Board approves $115,000 architect agreement for junior‑senior high natatorium repairs

The West Lafayette Community School Corporation board approved an architect agreement Sept. 8 to advance design work on repairs and upgrades to the natatorium at the junior‑senior high school.

Administrators asked the board to approve an agreement with Fan and Howie (architects) for $115,000 to develop final design specifications and prepare the project for bidding. District staff said the fee falls within the expected architect range (approximately 10–12% of the estimated construction cost).

The board voted to approve the architect agreement; the motion was moved by Board Member George and seconded by Board Member Lawrence. The motion carried.

Why it matters: The project targets structural and building envelope issues identified at the natatorium (including a south‑facing wall and pool deck concerns), and documents presented at the meeting estimate the construction cost in the neighborhood of $1 million (final bids will determine actual cost). Completing design work allows the district to go to formal bid and to determine final scope and schedule.

What the board approved - Architect agreement: $115,000 to produce design documents and bid specifications for natatorium work, as recommended in the architect’s preliminary review and the district’s facilities update.

Next steps - Administration will finalize the design scope with the architect, produce bid documents and return to the board with a recommended contract award once bids are received. The district cautioned that the facility could not be used during construction depending on timing and scope.

Action record - Motion: Approve architect agreement for natatorium design work with Fan and Howie, $115,000. - Mover: George (board member). - Second: Lawrence (board member). - Outcome: Approved by voice vote.

Source: Agenda materials and board packet presented at the Sept. 8 meeting and the board’s recorded motion in the regular meeting transcript.