Board favors Discover site for new athletic complex after cost estimate shows higher Bevelheimer expense

The New Albany-Plain Local Board of Education on Monday reviewed schematic site plans and a probable-cost estimate for a proposed off-campus high school athletic complex and signaled support for continuing discussions with the City of New Albany about the Discover property.

Director of facilities and campus planning Michael Sawyer presented conceptual layouts produced with MKSK and cost estimates from Resili and Kleininger that compared two possible sites: the Discover property (roughly 49.42 acres) adjacent to the school campus, and a multipurpose configuration at Bevelheimer Park. The district''s "counter proposal" preserves a clover layout for varsity and junior-varsity baseball and softball with a single central press-box/concessions core on the Discover site.

Sawyer summarized the probable-cost totals provided by Resili: approximately $13.3 million for the Discover configuration and approximately $17.2 million for the Bevelheimer configuration, a difference of about $3.8 million. "That's what I currently know as of tonight," Sawyer said, and recommended continuing the partnership with the city to pursue Discover.

Why it matters: The bond-funded athletics program was planned to replace fields displaced by construction of a new elementary school. The site choice affects capital costs, community amenities, transportation planning and long-term campus growth.

Key points from the presentation - Scope: The bond scope includes a varsity baseball field, varsity softball field, junior-varsity baseball and softball fields, a turf infield, concessions, restrooms, press box, a 4,000-square-foot indoor hitting/batting-cage facility and a new indoor practice facility. - Cost estimates: Resili provided probable costs based on recent central-Ohio projects (notably Worthington). Estimates include hard costs plus 18% soft costs (CMR preconstruction fees, A/E fees, owner contingency, builder's risk, capacity fees). Resili cautioned estimates are conceptual and exclude detailed site demolition and final survey-based utility work. - Bevelheimer-specific in-kind requests: The New Albany Joint Parks District asked that the district provide several in-kind replacements if the district uses Bevelheimer, including 174 additional parking spaces, replacement soccer fields, a storage building with restrooms and sharing of stormwater-basin costs. Those add to the Bevelheimer subtotal. - City partnership and lease: Sawyer said City Manager Joe Stephanoff confirmed the city is pursuing purchase of the Discover property and will draft lease terms for district use; Sawyer said the city committed to exploring safe pedestrian connections from campus to Discover.

Board reaction and next steps Trustees expressed broad support for pursuing the Discover site. Board member John (last name not specified in transcript) said Discover "makes a lot of sense from a financial and community-asset standpoint." Trustee Paul (last name not specified) urged care about long-term fiscal impacts and better public process for future decisions, but did not oppose proceeding.

The administration asked whether the presentation satisfied board direction for a cost estimate. Sawyer said the district can move to a more comprehensive, survey-based estimate if the board gives further direction; he recommended continuing work with the city, MKSK and potential private partners to refine a phased plan and to explore capital fundraising and naming-rights options.

Formal action The board approved a separate resolution to request donation of two adjacent lots from the New Albany Company for transportation-site expansion; that resolution passed by roll-call vote. The motion to request donation was moved and seconded and carried unanimously.

Limits and caveats Resili and Kleininger noted the following exclusions: costs for site demolition, comprehensive survey, detailed stormwater modeling and lighting analysis are not included in the probable-cost estimates. Resili''s estimate assumes existing underground stormwater infrastructure at Discover is suitable, subject to confirmation.

Ending Administrators will continue coordination with the city and New Albany Company, seek philanthropic and naming-rights support and plan for a phased implementation. Sawyer said an early earthwork/site-prep package could start between January and March if permitting and final design remain on schedule.