Cost doubles for Linn-Mar’s new administration building

MARION — Plans to build a new administration building in the Linn-Mar Community School District — which will create extra space for the high school when the administration vacates its current location — has almost doubled in estimated cost because of inflation and plans to make the building larger.

The school board Monday approved initial design and cost estimate for the new administration building and plans for a eight new tennis courts as a part of its five-year facility master plan.

The new building is being increased from 18,000 to 27,800 square feet to create additional space for Information Technology, nutrition services, conference space and storage. Between that and inflation, the construction costs estimate from OPN Architects has almost doubled from $5.5 to $10.9 million. The total project cost is estimated to be $13 million.

The plan initially was to keep those services at the current district building — called the Learning Resource Center, 2999 N. 10th St. in Marion — which will be used as additional space for Linn-Mar High School after the administration is moved. However, Superintendent Shannon Bisgard said this would be a short-term cost savings.

“For long-term use, that didn’t feel like the best decision for us,” Bisgard said, adding the district would soon need to add to the new building. “The step we’re in right now is not a final decision-making step. We want to make sure we’re on the right track.”

The new administration building is expected to be completed by spring 2024, built on the property of Excelsior Middle School, 3555 10th St., Marion.

The Learning Resource Center was built in 1948 when 17 one-room rural schools joined together to become the Marion Rural Independent School. It was renamed Linn-Mar in 1959. It currently houses the administrative offices for the district as well as the COMPASS Alternative High School and Venture Academics Program, a project-based learning program.

“We need more space for our high school students,” school board President Brittania Morey said. “The only way to do that is to get administration out of this building.”

New tennis courts fit for tournaments

The school board also approved a design and $1.87 million cost estimate for the tennis court project, which will include spectator seating and lights on four of the eight courts, making it possible for the district to host state tournaments.

The project is expected to be completed by fall 2023, relocating the high school tennis courts to Oak Ridge Middle School, 4901 Alburnett Road, Marion.

“It’s always good for our student athletes to have a chance to complete at home,” Bisgard said. “Convenience, transportation and familiarity is a positive. Another benefit with the lights — not necessarily a financial one — is making sure as many of our facilities are open to community use as possible.”

School board members agreed opening up the option for Linn-Mar to host state tennis tournaments will be a benefit to the community.

“When you think of hotels and the food industry, there’s nothing close other than what’s right here in Marion,” school board member Clark Weaver said.

There are currently six tennis courts at the high school, which are crumbling, and there is no room for bleachers. The ground underneath the current tennis courts also is not stable since it used to be a landfill, according to district officials.

Five-year facilities plan

The construction of a new administration building and tennis courts is part of a five-year facility plan. Other projects include a larger performance venue and indoor athletic center added to the high school. A cost estimate for all the projects presented in May was between $48 and $60 million, which includes design fees, construction costs and equipment expenses.

Funding will come from the following streams:

The district is not planning on having a bond issue or raise taxes to pay for the projects.

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