Work to begin on Everett schools admin building

Construction is expected to begin next month on the Everett School District’s new two-story, $16.96 million administration building.

The bid was awarded to BNCC Inc., of Steilacoom. The building is expected to open in the fall 2013, said Mike Gunn, the school district’s director of facilities and operations.

The 66,365-square-foot building is being built on what is now an empty lot owned by the school district near the corner of Broadway and 41st Street SE, adjacent to the Everett AquaSox baseball field.

Ten companies bid on the project, with estimates ranging from $16.9 million to $18.8 million.

The winning bid included the price for extra items, which add $261,000 to the building’s cost: an additional driveway on the west side of the property, an additional building elevator and energy-saving LED lighting.

The $16.96 million bid is just for the cost of building construction. The total amount will be higher: sales tax, inspections, furniture and equipment, design fees and change orders are expected to increase the price to $23.8 million.

The money for the administration building came from a variety of sources, including about $12.8 million from state matching funds saved from previous school construction projects and $11 million from rent, past property sales, interest and rebates from utilities grants.

BNCC is the same company building the new $16.1 million View Ridge Elementary School. View Ridge is expected to open in the fall, although some work on the site, such as removing the portable classrooms, won’t be finished until early winter, Gunn said.

Plans for the administration building show the school board’s meeting room will be on the first floor and have seating for 108 people. The current board room is cramped, and members of the public are often left standing in the hall as they wait to speak to the board.

In April, the school board also approved setting aside office space in the new building for the Everett Public School Foundation. It currently contributes about $250,000 annually to school district projects.

Discussions on the need for a new administration building go back about two decades, said Jeff Russell, school board president.

Administrative offices had been scattered around the school district, including the Longfellow building, a former elementary school built in 1911. It was converted to an office building in 1970.

A series of community meetings were held in 2008 to discuss plans for a new administration building. Those plans were scuttled in 2009 because of the economic recession.

Plans for the building were revised last year. Ultimately, the school board decided to move ahead with the project, bundling it in one vote with plans to rebuild cinder tracks at Cascade and Jackson high schools.

Work will begin next month on the two track projects, which are expected to be completed by the time school opens in the fall.

However, parents also have been lobbying for replacing the grass practice fields at both schools with synthetic turf. Replacement of both fields is expected to cost nearly $3.1 million.

Russell said he wanted to wait until construction on the administration building is well under way to make sure there aren’t unexpected costs on that project before making a decision and whether to go ahead with the practice field projects.

Discussion of the practice field projects could take place by year’s end, he said.

Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486; salyer@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

From left to right, Edmonds City Council Position 3 candidates Joseph Ademofe, Alex Newman and Erika Barnett.
Amid budget crisis, Edmonds City Council candidates talk revenue, affordability

Three newcomers are facing off for Position 3 on the council, currently held by council President Neil Tibbott.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Everett
Everett approves new fines for non-emergency lifts

The fire department will only issue fines for non-emergency lift assists at licensed care facilities, not for individuals at home calling 911.

Guns for sale at Caso’s Gun-A-Rama in Jersey City, New Jersey, which has been open since 1967. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/New Jersey Monitor)
After suing, WA gets carveout from Trump administration plan to return gun conversion devices

The Trump administration has agreed to not distribute devices that turn semi-automatic… Continue reading

The Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility about 16 miles east of Ellensburg in central Washington is part of Puget Sound Energy’s clean energy portfolio. (Courtesy of Puget Sound Energy)
Megabill’s elimination of tax credits for clean energy projects could cost WA $8.7 billion

Washington households could see electricity costs increase $115 per year by 2029; 21,800 workers could lose their jobs by 2030, analysts say.

Everett mayor candidates focus on affordability, city budget in costly race

As incumbent Cassie Franklin seeks a third term in office, three candidates are looking to unseat her.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.