Commission authorizes Phase 2 GMP and financing as Aggieville construction moves into next stage

The Manhattan City Commission on May 6 authorized an amendment to the construction manager‑at‑risk agreement and associated financing to continue aggressive infrastructure work in Aggieville, including Laramie Street and a segment of Twelfth Street, and consolidated bond financing for the phases.

Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers told the commission the city is combining earlier phase financing with a new guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for phase 2. “A lot of the action tonight is first and foremost, guaranteed maximum price for phase 2,” Hilgers said, and identified the phase‑2 GMP as roughly $7.8 million and recalled the previously approved phase‑1 GMP at about $5.4 million. He said those sums and related fees and contingency produce a combined bond resolution in the $15 million range.

The commission also heard a presentation on a public information effort called AccessAggieville, led by Ashley Furman, strategy director at Middle and campaign director for Access Aggieville. Furman described the campaign as a “public information campaign that was created to make it easier for people to understand how construction may impact their trip to Aggieville,” and noted the site accessaggieville.com includes interactive maps, real‑time closures, parking guidance and an opt‑in text notification service for updates.

Staff described the schedule and phasing: a Twelfth and Morrow full intersection closure is planned May 19–June 19, with Twelfth Street and related work continuing through the end of 2025, and a subsequent phase extending into early 2026. Hilgers said some alley work will begin in August, and that overhead utilities have been taken down in prior months. Evergy will perform a planned overnight power outage to remove remaining overhead lines; staff said the utility expects a 3–4 hour outage overnight and that affected businesses had been notified.

Commissioner questions addressed financing mechanics and the GMP comparison with prior estimates; staff said the combined bond package includes GMPs for phase 1 and phase 2, fees, and a contingency line. Commissioners also discussed ongoing coordination with businesses and the business association to reduce disruption.

After discussion, a motion to authorize the mayor and city clerk to execute the CMAR amendment and amend financing passed on a roll call vote: Mayor McCullough, Commissioners Adamczyk, Opelt, Mota and Mitten — yes. The motion carried 5‑0.

Staff and the business district emphasized the AccessAggieville campaign and free public‑parking messaging for the construction period; staff said some parking incentives and free garage parking will be promoted to encourage patronage of the district during construction.