The new Douglas County High School Sports Complex, known as the “The Claw,” replaced an aging sports facility while reimagining the traditional fieldhouse as
a hub of education, athletics, and community pride.
Developed during a period of district-wide rebranding and cultural change, the design team led by Cole Hil placed strong emphasis on community engagement to shape the building’s design.
Location: Douglasville, GA
Palacio Services: Conceptual Cost Estimating and Target Value Design Cost Estimating
Owner: Douglas County School District
Delivery Method: CM-at-Risk
Construction Completion: 2023
The two-story complex features coach offices, locker and weight rooms, classrooms, support
spaces, and an elevated community area with a balcony overlooking the football field. A new
home grandstand adds 3,500 seats, team rooms, concessions, and a press box. The four elevated
“Tiger Blue” roof forms give “The Claw” its name, and symbolize the school’s commitment to student success and community.
Constructed in 2023 on the site of the original facility during the pandemic, virtual coordination, drone monitoring, and Procore was integral to staying on schedule and on budget.
Early Cost Collaboration Set the Foundation
Palacio Collaborative played a pivotal role in bringing “The Claw” from concept to reality by providing early-stage Cost Management.
Using Genesys®, Palacio’s proprietary cost modeling tool, we developed the project’s conceptual cost estimate and two subsequent Target Value Design cost estimates, which
established realistic budget guardrails to help keep the project on track.
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Palacio’s role in providing the initial cost estimate was instrumental—not only in aligning owner expectations, but also in securing a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) with the contractor. Remarkably, the final scope of work remained closely aligned with the original concept design.
Nicole Hilton
Principal Architect
Cole Hil
In a construction cost climate that was made even more unpredictable by the pandemic, early cost guidance was essential.
Palacio helped establish the budget guardrails that allowed the design team to move forward with confidence, preserving the project vision while navigating uncertainty and ultimately helping bring the Douglas County High School Sports Complex across the goal line.
$28M
Construction Costs
54K
Square Footage
6K
Seating Capacity
Winner of a 2022
AIA Georgia Design Award
The project’s national spotlight on America ByDESIGN underscores how architecture, collaboration, and cost strategy came together to elevate educational infrastructure and civic identity.
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