Mesquite ISD board approves construction-manager-at-risk method for three renovation and replacement packages

The Mesquite Independent School District Board of Trustees voted to use the construction-manager-at-risk (CMAR) delivery method for three grouped project packages that together cover multiple campus renovations and a replacement school.

District staff explained that packaging smaller projects together can generate cost savings and synergies. Package 1 covers renovations at Beasley, Moss and Gray elementaries, including kitchen equipment replacements, lighting and electrical upgrades, MEP improvements, chiller and boiler work, HVAC controls and life-safety systems such as fire alarm and sprinklers. Package 2 includes AC New, McDonald Middle School and Horn High School Field House work; planned work ranges from a new security vestibule and administration area to a 8,500-square-foot field house addition with a weight room and restrooms plus renovations to locker rooms and support spaces. Package 3 is the Lawrence–Motley replacement school, described as approximately 8,600 square feet to serve about a 600-student capacity; the replacement campus will include ICC 500 storm shelters and, after completion, the existing Lawrence and Motley buildings will be torn down with the Lawrence site reverting to the City of Mesquite Parks and Recreation department.

A district representative said each package will be bid as a single project with one general contractor per package. Trustee M. Seward moved to approve all three items as one motion; Trustee H. Hornsby seconded. The board approved the CMAR construction method for the three packages by voice vote.

District staff said additional design presentations will come to the board in a later meeting and that work will proceed through pre-construction services before final contract awards.