Addison Township officials sent David Gassen and Partner in Architect back to the drawing board after the latest series of designs for a new township hall came with a price tag higher than previously negotiated.
While Gassen was showing various concept drawings for the new township hall, Supervisor Bruce Pearson finally told him ‘to cut to the chase.?
‘I hate to jump forward, but I can tell you right now a lot of our decision (on which plan we choose) will be made once we hear what your price is and what you think this is going to come in at,? Pearson explained. ‘So you might as well hit us with a number. We’re talking concepts right now, but price is really the bottom line.?
When Gassen told the board that the current set of plans for a 10,330-square-foot facility came with a price tag of around $2.3 million, the news wasn’t well-received.
‘There is a lot of moving parts in that right now, so we don’t say that’s it, but it’s a good benchmark that it could be somewhere in there,? Gassen said. ‘Some of the things aren’t going to make big differences. Our plan is to create a listing of some things that could make an impact on that (price) and present those items with an associated cost whether in or out.?
Clerk Pauline Bennett was very curious how they arrived at $2.3 million for a 10,300 square-foot building that, according to contract was going to be $156.75 per square-foot.
‘I’m not a math genius, but I’m not seeing $2.3 (million),? Bennett said. ‘If we’re truly not that much bigger than the 10,300 square-feet, (then) what’s driving the price up that high??
Originally, they were estimating a cost closer to the tune of $1.6 million on a 10,200 square-foot building.
According to Gassen, it’s ‘simple little things,? such as an increase in labor and material in the overall market, right now, but that only equates to 5 percent.
‘We’re only right at the beginning of, ‘Okay, let’s identify what are cost items and the solution to bring back something that’s more in line with what you’re expecting,? Gassen said. ‘That’s our obligation to you to work towards that number ($156.75).?
When pressed harder as to why the number had changed so much, Gassen said he didn’t really have a ‘good answer? as to why, but explained that along with the increase to the market, various changes in the plan also mean more materials, which would drive the cost up as well.
‘It looks like we got a little out-of-hand right off the get-go,? Trustee Ed Brakefield said. ‘I think maybe we should take this all back to the drawing board and I think we should cancel this meeting right now and see us get back to our contract.?
According to the contract, ‘The $156.75 per square-foot is for all phases of the building design, all phases of the construction’The project all activities from design to completion, approval and occupancy?
‘I totally understand your frustration and surprise (at) where we are. This process is not a real black and white process,? Gassen said. ‘Think of the different designs we’ve put forth and it goes back and forth and so does the budgeting.?
‘We set out on this journey that we were going to a do a building for you that includes everything that was necessary to move in we talked about furniture, landscaping, signage and talked about all the elements that would be required so you wouldn’t be surprised. That’s what we’re going to do,? he continued. ‘The number is $156.75 (per square-foot) and that’s a number that’s achievable.?
Pearson suggested that Gassen come back with the ‘Ford Escort with the roll-down windows.?
‘All these things that we’re talking about (in the plans) all of sudden came to a crashing halt once you told us the price,? Pearson said.
Despite being frustrated and shocked over the price, Brakefield told Gassen, ‘We still love you buddy.?
Gassen said he could still ‘feel the love.?
‘I just feel like one of those little kids that needs to be straightened out right now and that’s fine with me. I enjoy challenges,? he added. ‘I’m committed to you.?