Council hears construction pricing and procurement plan for proposed shelter

Staff explained how construction‑market inflation and updated design assumptions changed cost estimates and described the planned procurement pathway.

The presenter said per‑square‑foot pricing rose from an estimated $350 in 2018 to roughly $416 after a pricing update, with later review work producing figures closer to $600 per square foot for this specialized facility. "So we were also making sure that we were trying to see what the numbers are looking out there," the presenter said, adding many comparable facilities in Texas have come in at $800–$900 per square foot.

City staff said they have selected a construction manager at risk and will bring CMAR approval to council in October. The CMAR will publicly bid trade work, then return with a guaranteed maximum price; if the GMP exceeds available funds staff said council would decide on scope or additional funding sources.