The Stanly Board of Commissioners on Monday adopted criteria to utilize a design-build construction delivery method for a new trade-based educational facility at Stanly Community College.

Design-build is a method used in the construction industry in which the design and construction services are contracted by a single entity.

County Manager Andy Lucas said the design-build method was used for the construction of the cosmetology building at SCC and is being used for the construction of the county’s new EMS base. It was also used for the expansion of the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center.

The county would pick a general contractor and the contractor would then work with its own architect to design and build the facility.

“You’re cutting out a step in time and money,” Lucas said.

The next step is for general contractors in the region to submit packages before the commissioners decide which one to utilize.

The proposed building would be on the Albemarle campus and allow for more space for existing and new programs for the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Industry, Technology and Trades. It would be approximately 40,000 square feet.

AMITT programs related to trades and manufacturing that would relocate to the proposed building include Collision Repair and Refinishing, Electrical Lineworker, HVAC, Heavy Equipment Operations, Machining and Welding. Proposed new programs would include Automotive Maintenance, Carpentry, Plumbing, Wiring and Masonry.