Keys To P3 Construction: Collaboration & Partnership 

By: John Forney, Sr. Business Development Manager at The Weitz Company | Commercial  

A P3 construction project, or Public-Private Partnership, is a collaboration between a government agency and a private company to finance, build, and operate projects such as public infrastructure, schools, roads, hospitals, or housing.   

For more than 170 years, The Weitz Company has a demonstrated track record of delivering large-scale, complex projects, often in operationally sensitive or phased environments. This includes Student Housing, Hospitality, Aviation, and other projects that require coordination with public agencies or campuses, all of which align with the typical course of a P3 construction project. 

The Hilton Des Moines Downtown, Kansas City International Airport (KCI) New Terminal, and Florida Atlantic Student Housing are just three recent examples of complex projects that Weitz has successfully delivered through the P3 construction method. 

Partnering with Weitz in a P3 structure offers owners the advantage of working with a team that combines deep construction expertise, robust preconstruction planning, and a collaborative, client-first approach, all of which are essential to the success of a P3 partnership.  

Preconstruction & Stakeholder Collaboration 

Weitz’s preconstruction services are grounded in proactive cost modeling, schedule management, and early trade partner engagement. This helps reduce design risk, identify long-lead times, and keep the project aligned with project cost goals; crucial components in a P3 where cost predictability over the long-term matters. 

Clients benefit from Weitz’s culture of transparency and collaboration. Our teams are known for fostering highly coordinated project environments through Building Information Modeling (BIM), regular coordination meetings, and co-located team models; which are essential in a P3 construction setting where multiple stakeholders (developer, operations team, public agency) must stay aligned throughout the course of the project and into completion. 

Phased Turnover 

Weitz is experienced in phased turnover strategies that ensure early occupancy, streamlined commissioning, and minimized disruption. For P3s that involve revenue-generating facilities like dorms or hospitals, this phased, operations-ready approach allows clients to monetize and use facilities sooner. 

Unlike a traditional design-bid-build contractor, Weitz approaches projects with a long-term mindset. We understand how early decisions impact the operational cost, maintenance, and end-user experience, key components in a P3 agreement where total cost of ownership is a shared concern. 

A Trusted Partner 

Weitz has experience working under a variety of project delivery models from CMAR, Design-Build, and more, and our team is comfortable adapting to the roles a P3 might require, whether it’s as the builder, design-builder, or part of the development/management team. This flexibility allows owners to structure the deal to best meet their needs. 

As projects continue to become more complex and the demand for innovative project delivery continues to grow, public-private partnerships offer a powerful path forward, blending private-sector efficiency with public-sector purpose. At Weitz, we bring the experience, flexibility, and long-term thinking required to make P3 construction projects successful. From preconstruction through operations, our teams understand the unique demands of these partnerships and how to deliver lasting value for all stakeholders. If you’re exploring a P3 model for your next project, Weitz is ready to help you build with confidence, collaboration, and clarity.