Editor's note: This story has been updated to include additional budgeting details.

Construction on the renovations and additions to Friendswood High School can start now that a contractor has been appointed for the project.

The recommended contractor was unanimously approved by the Friendswood ISD board of trustees at its March 7 board meeting.

The project was originally under contract with Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, but the board voted to terminate that agreement after the project cost estimate was over budget, as previously reported by Community Impact Newspaper.

Three companies put forth bids on the project on Feb. 22, according to agenda documents. Spring-based construction company ICI Construction Inc. was awarded the contract. Construction is estimated to begin on April 1 and will cost approximately $56.4 million. The original budget was set at $51.6 million, but the board was able to increase the budget due to items being moved around and other bond items coming in under budget, according to Board President Tony Hopkins.

The high school additions will include a new auditorium and competition gym with renovations happening to the fine arts, and career and technical education classroom spaces, according to agenda documents. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2023.

ICI Construction Inc. has previously done construction in other school districts, such as Klein ISD and Cy Fair ISD. Logistics will be put in place to make sure construction does not interfere with day-to-day student activities.

The board also previously approved a contractor for the new Cline Elementary School at the Feb. 28 board workshop that is set to begin construction on March 11, as previously reported by Community Impact Newspaper.