Council approves conceptual plan and bidding for 9/11 Honors Monument with Phase 1 estimated at $1.3M

The Cleburne City Council approved a conceptual, phased design for a 9/11 Honors Monument at Winston Patrick McGregor Park and authorized staff to take Phase 1 to bid.

City staff and BRW architect Doug Hawkins walked council and the public through a two-phase concept. Phase 1 centers on a protected artifact display framed by a perforated pavilion, a lawn 'court' surfaced in artificial turf for ceremonies, pedestrian lighting and accessibility features, and interpretive walls honoring first responders and victims. Hawkins said the design uses precast panels for quality control and longevity and includes a framed ‘proscenium’ element to direct visitor procession through the site. The design also incorporates lighting schemes intended for both ceremony and security and contemplates name panels and three memorial walls representing fire, police and military.

Staff stated the opinion of probable cost for Phase 1 is about $1.3 million and warned that, to meet an accelerated timeline for a commemorative event, incentives and schedule premiums could raise that estimate to roughly $1.5–$1.6 million. Staff proposed taking the Phase 1 design to bid in January, returning in February with bid results and funding recommendations; construction could begin in March with a target ribbon cutting on Sept. 11, 2026, subject to schedule and funding.

After brief public comment in favor and discussion of donor accounting and prior community vetting, council voted 4–1 to approve the conceptual design and authorization to proceed to bidding for Phase 1.

The motion authorizes staff to solicit bids; council directed staff to return with final bids and a funding plan, including the use of donations already collected in fund 88 toward construction.