Gwinnett commissioners approved a change order recently for construction of the gymnasium at Georgia Pierce Park, 55 Buford Highway in Suwanee. The contract with Headley Construction Corporation takes the contracted amount from $3.23 million to $3.37 million, an increase of $140,714. The adjusted contract also extends the completion time by 60 days.
The expansion, announced in February, will build an 18,212-foot addition with an elevated running/walking track, a full-size basketball court, two overlay basketball courts and other facilities.
The increased cost is the result of poor compaction and stability of existing soils at the building site. Three test piers placed at a depth of 25 feet and designed to handle the structural load were determined insufficient to support the building. The contractor’s foundation engineer recommended a more stable design with a load carrying ability safety factor times two. The installation of these piers resulted in an average depth of 45.7 feet.
The 2009 SPLOST Program funds the project and increased cost.
About the Author
