Board hears $84.6 million schematic estimate for ‘Act Three’ performing‑arts and PE rebuild

District administration and the construction manager presented a schematic design cost estimate for the Act Three project — a comprehensive rebuild of the southwest corner of Oak Park and River Forest High School — that currently totals $84.6 million.

Gilbane’s estimating team described the scope as approximately 115,000 square feet (about 98,000 new addition + 17,000 renovated) including demolition, abatement, a full basement, a new west gym, double‑height practice spaces for band/choir/orchestra and a full blackbox theater with seating, rigging and lighting. The estimate carries construction escalations, a 3% design contingency, a 5% construction contingency, and an owner‑cost allowance that brings the all‑in total to $84.6 million.

"This proposal almost doubles the performing arts practice space and builds spaces designed for health, safety and sound quality," administration said, noting that performing‑arts needs are driving much of the project’s scope even though several physical‑education facilities must be rebuilt as part of the footprint change.

Estimators said a major cost reduction earlier in value engineering came from replacing a spring‑isolated double‑slab acoustic floor with a more conventional but acoustically improved floor system; that change reduced steel tonnage and several million dollars in structural cost while preserving acceptable acoustics. The team also noted unique site constraints (tight footprint, 16‑foot excavations, proximity to a ComEd line) and included an estimated geothermal field in the bid estimate (roughly 57 wells and on‑site wellfield work). Presenters said estimated geothermal capital costs appear higher up front but have long‑term operating‑cost benefits; available rebates and incentives will be pursued but were not counted in the base estimate.

Board members pressed for additional details, asking for: the full IGA and financial schedules for other agenda items; clearer breakdowns of owner‑cost line items (FF&E, abatement, testing); a more explicit trade‑off list for alternates; and documentation of escalation and contingency assumptions. Administration described the proposed schedule (DD through late 2026, plan‑development review with the Village over the summer, start construction Q2 2028, substantial completion summer 2030) and said final funding decisions and any possible referendum timing would follow refined DD estimates and board direction.

Administrators also recommended keeping bidding as a single large package (rather than phased) to preserve market competition and minimize fast‑track premium costs; they proposed reconvening the board for updated estimates and funding models before any public ballot decision.

Next steps: administration will circulate more detailed cost breakout documents, provide geothermal and PV cost comparisons, and return with a refined DD estimate for a final funding decision timeline.