated expenses.

Such solutions were vital in ensuring the successful conclusion of the project. Ultimately, the Vista Melrose development serves as a testament to the versatility of the Whitson CM team, who continue to implement their expertise on similar projects, no matter how big or small.