Cedar Rapids school district narrows flood recovery options

The Cedar Rapids school district has narrowed its flood recovery options from five to two.

Both options - renovating existing facilities at a new site within the district's boundaries or building new facilities at a new site - were up for public viewing at the district's flood recovery open house last night.

Two possibilities were presented for each option. None were on land that was flooded in June 2008.

Two buildings were identified for renovations: the old Econofoods at 1800 51st St. NE and the former Target building at 3750 Williams Blvd. SW.

The district needs at least 132,792 square feet and 271 parking spaces to meet its needs. Both sites lack square footage needed, but additional space can be added.

The Econofoods site has a purchase price of $6.750 million. The total project cost is $28.8 million. A purchase price was not available for the former Target store, but the total project cost is listed as $30.054 million.

The district currently owns 6.12 acres of land at 2933 Ellis Rd. NW, adjacent to the district's transportation center. It would cost $35.090 million to build facilities on that site.

More than seven acres of land is available for sale at 12th St./26th Ave. SW. The site is in an area currently being developed for Linn County facilities and has a $912,800 price tag. The total project cost would be $36.050 million.

FEMA funds would cover $12.465 million for each option. All remaining costs will be funded by SILO dollars.

Last night's presentation included a 50-year cost, shown in 2010 dollars, for each option. This comparison pointed out that the former Econofoods, the cheapest option now, is the most expensive in the long run. Its 50-year cost is $82.862 million. The former Target building was next, with an $80.058 million price tag.

The 50-year cost for the land at Ellis Road NW is $69.022 million. The final option, buying and building at 12th St./26th Ave. SW, has a $70.029 million 50-year cost.

The district is collecting online feedback regarding these options until 4 p.m. Thursday. The information can be reviewed at www.cr.k12.ia.us.

The Education Service Center (ESC), the ESC Annex, the carpenter/paint shop, the main warehouse and the food service warehouse were damaged in last year's flood. They are currently operating from temporary locations.

The district entered a partnership with OPN Architects of Cedar Rapids to explore flood recovery options. Three public forums were held to gather public input.

“I think that we've been responsive to the input we've received and honored that process,” Superintendent Dave Benson said.

Information gathered at each option has been shared with board members, Benson said.

Dan Thies, president and CEO of OPN Architects, will give input from last night's forum at Monday's board meeting. Benson will make a recommendation to board members on Nov. 9.