Go back to the drawing board, representatives from Nabholz Construction were told by Pea Ridge School Board members Monday night when they were presented with a $2.6 million tab for the multi-purpose facility.

Nabholz was selected as the construction firm for the project which was expected to cost $2 million. Nabholz officers have met with Steve Elliott, architect,over the last month to cut costs, Elliott said. At this time, costs are running about $120 per square foot.

“That seems extremely expensive,” Joshua Ramsey, school board member, said.

Elliott explained the costs include the site preparation for the entire facility, including the pad for the fabric portion of the building, which is anticipated to be $875,000. The metal building isfor the weight room, field house and locker rooms.

“Even though $120 seems a little high, plumbing is a good portion of that,” Elliott said.

“It also has all the dirt work for the entire structure ... and fire suppression equipment which costs $50,000.”

“That $2.6 million is a whole lot different than $2.1,” Jenny Wood, School Board president, said.

“We’re not going out thereFACILITY: Cost control neededand spend $10,000 on something we’re not going to do.

Just let ’em come back with something else,” Rick Webb, School Board member, said, referring to the $10,000 bill the board would owe Nabholz to let bids, even if the board did not accept any of the bids.

Elliott and Nabholz representatives will “brain storm and come back with ideas,” Elliott said.

News, Pages 1 on 11/10/2010