Commission accepts $5.44 million GMP for Twelfth Street improvements; two-phase CMAR split approved

The Manhattan City Commission voted Feb. 18 to accept a guaranteed maximum price of $5,439,202 from BHS Construction for Twelfth Street improvements from Morrow Street to Laramie Street and for the alley between North Manhattan Avenue and Twelfth Street. The commission also approved a second amendment to the construction-manager-at-risk agreement to split Twelfth Street and Laramie Street construction into two phases; both votes were unanimous, 5–0.

City staff said the GMP includes significant underground utility work, and that about $1 million of the GMP is for utility improvements (water, storm sewer) needed to serve Aggieville and to create a redundant water feed for the district. Staff and the contractor described a phasing plan that anticipates heavy work beginning after K-State graduation: the Twelfth & Morrow intersection will be closed for roughly 30 days beginning about May 20 to allow extension of storm sewer and water lines, then work will move south through summer and fall. The alley work is scheduled to start around August and conclude before November.

Staff warned the closure will disrupt the business district and said the city will coordinate with BHS, business owners, the district and police on traffic, deliveries and pedestrian access. Contractor representatives said pedestrian access will be maintained on the north side of Morrow, and the city will attempt to preserve delivery windows and access where possible. Staff said April and May will be used for preparatory work and permitting, with a goal of substantial construction through 2025 into early 2026 and select segments finishing by mid-2026.

Dennis Cook, president of the Aggieville Business Association, asked the commission to allow 24/7 access to the city's parking garage for the 30-day intersection-closure period, saying the change would help businesses through the most disruptive window: "Our ask is ... maybe extend that parking garage system we've got, for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during this period," he said. Commissioners asked staff to return with options and a fiscal estimate; several commissioners signaled support for at least covering the closure period and requested an update on parking-garage repairs and staffing.

Staff also discussed Laramie Street design work. Olson (city consultant) expects to complete Laramie design in the next 6–8 weeks so BHS can provide a second GMP covering that work; the Laramie work will be timed to coordinate with private development at Twelfth and Laramie. The commission approved the GMP and the CMAR amendment to phase Laramie separately, both by 5–0 roll calls.

The city noted the investment is part of broader TIF and district work and referenced a current TIF increment balance of roughly $1.9 million and an annual increment revenue near $1 million; staff said further financing and a bond resolution will be on the March 4 meeting agenda.

The city and contractor stressed they will try to manage deliveries and traffic in the business district; staff will return with options on parking-garage access for businesses during the closure and further details on garage repairs and staffing.