Frontier Center expansion moves above ground as construction crews begin steel work

Idaho Falls — City staff and the project architects on Tuesday gave the City Council a construction progress report on the Frontier Center lobby expansion and accessibility upgrades.

The project will expand the facility lobby by about 6,000 square feet, add ADA restrooms closer to the public spaces and provide a passenger drop‑off. Construction began in April with demolition, excavation and footing work; the most recent photos shown to council capture the project as it goes vertical with steel columns now standing.

Why it matters: The project modifies a public performance venue used year‑round and funded with a mix of American Rescue Plan Act funds and private donations raised by the civic capital campaign. The city must keep the facility operable during construction for scheduled events, so staging, temporary access routes and coordination with event schedules were key topics for council.

What staff reported

- Contract and schedule: The construction contract was awarded in December (Construction Solutions Company). Staff reported no change orders to date and payments of just over $1 million; the contract balance was reported at about $6.2 million. The contractor’s stated calendar is 18 months; project managers said CSC is confident the work can be completed in roughly 10 months but…