Augusta community center renovation project hits snag after prices rise

Susan McCord, Augusta Chronicle
·2 min read
The Henry H. Brigham Center in Augusta was the site for a Richmond County Democratic vote rally in October 2012. Replacement of the community center has hit roadblocks because of rising construction costs.
The Henry H. Brigham Center in Augusta was the site for a Richmond County Democratic vote rally in October 2012. Replacement of the community center has hit roadblocks because of rising construction costs.

Replacement of an Augusta community center hit an emotional snag Tuesday after rising construction costs put it twice over budget.

Built in the 1990s, the Henry H. Brigham Center gym, natatorium, fitness, senior and community center and park on Golden Camp Road had been a Sales Tax 7 project since the Augusta Commission in 2019 allocated $6 million for it. Since then, however, the project has been sent out for bids twice and both times come in well over $6 million.

In December, a bid tabulation showed four construction companies wanting at least $7.5 million to do the job, according to procurement documents. But the decision was made under former administrator Odie Donald to rebid the project, Procurement Director Geri Sams told commissioners Tuesday.

Parks and Recreation Director Maurice McDowell said the city expected prices to drop.

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Christine Harrell, left, an intake worker with the CSRA Economic Opportunity Authority, helps a community member file paperwork for energy assistance in November 2011 at the Henry H. Brigham Center in south Augusta. The center was built in the 1990s and is in need of renovations.
Christine Harrell, left, an intake worker with the CSRA Economic Opportunity Authority, helps a community member file paperwork for energy assistance in November 2011 at the Henry H. Brigham Center in south Augusta. The center was built in the 1990s and is in need of renovations.

“Historically when you rebid them you would get a lower number. Due to the climate we are currently in, that hasn’t been true,” McDowell said.

Across the U.S., prices of construction materials are up by 70% since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Inflation, supply chain disruptions and labor shortages are leaving many government infrastructure projects unfinished.

After a second procurement, the new low bid to rebuild Brigham came in at $8.3 million. McDowell said additional Sales Tax 7 funds and $1.6 million in American Rescue Plan funds could be used to cover the difference, and Commissioner Francine Scott made a motion to award the $8.3 million job to North Augusta contractor R.D. Brown.

Time was of the essence Tuesday, with the bid’s pricing set to expire July 20, interim Administrator Takiyah Douse said. The deadline also prevented the city from identifying other funding sources such as bonds, she said.

Several commissioners then had questions about the project, which got a response from Mayor Pro Tem Bobby Williams, who represents the area.

Commissioner Sean Frantom asked, “Why did this government go back up for bid and up the cost and there was no scope change?”

“Could we scale back on something that could scale back the additional cost?” asked Commissioner John Clarke.

Williams responded that Augusta has a history of not completing projects, such as two additional gyms at Diamond Lakes Community Center, and that Henry Brigham had been built with “unskilled labor.” Augusta has used inmate labor to construct buildings in the past.

“We need to give the community something they can be proud of,” Williams said. “Now we want to give them sub-par?”

Scott’s motion and a reconsideration failed twice, 5-5, with Mayor Hardie Davis not present to break the tie.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Brigham community center construction project hits snag as prices rise