Main‑building renovation estimate tops $12.25M, well above district budget

Bill Savage, the district’s facilities presenter, told the board that Landmark’s first major cost estimate for the main building came in at $12,252,005.17, which exceeds the district budgeted amount of roughly $8 million. "The total cost estimate was $12,252,005.17, which is substantially over our budget," Bill Savage said, describing large contractor markups, a 15% design development contingency and significant subcontractor direct costs.

Presenters stressed the difference between a conceptual schematic estimate and a more developed design‑development cost and said the final truth will likely fall between the earlier Sacramento estimator’s $6.3M schematic number and Landmark’s $12.25M design estimate. The estimate includes 3% for escalation, a sizable contractor contingency and allowances — for example fire sprinklers and theater rigging — that are placeholders until design details are finalized. The board discussed options to control costs: scope reductions (e.g., sash vs. full window replacements), phasing the project to complete seismic work first, and maximizing bond and state funding. Staff recommended awaiting the refined estimate due on the 19th and returning with a detailed recommendation in September.

Board members pressed on the feasibility of a new building versus renovation and on practical cost drivers such as electrical/HVAC and steel columns, and staff emphasized the importance of the DSA submission in the timeline for state funding. No final decision was taken at this meeting; staff will return with updated estimates and recommended options.