Introduction and the Atwell/Allsup's/Yesway Gate process

GATE PROCESS APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY

A key to managing a successful multi-state convenience store program is to establish a process that flows and guides the execution of each project which is easily repeatable by all team members. 

Atwell has a history of success assisting national Clients with their retail rollout, expansion and special project plans.  Along the way, we have learned a lot about the best practices required to run a successful program.  As a result, we have devised a process with four distinct steps or gates that the project will move through from concept to close out.  The intent of this approach is to provide a play book for a successful outcome without any surprises. The methodology for this process is as follows: 

• Gate 1: Feasibility and Client Approval – Proper and thorough due diligence is the foundation upon which successful projects are created.  The Land Development Project Manager will undertake the following during this step to lay out the project road map and uncover any red flags.  This includes:

  • Research local jurisdictional requirements and summarize applicable regulations, fees, and contact all authorities having jurisdiction to discuss steps, variances needed, potential extraordinary cost items, etc.
  • Prepare a concept plan – conforming to local ordinance and Allsup’s/Yesway requirements. 
  • Execute a Quality Assurance Quality Control review for operational concerns such as circulation and phasing of demolition or construction.  
  • Complete a Site Investigation Report (SIR)/Memorandum –  zoning code extraction to understand entitlement, zoning and permit approval processes.
  • Engaging sign vendor to prepare sign code review
  • Engaging transaction attorney to order a Title Commitment
  • Engage Allsup's/Yesway environmental team to kick off a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
  • Engage surveyor, geotechnical consultant and asbestos containing material survey consultant for proposals
  • Lead a Team meeting coordination call to discuss project milestones and next steps with team and ownership. 

• Gate 2: Project Planning / Preliminary Design & Entitlements – This will include the entire consulting team, Client, Land Development Project Manager, Project Architect, Land Surveyor and Geotechnical Engineer.  This will include the following:

  • Atwell will document all discussion items, action items and individual team responsibilities during all meetings.  The notes will be distributed to all stakeholders following the meeting for review and future reference.
  • Prepare a project schedule and establish critical dates – due diligence period, zoning approvals, operational restrictions, permit timelines, etc. 
  • Prepare a boundary and topographic survey.
  • Review title to identify any encumbrances or real estate issues. 
  • Obtain geotechnical borings and soils report.
  • Prepare preliminary civil and architectural plans for zoning submittals.
  • Prepare a cost estimate based on the preliminary plans.
  • Participate and lead zoning approval meetings.
  • Prepare and maintain a project status report, project schedule and weekly/bi-weekly updates of project progression.

• Gate 3: Final Engineering / Architecture Design (CD’s) & Permits – Once zoning approvals have been obtained, or when client is comfortable advancing the project drawings to the construction document stage, the Land Development Project Manager and Team will commence with the following tasks as part of this step:

  • Land development project manager, project architect, mechancial, electrical and plumbing consultants, structural engineer, fuel team, canopy vendor and sign vendor will coordinate as needed to develop a single cohesive plan package for permitting and bidding.
  • Coordinate with dry utility companies (telephone, electric, gas, cable) for service planning and design as well as contracts for new service.
  • Prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and Manual. 
  • Execute internal quality assurance and quality control (QAQC)
  • Lead and participate in a civil/architectural/fueling walk around meeting to ensure plans between consultant’s match at limits of work and are well coordinated. 
  • Submit final plans for permit and maintain close follow up with municipality and agencies to secure final approvals.

• Gate 4: Construction – Once the plans have been submitted for permit, Atwell will begin assembling contractors for site work and building construction.  This will include:

  • The Atwell Construction Management (CM) Team will work with the Owner to procure contracting services for the required construction packages.
    • The Atwell CM Team will lead the bid process
    • Prepare a detailed final construction estimate
    • Provide value engineering reviews and recommendations where necessary
    • Review shop drawings submitted by contractors for compliance with design concept and coordinate with the design team on field conditions or plan deviations
    • Review test reports of materials
    • Respond to contractor requests for information (RFI’s) during the bid process
    • Answer contractor's RFI's and resolve unforeseen field conditions that should arise during construction
    • Provide construction monitoring throughout the life of the construction schedule
    • Prepare closeout documents for submittals and final punch lists

In addition to the above referenced process, weekly or bi-weekly (depending on project volume) team meetings shall be scheduled.  These meetings are critical to holding all team members accountable for the project schedule and deliverables and allows regular time to discuss project updates.  The vast majority of issues that arise on a project are attributed to a communication breakdown, and regular touch points amongst the team is the best way to avoid those issues. 

ALSUP'S / YESWAY MEDIA RELATIONS

Please be advised that Atwell employees, our vendors, our subconsultants and anyone associated with the Yesway/Allsup’s/BW account that is under Atwell control

ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO SPEAK FREELY TO THE PRESS OR MEDIA ABOUT ANY PROJECT.

Any project means any project that is in design, permitting or construction. 

All press related inquiries must be directed to Yesway.  If you are cornered by a journalist or the media, you need to convey that you are not authorized to speak to the press on Yesway’s behalf. 

Yesway has a specific media policy and group of Public Relation Specialists that are trained in conveying proper messaging to the press. 

If you have any questions at all please contact the Senior Director of Development.

The person the media should contact is:

 

Warner Communications

Erin Vadala

erin@warnerpr.com

978-468-3076

or

Yesway

Tate Cutrer

tate.cutrer@yesway.com

404-558-5051