Chelsea Schools Look at Fieldhouse Construction Bids

The Chelsea School District (CSD) Board of Education got a preview of the potential plan to build a multi-use fieldhouse facility.

At its March 9 meeting, the CSD Board of Education looked over and discussed a recommendation proposal made by district consultant, Clark Construction, about who they think should to take on the Design-Build contract for the Fieldhouse.

Clark Construction is recommending awarding the “Design -Build contract to Rand Construction Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $2,447,330.”

The school board did not make a decision on this yet, as this was just a presentation about the bids and what company they might pick. The board is expected to have an official recommendation made by district administration before it in April. A big part of moving ahead is paying for the contract.

After reviewing eight bids as part of the requests for proposals made by different construction companies, Clark Construction officials said Rand seems to be the best fit to take on the project. In talking to the school board, Chris Martin of Clark Construction described Rand’s proposal as the best value for the district.

Upon completion of the interviews with the different companies, representatives from Clark Construction and Chelsea School District reviewed the proposals and the presentations and scored the firms on a rubric that assessed such things from a list as Cost Proposal, Relevant Experience and Communication and Collaboration. Rand Construction was rated the highest with a score of 83/100.

Rand is headquartered in Dexter.

In addition to the base contract, Clark also recommends an additional $250,000 be allocated in an allowance for utilities to support the new building including water, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, natural gas service, and electrical service as well as a 3 percent contingency, at minimum, for any unforeseen conditions uncovered during construction.

The idea for the fieldhouse first took hold around four years ago when there was discussion in the Chelsea community about having a batting cage facility. From there the idea has grown into what it is today which is a proposal to construct a new 150’ x 150’ or 22,500 square feet multi -sport fieldhouse to be located adjacent to the football stadium.

A big part of moving the idea toward becoming a reality was the community fundraising effort led by John Daniels and the Chelsea Athletic Boosters, who last fall put forth a donation of $1.8 million for the fieldhouse project.

Once completed the fieldhouse will be a multi-sports and purpose facility that will be for students as well as a place for the community.

If the district moves ahead on Rand’s proposal, Clark said the time estimate for completion of the project could be by the end of May 2027.

Before the official recommendation is made next month, CSD Superintendent Mike Kapolka said administration and the school board will need to discuss how might the district help pay for the overall project. The donation covers much of the cost, but there is a bit more to make up. Looking at the possible use of sinking funds would be part of this discussion.