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Urbandale board approves design work to study renovating Rolling Green as district administrative office
Summary
After a lengthy presentation and public discussion of costs and site constraints, the Urbandale Community School District board voted 6–0 to contract DLR Group to develop design options (renovation vs. new build) and cost estimates for moving the district office to Rolling Green.
Consultants and district staff presented options on March 23 for relocating the Urbandale Community School District administrative office to the Rolling Green elementary building and the board voted to fund design work that will refine cost estimates and site options. The district’s current leased office space expires Jan. 31, 2028, a timeline officials said makes a near-term decision urgent.
The consultant team said a focused renovation for approximately 19,000 square feet of the 35,600-square-foot Rolling Green building is feasible as a first phase. They gave conceptual ranges rather than finalized bids: a base construction estimate of $6.2 million to $6.7 million and a total project range with fees of about $7.7 million to $8.2 million for the first phase. A full renovation of the entire building was described in discussion as roughly $12.5 million to $13.5 million; a complete demolition and ground-up rebuild was discussed at higher conceptual figures (presenters referenced a ceiling near $18 million in broad terms). Consultants emphasized the figures were preliminary test-fit numbers to be refined in schematic design.
District staff and board members raised neighborhood concerns, zoning questions and potential tradeoffs. Rolling Green is on roughly 4.6 acres and is currently zoned R‑1S; presenters warned that changing the facility from school to an office use will probably require rezoning and engagement with city planning. Staff also cited recurring vandalism and maintenance costs of roughly $76,000 this fiscal year to keep the vacant building secured and heated.
Board members asked about phased options, the possibility of demolishing and rebuilding a smaller, purpose-built office, and what would remain of community green space and playgrounds. The consultant team said mechanical, electrical and fire‑suppression work for the entire facility would likely be required up front even if only a portion were renovated, which affects cost and schedule.
The board approved a motion to contract with DLR Group to advance schematic design and provide construction documents and bid‑level cost estimates for renovation and rebuild alternatives. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote recorded as 6–0. The decision does not itself authorize construction; it funds the next step to produce detailed plans and cost comparisons for board review.
What’s next: DLR will conduct schematic design work and provide alternates and more specific cost estimates, permitting the board to consider a firm recommended path (partial renovation, full renovation, or new construction). The district also said it will continue to consult the city on possible rezoning, and discussed potential funding paths including revenue bonds. The board did not authorize construction tonight.
