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Lucas County Commissioners Receive Update from Ballpark Consultant
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Lucas County Commissioners Receive Update from Ballpark Consultant
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Commissioners Sign Ballpark Construction Contract
The Lucas County Board of Commissioners today received an upbeat report on
the new Lucas County Ballpark. Consultant Tom Chema updated commissioners on the
progress of construction and outlined the ballpark budget. Commissioners also signed a
unique contract that locks in the maximum price that would be paid for the ballpark.
Mr. Chema told commissioners the overall ballpark budget is about $39.2 million.
Mr. Chema noted that public monies Lucas County has committed to the project total
$16 million. The ballpark consultant credited a public-private partnership that has come
together to pay for the ballpark. Chema told commissioners that partnership is a model
for other communities.
"You as commissioners made a public pledge not to raise taxes to build a
ballpark," said Chema. "You also committed to building a ballpark that would come in on
time and on budget, with most of the funding from sources other than the Lucas County
taxpayers. So far, so good on all fronts."
Now that all major construction contracts have been awarded, commissioners
signed a Construction Management Agreement with the Lathrop Company, ballpark
construction manager. In that contract, Lathrop has agreed to a Guaranteed Maximum
Price of $31,298,710 for construction of the ballpark and rehabilitation of an adjacent
historic building at 406 Washington St. The Guaranteed Maximum Price means Lathrop
takes cost overrun risks, protecting taxpayers from excessive construction price increases
that have plagued other communities. In addition, Lathrop has accepted the economic
risks associated with any delay in construction.
"The hard lessons that have cost other communities dearly won't come into play
here in Lucas County," said Mr. Chema. "The Guaranteed Maximum Price is a sound
financial move that protects the county's investment and keeps the taxpayers out of
harm's way."
In outlining the ballpark budget, Chema broke down the costs of the $39.3 million
project and compared them to initial estimates. The current ballpark budget includes
construction costs, a contingency fund, scoreboard procurement, and other necessary
items. It also includes additional amenities for fans to make the ballpark a place that
families will enjoy visiting time and again. Adding these items now is more cost-effective
and will save money in maintenance costs over the life of the ballpark.
"We have seen the cost of some construction bids exceed initial projections," said
Chema. "However, we have realized savings in other areas that basically offset the
overall impact of those more expensive bids."
Chema also pointed out the Lucas County Ballpark, as an investment, is also the
catalyst for economic development and a major historic renovation project. The project is
making it possible to save and bring new economic life to historic structures in downtown
Toledo's Warehouse District. That investment will ultimately allow future generations of
Lucas County residents to enjoy and appreciate a large piece of their past.
"For approximately the same amount of county money as it would have taken to
renovate Ned Skeldon Stadium to conform to the minimum standards of required by
minor-league baseball, the citizens of Lucas County and Mud Hens fans everywhere will
enjoy a brand-new, first-class ballpark in the heart of the county that already is and will
continue to stimulate economic development and private investment," Chema said.
Lucas County Commissioners are actively participating in and encouraging those
development and preservation efforts associated with the ballpark. Currently, work is
underway to rehabilitate a historic building adjacent to the new ballpark at 406
Washington Street, which will eventually house the Mud Hens administrative offices, a
team gift shop, and a reception room/banquet facility available for rental. Lucas County
Commissioners are also marketing seven historic buildings surrounding the ballpark site
for potential development.
"Investing in a new ballpark provides a better return than a similar amount spent
on fixing up Ned Skeldon Stadium," Chema said. "The new ballpark has and will
continue to generate economic development in downtown Toledo, as opposed to putting
money back into an aging facility that is surrounded by residential development, with no
room for any viable economic impact nearby."
Members of the Lathrop construction management team told commissioners a dry
spring has had a positive impact on the construction schedule to date. Concrete and steel
work is progressing rapidly, and the ballpark's steel skeleton can be seen in the
downtown skyline for several blocks. Excavation work will resume next week, as crews
begin to dig the infield portion of the playing field. The Lucas County Ballpark is
scheduled to open in April 2002.
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