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Bellevue West auditorium update: finishing work, delayed opening and estimated extra costs
Summary
District facilities staff gave a construction status update for the Bellevue West auditorium, citing scaffolding removal, final punch‑list work, landscaping and an estimated potential overrun of roughly $400,000–$600,000; the opening is targeted for early second semester.
District facilities staff updated the board on progress and outstanding work at the Bellevue West auditorium and projected an opening in the first days of the second semester with some remaining punch‑list items and estimated additional costs.
Greg, the district’s project presenter, told the board crews have completed much of the exterior concrete and were finishing interior drywall, plumbing and electrical rough‑ins. He said scaffolding that has filled the auditorium space will be taken down, which will begin the “sprint to the finish line.” Greg said landscaping is scheduled to start on the 15th and that concrete, sidewalks and drainage work are largely complete.
Why it matters: The updated auditorium is a major capital project with impacts for school performances, music programs and community events. Greg described new audiovisual systems and an orchestra pit that will require a learning curve for staff and students once the space opens.
Timeline and seats: Greg said the district is targeting the very first days of the second semester — “January 4 to January 6” — as the opening window, while hoping for an earlier December completion if possible. When asked about capacity, he said the seating will be about 970 to 980 seats, “somewhere right around there.”
Costs and procurement: Greg estimated the project would likely exceed original bids by roughly $400,000 to $600,000 when final bills are in, though he said there were some credits and remaining contract items that will affect the final number. He explained portions of the delay were caused by heavy summer rains, additional plumbing work and delivery timing for ceiling components.
Operational notes: Greg said the new audiovisual systems, staging and orchestra pit will require training for users and that the district has taken steps to procure seating, audio‑visual equipment and other final components. He noted the district purchased lifts that could be used for maintenance but that some tasks may still require rentals.
Ending: Board members asked about budget impacts and timeline; staff said final cost figures will be available when final invoices are received and that they will provide exact numbers at that time.
