Commission awards $43.3 million contract to build new Towne Acres Elementary School

The Johnson City Commission on Thursday voted to award a construction contract to J.A. Street & Associates for a new Towne Acres Elementary School.

Brian Ross, the city’s building services director, told the commission the project is a two-story, 110,000-square-foot school designed for up to 750 students and staff, with security vestibules, upgraded HVAC, outdoor classrooms and separate bus and car loops. Construction will occur in two phases: Phase 1 will build the new school and primary site improvements, and Phase 2 will demolish the existing school and complete remaining site work.

The commission considered a lump-sum construction contract of $43,337,440; combined with design and other fees the project total is $45,859,996. The contract requires substantial completion by June 30, 2027, to allow a month for move-in before the school year; remaining site work is scheduled to be finished by December 2027.

Ross told commissioners the city excluded allowances for furniture, technology and playground equipment from the contract to fit the budget and said staff will seek cost-saving opportunities during construction and reallocate contingency if feasible. He also noted that J.A. Street was the lowest qualified bidder after one lower bid was disqualified because of a subcontractor licensing discrepancy; the losing bidder filed a protest that has since been resolved. The city’s legal department has reviewed the draft agreement but staff asked the commission to authorize the mayor to sign the final contract documents once technical issues are resolved.

Commissioners praised the long-term effort to deliver the facility and approved the contract by roll call.