National Center for Civil and Human Rights Reaches Key Milestone of Selecting Construction Management Team

ATLANTA, June 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- H.J. Russell & Company, C.D. Moody Construction Company and Holder Construction Company, three Atlanta-based construction firms teamed in a joint venture, won the competitive at-risk proposal process to provide construction management services to build the National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Center). The Russell, Moody, Holder Joint Venture is charged with executing the visionary design of the Freelon/HOK architectural design team, which uses the iconic "linked arms" motif to reinforce the Center's mission. The project will break ground later this year, and the newly selected team will oversee all aspects of construction for the facility in Downtown Atlanta.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110620/CL22479LOGO )

Michael Russell, Dave Moody and Tommy Holder share a long history of collaboration on major projects of this size and scope. They have worked on more than 50 joint ventures, including urban projects and cultural institutions. The Center contract calls upon the team to manage pre-construction, construction and post-construction, including carefully monitoring quality, costs and project timelines.

"The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is about to come to fruition and we are humbled to be a part of the process," said Michael Russell, CEO of H.J. Russell & Company. "The building will be a place for the world to gather to learn about social movements, justice and human rights—ideas that grew their wings here in Atlanta. It is a meaningful project for the Russell, Moody, Holder Joint Venture, and we look forward to working together to achieve an excellent result."

With just under $10 million left to reach the groundbreaking goal of $85 million and a construction management firm in place, momentum is gathering for the Center effort.  

"We are pleased to partner with the Russell, Moody, Holder Joint Venture on the tangible result of our work. Their history and expertise are exactly right for the Center, and we know the finished project will be as sound as it is stunning, thanks to their capable work," said Doug Shipman, CEO of the Center. "This is an important moment in the ongoing process of gathering support and resources for this vital institution."

About The Center

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights will display The Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection (King Papers), the award-winning Without Sanctuary lynching exhibit and serve as a hub for ongoing dialogue, attracting world-renowned speakers and artists who work on a variety of human rights topics. Located in Downtown Atlanta at Pemberton Place and equipped with broadcast and event space, the Center will host civil and human rights conversations among scholars, organizations and the public. For more information, visit www.cchrpartnership.org.

About Russell Moody Holder

Atlanta natives Michael Russell, Dave Moody and Tommy Holder grew up in the construction industry together. They have collaborated on major joint ventures, operating as "one company" with unified culture, clear goals and a seamless management approach. Their combined projects represent nearly $4 billion in revenue and nearly seventy major projects, most within the City of Atlanta. Their expertise is in thorough preconstruction services, conducting construction management at risk project delivery and executing fast track construction processes.

SOURCE The National Center for Civil and Human Rights