More changes have been added to the Friendswood High School renovations and Cline Elementary School to reduce the estimated project costs.
PBK Architects and district staff presented the update at the Nov. 15 Friendswood ISD board workshop. Renovations to Friendswood High and the new Cline Elementary are a part of the district's $128 million bond approved by voters in 2020.
At the previous Nov. 8 board meeting, officials announced the renovations to Friendswood High School were expected to go over budget by roughly $8 million.
As of Nov. 15, the project is estimated to cost $58.4 million, but the district has only budgeted $51.6 million for the renovations and maintenance costs. PBK Architects will work to try and bring the costs down before the next board meeting Dec. 13.
Some previous proposed changes to reduce the project's cost included limiting design elements in the high school courtyard, eliminating amphitheater seating in the black box theater and removing side balcony box seats in the auditorium, according to updated renderings.
Newer changes presented Nov. 15 include redesigning the auditorium, changing interior renovations to the band room and making the gym into a single-story building.
“The main goal of the gym, as far as I’m concerned, was getting a gym with real ceiling height. It’s going to be a tough choice,” trustee Robert McCabe said.
These changes will attempt to keep the project within the budget of $44.6 million, which does not include any maintenance costs that will be needed. All of the updated changes will be approved by the board before construction can begin. The final guaranteed maximum price will be presented to the board Dec. 13.
Meanwhile, some potential changes to help lower the cost for the new Cline Elementary, located in the West Ranch master-planned community, include removing the outdoor amphitheater and removing all balconies on the second floor. The project budget is set at $37 million, according to the presentation.
The elementary project is expected to bid Jan. 25, and a recommendation will be presented to the board Feb. 14. It will replace the old elementary school located on 505 Briarmeadow Ave., Friendswood.
