FLORENCE — Construction of the much-anticipated nursing education building at University of North Alabama is one step closer to starting.
University officials reported earlier this month that the redesigned building plans had been approved by the state building commission, keeping the project on track for a spring or early summer start.
That approval triggers the full redesign of the plans, Finance Officer Evan Thorton told members of the university's board.
University officials worked with the project architect and an outside "value engineer" to modify the building design to reduce the construction cost after bids opened in April were markedly higher than expected.
The low bid on the original design was $20.87 million submitted by Johnson Construction. That did not include furniture or technology, which is expected to add another $2 million, Thornton said.
The new design removed the top floor of the building, which was mostly a large auditorium space. A storm shelter will be built outside the building instead of being included in the building's design.
Thornton said he would be "very excited" if the construction bid for the redesigned building was under $17 million. That would make the full project about $19 million.
Facilities Director Michael Gautney said the redesigned plans are expected to be submitted to the state building commission in February or March for final approval. Bids are expected to be solicited in March or April with a construction contract finalized in May.
The nursing education building has been a priority for more than two years. Private donations of at least $5.5 million have been secured for the project.
Thornton said additional funds from the Shoals Economic Development Fund and from a state economic development fund will be used to pay for the construction.
UNA asked for $5 million from the Shoals Economic Development Fund with $2 million being dedicated to the university's nursing program. The university also received $3 million from a state economic development fund for capital improvements.
Thornton expects the university will have to borrow some money to cover the balance of the construction costs.
The new design removed the top floor of the building, which was mostly a large auditorium space. A storm shelter will be built outside the building instead of being included in the building's design.
Thornton said he would be "very excited" if the construction bid for the redesigned building was under $17 million. That would make the full project about $19 million.
Facilities Director Michael Gautney said the redesigned plans are expected to be submitted to the state building commission in February or March for final approval. Bids are expected to be solicited in March or April with a construction contract finalized in May.
The nursing education building has been a priority for more than two years. Private donations of at least $5.5 million have been secured for the project.
Thornton said additional funds from the Shoals Economic Development Fund and from a state economic development fund will be used to pay for the construction.
UNA asked for $5 million from the Shoals Economic Development Fund with $2 million being dedicated to the university's nursing program. The university also received $3 million from a state economic development fund for capital improvements.
Thornton expects the university will have to borrow some money to cover the balance of the construction costs.
"The (Shoals Economic Development Authority) money and the additional money from the state really helped," he said. "That has taken away some of the stressful burden of cutting it down to nothing. It will be a win if we still only end up borrowing $5 million."
