The Bryan school board at its last meeting chose the construction manager for the 53 million dollar makeover of the Stephen F. Austin campus.
Balfour-Beatty Construction is a national company with a Houston office. The company is also building a 1,200 bed housing complex on Texas A&M’s west campus.
Speaking before the board’s unanimous vote, the president of a Bryan-based company was surprised at the recommendation. Michael Jones of Madison Construction, whose firm was eliminated after the district’s first round of consideration before prices were considered, estimated the additional cost over the other finalist at between $300,000 and $500,000 dollars.
The district’s chief financial officer, Amy Drozd, says more weight was given to reputation and experience compared to price.
Construction of the new SFA middle school is scheduled to start this October.
The contract also includes improvements to the civic auditorium and turning the present SFA into administrative offices.
By state law, final rankings which led to the recommendations won’t be available until seven days after the contract is signed.
Drozd said during the board meeting the contract calls for Balfour-Beatty receiving 1.85% for fees and services, 3.97% for general conditions, and $40,000 for pre-construction costs.
