The ground is still torn up, the new mobile cafeteria is almost in place and the framework is being put together with steel beams, but the work to transform Oxford Middle School into a new high school is far from complete.
During the February 11 school board meeting, members accepted Bid Package #4 totaling almost $23 million in work on the building.
“We got good coverage pretty good numbers and definitely good trades,” project manager David Griggs told board members. “I’m comfortable with the results. I wouldn’t go forward with a job tis size if everything wasn’t on the table.”
The final package totaled around $750,000 over the budgeted amount for the project; however, Griggs is not concerned.
By using value engineering, which includes such changes as types of materials or using a different brand name, he has already worked with the architects to recoup three-fourths of the excess. Examples of some changes being considered include using a different brick variety on the outside of the building or using a different brand name of fixtures on the doors or lights.
“We will not be sacrificing quality, materials, warranties or anything else with this,” said Griggs at the school board meeting. “These are just simply cost saving measures widely accepted in this field.”
He added that he did not wish to rebid the package because he felt confident in working with the contractors and architects to get back within the specified budget.
“We do not see this as a budgetary problem at this moment.”
The approved bids were awarded to:
n North American Dismantling Corp. at $251,000 for demolition
n Albanelli Cement Contractors, Inc. at $889,400 for architectural concrete and concrete flatwork
n Leidal & Hart Mason Contractors, Inc. at $3,899,920 for masonry
n Kulbacki, Inc. at $544,227 for rough and finish carpentry
n Royal Roofing Co., Inc. at $1,590,000 for roofing
n Universal Glass at $1,147,349 for aluminum storefronts, windows, curtain walls, glass and glazing
n MCV, Inc. at $2,446,952 for gypsum, acoustical ceilings, insulation, lath, plaster and EFIS
n Great Lakes Hotel & Supply Co. at $541,998 for food service equipment
n Interkal at $126,433 for telescoping stands
n Macomb Mechanical, Inc. at $1,937,000 for plumbing
n Great Lakes Mechanical at $5,625,000 for HVAC
n Absolute Fire Protection, Inc. at $593,900 for a fire suppression system
n and Gillis Electric, Inc. at $3,719,670 for electrical work.
The board will next be receiving a proposal for the remaining middle school bid items ? including items such as flooring, painting and finishing items ? later this month.