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Assembly approves design award for Birch Hill multipurpose building; construction estimate about $4 million
Summary
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly voted to award the design contract (RFP/ARPA award number 25074) for a new multipurpose building at Birch Hill Recreation Area to Design Alaska for $295,380. Staff said the requested design assumes future construction bids around $4 million; the assembly approved the design contract by roll-call vote.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly voted to award RFP/ARPA number 25074 to Design Alaska for architectural and engineering design services to create a new multipurpose, 5,000-square-foot building at Birch Hill Recreation Area.
Gist of the action: The Assembly approved a $295,380 design contract for the Birch Hill multipurpose building after a staff presentation and questions from members about scope and future costs.
What staff said: Corey Beal, general services, and David Bradley, public works, gave the staff report and described the project as design work for a building that will replace three existing structures used for warm-up space, timing, and equipment pick-up during ski events. Beal told the Assembly the procurement followed borough procurement rules (Title 16) and that Design Alaska was the highest-ranked proposer.
Costs and scope: Beal and Bradley said the design contract covers only engineering and architecture; the staff noted the design is intended to produce construction bids that would come in around $4,000,000. Assembly members asked whether the $4 million included design fees and whether the design could show a phased construction approach. Staff said design will define phasing options for the construction phase but that details such as operations and maintenance estimates were “too early in the process” to finalize.
Vote and motion: A motion to award RFP/ARPA number 25074 was made and seconded in open session. The Assembly recorded a roll-call vote and the clerk announced the RFP award had been approved following the vote. The staff presentation and roll call are recorded in the meeting minutes; the design award was approved at the meeting.
Why it matters: Birch Hill is an active year-round recreation facility; the new building is intended to consolidate multiple ski-related functions, support larger events and potentially serve as a public warming and administrative space.
Ending: The Assembly’s approval funds design work only. Future construction will need separate funding appropriations; staff told the Assembly that the project was already included in prior capital plans and that the Parks and Recreation partners and local clubs plan to pursue fundraising to reduce the borough share of construction costs.
