County awards $2.78 million design-build contract to Beam Construction for fairgrounds renovations

The Cleveland County Board of Commissioners approved a design‑build contract with Beam Construction totaling a guaranteed maximum price of $2,775,628.51 to renovate restrooms, construct a new restroom building, add and renovate public‑safety bays and install fencing at the county fairgrounds.

Jason Falls presented the contract and a project scope that includes renovation of five restroom locations, construction of a new restroom building (on the former Atrium Health building site), two new bays for the public‑safety base and related fences and site work. Falls said the contractor proposed restroom renovations substantially complete by July 1 and new‑construction components finished by Sept. 1, ahead of the fair in September.

Funding and timeline: Falls and board members noted state grant funding is covering a large share of the work; commissioners said unspent state funds would be returned if not used. The board approved the contract by motion; the vote was unanimous.

Why it matters: The project is tied to the fairgrounds' centennial year on county property and addresses public‑safety and sanitation upgrades that county staff say will allow the grounds to host more events year‑round. Commissioner (Speaker 9) noted the move to touchless restroom fixtures and public‑safety improvements as benefits for future fairs and events.

Next steps: Staff will finalize contract documents with Beam Construction and begin construction in accordance with the schedule presented. The county will manage necessary permit and inspection steps and track grant requirements attached to the state funding that supports the project.