PILLAR: Vibrant
AGENDA DATE: February 25, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 4
DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
PRIORITY: N/A
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize (1) a Construction Manager at Risk Agreement with Linbeck Group, LLC, best value proposer of four, to provide preconstruction and construction services for the Dallas Zoo Safari Trail Project (or “Project”) located at 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway; and (2) the establishment of appropriations in an amount not to exceed $60,000.00 in the Capital Gifts Match Donations and Development Fund - Not to exceed $90,000.00 - Financing: Capital Gifts Match Donations and Development Fund ($60,000.00); Park and Recreation Facilities (B) Fund (2024 General Obligation Bond Fund) ($30,000.00)
Body
BACKGROUND
The Zoo Safari Trail Project includes three parts, each with its own design and construction phases. Part One of the Project is called African Shorelines with a construction budget of approximately $25M. Key elements to this part include a penguin exhibit, flamingo exhibit, and a café. Part Two is called Wild Grasslands with a construction budget of approximately $45M. Key elements to this part include a rhino exhibit, cheetah exhibit, and an aviary walkthrough with free flight birds. Part Three is called Okapi Forest with a construction budget of approximately $20M. Key elements of this portion include a primate exhibit, and an okapi exhibit, as well as an education classroom.
During the design phases, the Linbeck Group, LLC will provide preconstruction services and work with the rest of the Project Team, consisting of the Dallas Zoological Society and their representatives, the Park and Recreation Department, and the design consultants (hired by the Zoo) during the design process to ensure the feasibility and constructability of the improvements proposed for each of the three parts of the Project. The Linbeck Group, LLC will also provide cost estimates and construction schedules during the design phase. Partway through the design and prior to the completion of construction documents of each part, the Linbeck Group, LLC will lead a public bidding process and submit a proposal with a Guaranteed Maximum Price for construction of each part of the Project.
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
Began Design November 2025
Complete Design of Part One December 2026
Begin Construction of Part One March 2027
Complete Design of Part Two January 2028
Complete Construction of Part One March 2028
Begin Construction of Part Two April 2028
Complete Design of Part Three December 2028
Complete Construction of Part Two April 2029
Begin Construction of Part Three May 2029
Complete Construction of Part Three May 2030
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On December 10, 2025, the City Council authorized a development agreement between the City of Dallas and the Dallas Zoo for the design and construction of the Safari Habitat Trail and other improvements, by Resolution No. 25-1839.
On February 19, 2026, the Park and Recreation Board approved a Construction Manager at Risk Agreement with Linbeck Group, LLC, best value proposer of four, to provide preconstruction and construction services for the Dallas Zoo Safari Trail Project (or “Project”), located at 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2026 |
FY 2027 |
Future Years |
|
Capital Gifts Match Donations and Development Fund |
$60,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Park and Recreation Facilities (B) Fund (2024 General Obligation Bond Fund) |
$30,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Total |
$90,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
LOCAL PARTICIPATION
|
Prime |
Status |
Workforce % |
|
Linbeck Group, LLC |
Non-local |
3.13% |
PROCUREMENT INFORMATION
On November 19, 2025, the City of Dallas submitted the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Services for the Project.
On December 12, 2025, the Office of Procurement Services received submittals from four CMAR firms.
On December 17, 2025, the Selection Committee met and made a shortlist of two CMAR firms.
On December 22, 2025, the Park and Recreation Planning and Design Division (P&D) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to the shortlisted firms.
On January 16, 2026, P&D received proposals from both firms.
On January 22, 2026, the Selection Committee interviewed the two firms and ranked Linbeck Group, LLC, the highest, making them the best-value proposer of the four respondents as the result of a qualifications-based selection process in accordance with applicable law.
On February 19, 2026, the Park and Recreation Board approved a Construction Manager at Risk Agreement with Linbeck Group, LLC, best value proposer of four, to provide preconstruction and construction services for the Dallas Zoo Safari Trail Project located at 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway.
OWNER/EXECUTIVE
Linbeck Group, LLC
Christopher Scott Pitt, General Manager
MAP
Attached