Hinsdale Central Project's Cost Rises 60%

HINSDALE, IL — Hinsdale High School District 86 board members got a surprise last week: The renovation of Central High's old pool building is set to cost a lot more than they were originally told.

In May, officials told the board that the renovation of the old building would cost $870,000. But at last week's meeting, they said the total had risen to $1.4 million, more than 60 percent higher.

One of the biggest reasons for the changed price is electrical upgrades, said Nick Graal, an architect with Arcon. The project includes fire alarm improvements, replacement of low-voltage wiring and repairs of dilapidated lighting, he said.

The existing alarm system could have been grandfathered in, Graal said, but the school felt it was best to do such life-safety work now.

"Whatever that space becomes in the future, both near and long term, we're going to take care of that now," Graal said.

The higher costs were also the result of flooring.

"It was on how we approach moisture mitigation and leveling," Graal said.

Board member Kathleen Hirsman called the increased cost "jarring," which she said was likely the feeling of the entire board.

"But, on the other hand, I have to think about what is a good expenditure of our district funds and assurances that we're not needlessly spending money, only to re-spend it when we create the final purpose for that area," she said. "It's not a good use for us to have that unused space when we have space needs. All of us need to acknowledge that we have space needs."

Josh Stephenson, the district's chief financial officer, recommended the spending.

"I feel comfortable with it," he said. "I still feel this is a good value for the district."

The board unanimously approved the spending.

The project is expected to begin this summer and last through mid-October.

Officials have talked about a number of uses for the old pool building, which has been referred to as "flex space." The new pool is set to open by August.