High cost projections prompt Texas district to cancel construction contract

Because of projected costs that exceed the budget, the Friendswood (Texas) board has voted to cancel a construction contract for work at its high school.

The district had allocated $51.6 million for renovations and additions at Friendswood High School, reports Community Impact Newspaper, but Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, the firm hired to do the work, told the board this week that the upgrades would cost $55.2 million.

After the construction company informed the school board last month that it estimated the project cost at $58.4 million, it altered the design in an effort to reduce costs, but not enough to satisfy the school board.

The planned improvements at the high school include a new auditorium and competition gym and an updated fine arts area.

District officials now plan to seek new bids for the project in February.

Construction is scheduled to start in April 2022 and be completed by summer 2023.

PBK Architects is the architect.