College board asked to formally approve architect contract of Manistee center.

College board asked to formally approve architect contract of Manistee center.

SCOTTVILLE — The West Shore Community College Board of Trustees is expected to formally hire an architect for its Downtown Education Center when it meets on Monday, Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. at Mason County Central Upper Elementary School. While architect Kendra Gibson of Kendra C. Thompson PC had already created conceptual renderings and preliminary engineering of the project, the college’s administration neglected to seek formal approval from the trustees.

Ward describes the remodeling and renovation of the approximately 13,000 square feet, two-story facility, in the former Glick’s building, as the college’s first priority. Gibson’s services were used due to her familiarity with the building, experience in working on projects within the Manistee Historic District, and community connections, Ward said.

Based on the original designs, the cost estimate for the total project is $3.2 million. Presented in the May budget workshop, and approved in June, the recommended capital budget included $2.2 million for the project from college funds with a commitment of $1 million from an anonymous donor to cover the balance of the project. 

Ward said the scope of the project has increased from the original plan and Gibson’s fees are $239,925.

In December the project will be presented to the college’s Administrative Committee for recommendation to the board for approval of a new project scope and estimated project cost, Ward said. After the December board meeting, the project is anticipated to go out for bid with bid results presented to the board’s Administrative Committee for recommendation to the full board in February. The fees for Kendra C. Thompson, P.C. are being recommended not to exceed amount based on current project estimates, the fees will be lower if the scope of the project is diminished.