District considers phased South Stadium plan; full build at $7M, reduced scope nearer $4.6M–$4.7M

Consultants presented a two-tier approach for the South High School stadium: a full-scope build-out with 3,000 aluminum bleacher seats, press box, field house with team rooms and concessions, and a drive connection to Holland Road; and a reduced-scope alternative that removes some of those elements to control costs.

Why it matters: The stadium has been a recurring parity and facilities issue for the district. The scale of the stadium project will affect construction staging, site access, and the district’s ability to fund simultaneous capital projects.

The full-scope budget assumes turf, earthwork, utilities, a press box, team rooms and concessions, and a 3,000-seat aluminum bleacher system. That package was presented at approximately $6.9M–$7.0M in current dollars and escalated to about $7.4M–$7.6M when typical allowances and escalation are applied. Consultants also offered a reduced-scope budget that treats several components as alternates: removing the press box, team rooms, and concessions could reduce the cost by roughly $400K, $900K, and $560K respectively, bringing the total closer to $4.6M–$4.7M depending on which alternates are selected.

Board members discussed whether phased construction or later add-ons (for example prefabricated field houses) would allow the district to secure a usable stadium sooner while deferring higher-cost elements. Consultants confirmed phased additions are feasible but warned later additions typically cost more than building the full scope up front.

Next steps: The district can pursue prime elements now and leave press box, concessions or team rooms as bid alternates to be added later, or pursue the full scope if funding allows. No award or vote occurred at the meeting; consultants and staff will refine alternates and consider cost‑control options such as prefabricated buildings.