Demolition Set To Start At Future Community Center Site

Though there was never a set budget, officials had hoped to keep the cost of to about $200,000. 

But at the board meeting Thursday, trustees learned that number has nearly tripled.

The total estimated cost now stands at $586,685, according a memo to the township from Pathmann Construction, project manager.

“We discussed roughly $200,000 (in renovations), but when you walk away from it, the final product would be nothing that the township is used to seeing,” said Jeffrey Pathmann, owner of Pathmann Construction.

Pathmann said the has given his company permission to start demolition of the suspended ceiling, but the company is awaiting the village building permit, which is expected to be received Friday, Sept. 9.

“We are waiting for plumbing and engineering re-reviews,” Pathmann said. “The plumber has disconnected all the water lines, so full demolition can begin at a moment’s notice.” 

Pathmann said $93,513 in electrical costs came in much higher than anticipated, in part due to antiquated fixtures that needed replacing.  He said the fixtures may have been in the building for as long as 30 years.

Other costs making up the total include $35,000 for masonry, $47,560 for carpentry, $32,450 for concrete work and $36,795 for a sprinkler system.   

“The project became representative of the domino theory; if you wanted to spend $200,000, you could stop, but you will spend the balance of the total cost over the next several years to make it right,” Pathmann said. “We have more than one of the trades working together, which will save money in the long run.”

The scope of the project changed slightly, Pathmann said, because of input from various board members as well as department heads on what they wanted to see in the new community center.

That wish list includes a gourmet kitchen, bocce courts and putting greens, multipurpose spaces, and conference rooms to be used by all Ela Township residents.

• Read more: Cost Savings Possible On Community Center Project