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Cedar Springs board weighs $17 million-plus renovation vs. demolition for vacant Hilltop building
Summary
At its Jan. 12 meeting the Cedar Springs Public Schools board heard a detailed staff and contractor briefing on the vacant Hilltop Administration Building’s structural and mechanical problems, preliminary cost estimates for renovation (roughly $16.9M interior-only, higher if exterior skin is replaced), and demolition and abatement options; asbestos bids will be requested in February.
Superintendent Smith and district facilities and construction partners told the Cedar Springs Public Schools Board of Education on Jan. 12 that the district’s vacant Hilltop Administration Building is suffering mounting mechanical, plumbing and structural problems and that the district faces three realistic options: pursue a large-scale renovation, demolish the building and retain the land, or sell/donate the property with risk of limited proceeds.
“Water has not been our friend,” Superintendent Smith said, describing recurring leaks, one boiler out of service and corroded metal straps that are detaching the exterior brick from the building’s interior structure. Facilities director Vic Matoulis and finance staff confirmed ongoing monthly utility and upkeep costs of about $5,000 and roughly $90,000 spent over the last 18 months on utilities and related repairs.
Contractors from Triangle Construction and district consultants used the recent Redhawk renovation as a comparable project. Using Redhawk’s $12.4 million…
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