Community Center Bid Accepted:
Building Costs Reduced
The Glasscock
County Commissioners’ Court, at a special meeting May 7, accepted N.C.
Sturgeon’s bid of $796,168 for construction of a community center. This figure
is lower than the original bid, after removing the cost of all kitchen equipment
and a public address system. These items are to be purchased independently by
the Glasscock County Community Center Foundation.
However, the bid was still over the construction budget. The court then
met with representatives of the Foundation, the architect and contractor to
further reduce the project’s cost.
The architect and the contractor suggested numerous cost-cutting measures, and of these, the commissioners’ court accepted changes that have reduced the construction budget by more than $80,000 so far.
Two modifications will be most visible. One is a reduction in eave height from 16 ft. to 14 ft., which saved $1400 plus reducing overall volume for heating and cooling. The other is a reduction in the height of the exterior masonry trim (with a limestone-look to blend with the courthouse), which will be reduced from the planned 8 ft. to 2 ft., leaving mostly metal siding as the visible exterior. However, the masonry change was also one of the single biggest dollar-savers ($22,000).Local Foundation Kicks in Funds
The
Foundation has committed to spend at least $35,000 of its $39,000 on the center,
keeping only “seed money” to keep the Foundation alive for possible future
projects. The Foundation’s money was gained from several years of fundraising
for the community center, with projects like the Glasscock County Gala, plus
donations from the Lion’s Club and individuals.
Proposed
cost-saving changes to the interior walls of the community room/show ring raised
concerns among some present at this meeting as to how the room is going to look
and function. Becky Batla said she was concerned about whether the community
room/show ring was going to be appropriate for various activities like proms and
receptions, or only for stock shows. Betty
Pate asked, “Is this an extension service building or a community center?”
Commissioner Michael Hoch replied, “It’s an all-purpose building.”
At a later
meeting, the court decided to cover the walls of that room with a perforated
metal acoustical-type material.