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San Benito CISD board selects D Wilson as design‑build contractor for performing arts center after competing presentations
Summary
After hearing two design‑build teams’ presentations, the San Benito CISD Board voted to select D Wilson Construction as the design‑build contractor for the district’s planned performing arts center and authorized administration to negotiate a contract.
The San Benito Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees voted to select D Wilson Construction as the design‑build contractor for the district’s proposed performing arts center, the board announced after a presentation and question‑and‑answer session with two competing teams.
Board President Dr. Ariel Cruz Bella called the selection after the meeting returned from closed session. Trustee motioned to select D Wilson and the board approved the motion on a voice vote.
The decision followed two rounds of public presentations. Earlier, a local team identified in the transcript as Trigen/Trigent (presenters Sergio Linus and Connie Bearden) outlined a design‑build approach that the presenters said reduces project risk by integrating contractor, architects and engineers from project inception. The presenters cited subcontractor markup ranges of about 3–6 percent and described contingency procedures and general conditions. They referenced recent K‑12 work including a synthetic turf project the team described at roughly $2.2 million and an auditorium project they described at about $8.9 million and nearly 800 seats.
Later, the board heard from the D Wilson team, led by Jose Reyes, who introduced himself as “president and CEO of D Wilson Construction.” The D Wilson team presented ERO Architects as design partners and listed consulting subs including Trinity MEP and theatrical consultant WJHW. Reyes and his team emphasized K‑12 performing‑arts experience in the Rio Grande Valley, a preconstruction approach that includes a registered architect‑design manager and staged budgeting, and contingency planning. The team described typical design‑build contingencies starting larger in early design (about 5 percent) and tapering toward roughly 2 percent as documents mature. Reyes said typical cost ranges for complex performing‑arts facilities in the current market run roughly $700–$900 per square foot depending on complexity.
Board members questioned both teams on schedule performance, warranty and warranty processes (D Wilson said standard warranties run one year with options for extended warranties on items such as roofing or mechanical equipment), how the teams manage owner‑requested changes and supply‑chain risks, and whether the auditorium design would meet UIL competition requirements. D Wilson described using a live project management system (Procore) for document control and communications and said the firm conducts regular site meetings and post‑construction warranty walk‑throughs.
The board then moved to action. A motion to select D Wilson as the design‑build contractor carried, and a separate motion authorized district administration to negotiate contract terms with the selected firm.
What happens next: the board authorized administration to begin contract negotiations with D Wilson. The district did not publicize a final contract value or a guaranteed construction start date at the meeting; the board and administration said scheduling and detailed costs will be refined during preconstruction and contract negotiations.
