Cedar Rapids schools look at 5 options for flooded buildings

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar Rapids school district is gathering public comment on five options for the five facilities damaged in the June 2008 flood.

The buildings that were damaged, and remain empty, are the Education Service Center, the ESC Annex, the carpenter/paint shop, the main warehouse and the food service warehouse.

Taylor Elementary School also had flood damage, but was rehabbed and reopened Tuesday.

The district's administrative offices relocated to a temporary modular building campus at Kingston Stadium more than a year ago. Whether the district will renovate the flooded facilities, or relocate elsewhere, is a question school leaders hope to answer soon.

The district contracted with OPN Architects of Cedar Rapids to lead the process for the district's flood-affected facilities recovery, resulting in three open houses to gauge public opinion.

The second open house was held last week, with 48 attendees weighing in on the possibilities:

• Option 1: Return to the flooded sites and facilities with no renovations. This option has the lowest project cost - $14.7 million - and could be completed in the shortest amount of time. The Federal Emergency Management Agency would contribute $13.3 million.

• Option 2: Return to the flooded sites and facilities with some renovations. This option has a low project cost - $24.2 million - and could be completed in a short amount of time. FEMA funds would cover $12.4 million.

• Option 3: Construct new facilities on the same sites. This option has the highest cost - $38.5 million - and FEMA's contribution would be $12.4 million.

• Option 4: Renovate facilities at a new site. This option is described as purchasing a big box or similar facility and renovating it to accommodate district support needs. It likely would be located away from the city core, possibly in a commercial zone. This would cost $26.9 million, and FEMA would cover $12.4 million.

• Option 5: New facilities at a new site. This option involves purchasing eight acres of land, and building a new district support facility. It has a high project cost - $35.2 million. FEMA would contribute $12.4 million.

Based on comments from those who attended the first open house, held June 30, most did not support the district returning to its previous facilities in a flood plain. Option 5 had the greatest support, but more comments are being taken.

“I'm anxious to see the feedback that we get,” Superintendent Dave Benson said.

To view information from last week's event and participate in the online survey, go to the District's Web site at www.cr.k12.ia.us and click on the Back and Better Get Together logo in the left corner.

Feedback and comments gathered during the open house and online will be compiled and analyzed to help inform the district and guide the school board in determining how to proceed.

Online feedback will be collected through Sept. 9.

The final open house will be Oct. 20 in the band room at Washington High School. Information on preferred options for rebuilding flooded district support facilities will be provided.