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Board approves TimberQuest kit construction as a cost‑saving path for Elkhorn Village modernization
Summary
Faced with schematic estimates $20 million over budget, Washington Unified trustees approved moving forward with TimberQuest—a factory‑assembled kit method staff say will save $5–6 million, shorten construction time and meet Division of State Architect preapproval—while noting tradeoffs in layout flexibility and future maintenance needs.
District facilities staff told trustees schematic design estimates for the Elkhorn Village modernization project exceeded the construction budget by roughly $20 million. To address the gap, staff recommended a construction method offered by TimberQuest: pre‑assembled kit components built offsite and assembled on a slab foundation that staff said meets DSA preapproval and yields a 50+ year lifespan.
Facilities staff said the TimberQuest approach could save an estimated $5–6 million on the construction budget, reduce on‑site labor and general‑condition costs, and shorten on‑site assembly time. Staff emphasized the method uses union labor and would comply with the district's Project Labor Agreement. Trustees asked about differences between TimberQuest, traditional stick‑built construction, and modular buildings; staff clarified TimberQuest is a permanent, higher‑quality kit construction (not portable classroom modules) and that the approach could better ensure schedule completion.
Trustees discussed program impacts (e.g., number of PE rooms, band space), the need to prioritize program elements during design development, and how cost savings could affect other projects such as the performing arts center. The board approved moving forward with the TimberQuest approach so staff could produce a guaranteed maximum price and return with final scope and budget.
