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Franklin City Hall block redevelopment: foundations under way, early bids lower than estimates, contingencies remain
Summary
City and contractor representatives reported foundation work, early bid package results and contingencies for the City Hall block redevelopment at the Aug. 26 work session; staff said ERP1‑2 came in under estimate and drilling is ahead of schedule.
City project managers reported progress on the City Hall block redevelopment at the Aug. 26 work session, showing construction milestones, early release package (ERP) bid results and contingency planning.
Presenters said excavation is complete, crews are drilling piers (about 14 feet bearing shown so far) and that initial work was tracking ahead of schedule. Staff reported no groundwater issues to date. Project managers said two early release packages (ERP 1 and 2) were estimated at $30.7 million and bid at about $27.5 million, and that ERP 3 (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) is the largest remaining package with an expected range around $41–41.5 million; the final package was estimated near $23.4 million. The program forecasted a combined package range of roughly $92.5 million with tariff/allowance contingencies still approximately $9–10 million.
Staff said $9.8 million had been spent through the reporting period and that pending pay applications likely increase that to roughly $10.5–11 million once processed. Presenters listed value‑engineering reductions totaling about $3.7 million to date and cited specific small change examples (window options, roofing materials and curb/gutter adjustments tied to subsurface conditions). They also said the project is carrying contingencies for unsuitable soils and other uncertainties; one excavation void required about $6,000 of concrete fill.
Aldermen asked questions about potential rock or blasting, interior “soft” costs such as furniture and fixtures and streetscape work on both sides of Third Avenue; staff said they were tracking potential soft‑cost increases and would provide renderings and additional cost detail as the work progresses. Staff also said they are coordinating phasing and access with nearby businesses including Biscuit Love and local churches to minimize disruptions.
The presenters requested continued board oversight and noted overall bid results so far were favorable relative to early estimates, while contingencies remain for future packages and tariff exposure.
