At Baker Law Group, we’ve advised clients on community-focused projects totaling nearly $70 million in construction value and more than 300,000 square feet of new and renovated facilities. These projects often serve nonprofits, schools, and social service providers—organizations that need strong legal guidance to stretch limited budgets, align with complex funding structures, and adapt to evolving programmatic needs.
Facilities That Serve Communities
We have constructed and designed early childhood centers, shelters for the homeless, youth development centers, and multipurpose community centers. Each has a mission-based goal, and our role has been to help keep that vision alive during the contracting process.
Examples include:
- A nearly $18 million historic mansion restoration balancing preservation with modern community space
- An Early Childhood Center expansion and renovation project for $10.5 million in 39,000 square feet
- A $9.5 million, 60,000-square-foot addition to a youth services center that required highly coordinated phasing strategies
In each of these instances, we helped define the scope of service that reconciled architectural design with highly technical requirements, including kitchen design, security systems, telecommunications, landscape architecture, and trauma-informed environments.
Tailored Agreements for Nonprofits
Community projects usually involve nonprofit owners holding public or philanthropic funds. In order to protect architects when meeting shifting scopes, grant-funded timelines, and lean budgets, we have tailored agreements such as:
We’ve addressed compensation risks tied to delayed government funding and negotiated liability provisions to maintain insurability. On some occasions, we’ve supported nonprofit owners directly—for example, negotiating a ConsensusDocs 410 Design-Build Agreement for renovations to a social service facility, nearly on a pro bono basis, with enhanced protections around budget control, lien waivers, warranty provisions, and grant compliance.
Representative Matters
Other projects highlight the wide range of our community sector work:
- A $7.5 million renovation and addition to a transitional housing facility
- A $3.2 million health clinic annex, requiring remediation of contaminated soils and stormwater management
- A feasibility study for a new community center, scoped under AIA Document B102–2017, Agreement Between Owner and Architect without a Predefined Scope of Architect’s Services
Across these engagements, we’ve brought careful attention to the unique priorities of community-serving organizations, combining technical knowledge with business insight.
Building More Than Structures
These projects are not just buildings—they’re investments in social equity, support, and dignity. Our experience allows us to advocate effectively for design clients while safeguarding the success of community-centered development. We handle every matter with respect for our clients’ mission and a commitment to protecting their work through astute, strategic contracts.
If you’re undertaking a community-centered project, we can help you mitigate risk, align with funding requirements, and safeguard the mission that drives your work. Get in touch today.
