BENTONVILLE — School District officials will soon begin interviewing construction management companies for two renovation projects.
The district’s Facilities Committee approved the process during a meeting Friday. The committee and School Board will have to approve a contract once a company is selected.
The company will manage renovation of Coleman Recreational Center and the second phase of renovation at Old High Middle School, said Scott Passmore, the district’s facilities director.
Contracting a management company, as opposed to releasing bids, allows the district to be more flexible with the renovations, said Gary Jackson of Hight-Jackson Associates. Jackson’s architecture firm is contracted by the district for the design of several ongoing projects.
At A Glance
Renovation Projects
The renovation of the Coleman Recreation Center is estimated at $728,000. It will include new siding, flooring, heating and air conditioning system and score board, roof repair, improved lighting, renovation of restrooms and dressing rooms, painting and door replacement.
Phase two renovation of Old High Middle School is estimated at $250,000. It will include drainage issues correction on the east side of building and drywall, plaster, trim and interior painting.
Source: Bentonville School District
“There is potential for many unknowns when you start tearing out walls,” Jackson said. He said older buildings many times hold unexpected issues such as worn-out pipes.
Jackson said a construction manager will put together a cost on the designs the architect drafts and then will add a contingency cost for unknown issues. The contingency costs are known as a gross maximum price.
“The cost of the project will not exceed that GMP,” Jackson said.
By knowing the cost for the unknown, the district can control costs and budget easier, Jackson said.
Bryan Vernetti, committee chairman and School Board member, said using a construction management company may be one way the board can continue to be fiscally responsible.
“It allows us to be flexible as we move through the project,” Vernetti said. “Anyone would know, as they move through a renovation project there will be changes.”
The district posted an advertisement for a construction manger last month. The deadline for applications is Monday. The district expects to have a contract ready for committee and board action available by spring break, Passmore said.