2019-021 American Legion Hall Design and Construction UpdateDate: February 1, 2019 Report No. 2019-021
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
American Legion Hall design and construction update.
BACKGROUND:
The American Legion Hall Senior Center, located at 629 Lakey Street, is a busy recreational
facility used for active senior adult programing such as sewing, educational seminars, exercise,
table games, fellowship, and monthly socials. The facility has two structures, the south side built
in 1957 (2,500 square feet) and the north side (2,600 square feet) built in 2003, which is connected
by a covered walkway. The buildings serve as a social and recreational gathering place for adults
age 50 and older.
In the summer of 2017, the Parks and Recreation Department provided a tour of this facility to the
City Manager. During the tour, it was noticed that several areas of the south structure built in the
late 1950s had cracks in the wall and showed signs of foundation settling. The north structure had
no structural issues. As a result, an engineering study was commissioned by Eikon Consulting to
determine the stability of the structure, provide a repair estimate, or a replacement estimate if the
repairs were too costly.
Based on the age of the building, Eikon recommended that the cost to repair was not worth the
effort and a full replacement of the south structure was recommended. The firm initially estimated
that $614,712 was needed to replace the structure like for like with the same square footage as the
current structure. This information was presented to the City Council during the Facilities
Management Budget Work Session. As a result of this information, $614,712 has been budgeted
in the FY 2017/18 budget for the design and construction of a new structure.
In late 2017, Eikon Consulting was selected as the architectural firm for the project. Their initial
design fee was $64,220 which allowed $550,462 for construction. As part of the project scope,
Eikon conducted community meetings of the users and engaged City staff on the programming
elements for the facility to determine the appropriate design.
Based on this feedback, Eikon has recommended that the two stand-alone structures be merged
into a single larger facility to approximately 7,100 square feet. This would allow the spaces to be
better utilized and become more versatile by accommodating larger events, subdividing for smaller
events, keeping patrons indoors, and providing a better flow throughout the building. As a result
of combining the spaces, the north building would need renovation and upgrades to current safety
code requirements, which were not scoped as part of the original project budget.
Date: February 1, 2019 Report No. 2019-021
Gary Packan presented the design and funding to City Council on June 5, 2018. With the selected
add alternates Eikon’s estimated probable cost to merge the two buildings and make the required
renovations was projected at $1,100,050.
Original Expenses Amount
Original project scope: $ 614,712
Eikon design Fee: $ 64,220
Add revised scope: $ 243,038
Add alternates $ 67,500
Furniture, fixtures, equip. $ 75,000
Eikon design increase: $ 35,580
Total for revised project $1,100,050
Original Funding Amount
Original project funding $ 614,712
Parks Gas Fund $ 100,000
Parks Bond Interest $ 153,000
Parks 915/916 Funds $ 249,838
Total funding $1,117,550
DISCUSSION:
Over the course of the last six months, Eikon has been working on the completion of construction
drawings. The initial budget amount of $1,100,050 from April 2018 was included in the June 2018
presentation. Since the conclusion of the construction drawings, a total of three estimates have
been completed. These estimates ranged from $1,446,426 to $1,955,299. At this time, Eikon feels
that the high estimate is a potential outliner.
During the process of evaluating and comparing all estimates, staff found that “soft costs” such as
insurance, builder mark-up, testing, permits, and a contingency were not included in the original
estimate provided by Eikon. These costs are approximately $300,000-400,000.
Eikon, along with staff, have identified potential value engineering, deductive alternatives for the
bid as well as possible work that could be completed and/or managed by staff to help contain the
costs. These items include removing the loggia, decreasing the multipurpose/storage room, and
substituting building materials to help get the project closer to an acceptable construction total.
CONCLUSION:
Currently, $1,117,550 in cash funding has been identified for this project. If needed, an
additional $307,424 is available from a combination Park Dedication (915) and Development
(916) Funds to be utilized for this project.
The final construction documents have been completed. The project will be put out for bid using
the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. This will provide a more accurate range of costs for the
Date: February 1, 2019 Report No. 2019-021
project. The results of the bid will be presented to Council with options to move forward in early
March.
STAFF CONTACT:
Caroline Seward
Program Area Manager, Parks and Recreation
(940) 349-8271
Caroline.Seward@cityofdenton.com