May 2008 Update - 6/12/2008

If you're like most people you may be wondering, "What's taking so long to start construction at 13 Firstfield?" Well, let's just say it's amazing how much preliminary work is required before the first hammer can be lifted! Although it may appear nothing is happening, there is a lot going on behind the scenes. Here's what happened during the month of May.

May 2008 Update

John O'Keefe, who attends our church and is employed by Clark Construction, offered to have his company work up preliminary estimates from our current plans.

Clark Construction worked up preliminary cost estimates based on the Design Development plans including the new roof top HVAC units and on removing only one column. A draft estimate was provided on 05.01.08 and a meeting was held with John and his estimator on 05.07.08 which resulted in an updated estimate being provided the following day. The estimate was distributed to the building and the design team. The estimate was broken down according to the phases we have been tracking and indicated that the preliminary Clark estimate was significantly over our budget.

A meeting with the design team was scheduled to review the cost estimate and develop a plan for proceeding with the design with the target being to reduce the costs by $500K.

Bob Hedden, our project manager has recommended that we hold off on bringing a Construction Manager on board at this time. Due to the economic climate in the construction industry, Bob thinks our project may benefit from a competitive bidding process rather than the Construction Manager model.

On May 2^nd Dave Hawley & Mark Tindle met with Sol Sound and EAW to review their recommendations for audio / video requirements in the auditorium.

The final hurdle for obtaining site plan approval is the issue of bringing the lighting of the rear parking lot up to code. In an attempt to avoid an estimated cost of $9000 for new lighting poles and fixture, Sid Duley had the trees cut back and replaced burned out lamps. The electrical engineer plans to take light level measurements that will be used as a basis for determining how to address this issue.

A design team meeting was held with the architect, structural, mechanical and electrical engineers participating as planned. The structural engineer was given clear direction to proceed with the original plan that only affects the roof area above the center of the main auditorium and results in the removal of only one column. The updated and more detailed footing plans will be provided to Clark for re-pricing. “Value engineering” of the lighting systems and fixtures and pulling the theatrical fixtures out of the base building budget should result in a cost reduction of approximately $100K. The design work associated with these changes is proceeding. The engineer is proceeding with more detailed plans for re-pricing.

- submitted by Jeannette Cochran