At Tuesday's meeting, trustees took the next step in a potential renovation project that started last year with the purchase of the former Teleperformance building located at 777 Twin Creeks Dr. in Killeen.
The 130,000 square foot office space on a 33.9-acre site was purchased for about $4 million – about $30 per square foot – with the intent of consolidating KISD departments that are currently spread across the district in four different locations.
Adam Rich, assistant superintendent for facility services, informed trustees that the cost of owning and maintaining a newly renovated facility is significantly lower than the ongoing maintenance and unexpected repairs often required for aging buildings. This project would enable the district to repurpose or sell three facilities – two that are over 70 years old and one that is approaching 50 years old.
On Tuesday, the Board approved Bartlett Cocke General Contractors as the construction manager at-risk (CMAR) for the renovation project. The decision commits the district to $35,000, the pre-construction service fees that are only paid if the district does not move forward with construction.
The total estimated cost for the renovation project is $39.7 million, which includes architecture and engineering fees, construction costs, furniture, fixtures, equipment, project contingencies and permitting fees.
Rich shared that while the roof and HVAC systems will require replacement at the Twin Creeks site, much of the existing building's core infrastructure, like the kitchen, restrooms, electrical and mechanical rooms, will remain in their existing locations. This will significantly reduce the cost of construction.
Other benefits to consolidating the district's departments to a true centralized location is that it will reduce travel time between facilities for district personnel and will provide the public with a better customer service experience as they can address their needs within the district in a single, convenient location.
Trustees also reviewed schematic design plans from Huckabee Architects and provided input on what they would hope to see in a new administration building. They recommended that KISD administrators visit other district facilities in comparable school districts to see what's possible and learn from their experience building a large admin facility.
Rich will continue to fine-tune design plans with Huckabee and said he plans to bring a Guaranteed Maximum Price contract to the Board in spring 2025. If the Board moves forward with the renovation project, the expected completion date is July 2026.
