Today’s number: $243.5 million
Tuesday, May 17, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Capitol News Illinois…
The cost of renovating the north wing of the Illinois Statehouse will be more expensive than officials initially estimated.
Only one bid came in for the project, which is about to get underway. CORE Construction Services of Illinois Inc. priced the job at $243.5 million, well over the $170 million that was originally estimated. […]
“Given the challenges this industry is facing across the nation, such as inflation, increased costs, demand issues, and labor shortages, the project has surpassed its original budget, which was established well before the economic pressures were recognized,” [Statehouse Architect Andrea Aggertt] added. “With that being said, the project is still within the amount that was appropriated by the state.”
State lawmakers set aside $350 million for Statehouse renovations as part of a $45 billion capital improvements package that passed in 2019.
Click here to read what’s in store for the north wing.
- Give Me A Break - Tuesday, May 17, 22 @ 3:54 pm:
I have no problem spending this money, in fact to me this is a project that is worth whatever the cost.
I’m sure some of the media and the usual gang of complainers will make issues of the cost but this is the Statehouse, a place that personifies Illinois government. It is a special place that needs to be protected and kept up.
They don’t make building like the Statehouse anymore.
- AnonymousFool - Tuesday, May 17, 22 @ 3:58 pm:
“$350 million for Statehouse renovations” still cheaper than a NFL stadium.
- Anyone Remember - Tuesday, May 17, 22 @ 3:58 pm:
Does this mean the $122 million for the Armory won’t be enough?
Does this mean the entire Capitol project will be so expensive the 4th Appellate Court building won’t be moved to the former site of Play It Again Sam’s?
- Leslie K - Tuesday, May 17, 22 @ 4:02 pm:
If more of the $350 million set-aside has to be spent on this project than expected, that is disappointing but so be it. It’s too important a project–for increased accessibility, improved safety, and beauty–to cut corners.
- Blue Dog - Tuesday, May 17, 22 @ 4:06 pm:
Wouldn’t it be wise to wait 4 yrs and let construction costs settle back down a bit.
- Demoralized - Tuesday, May 17, 22 @ 4:17 pm:
==Wouldn’t it be wise to wait 4 yrs and let construction costs settle back down a bit.==
Or go up another 50%. The state doesn’t do enough construction on it’s infrastructure to begin with. The money is there. Do it now.
- Nefarious Veneer - Tuesday, May 17, 22 @ 4:22 pm:
With lawmakers gone early, is the press now re-reporting its own stories? Capitol News Illinois already reported most of this last year.
https://www.capitolnewsillinois.com/NEWS/renovations-on-state-capitol-underway-senate-will-make-temporary-move-after-spring-session
- AD - Tuesday, May 17, 22 @ 4:35 pm:
Stop the project. Capitol building is fine as is. $250M in the rainy day fund or to providing scholarships to healthcare professionals or other areas of worker shortages is a lot better than a wing of a building being more aesthetically pleasing to bureaucrats.
- Joe Schmoe - Tuesday, May 17, 22 @ 4:45 pm:
For those who have not been around the Capitol Complex since the legislature adjourned, there’s a hell of a lot of construction going on….
- Stormsw7706 - Tuesday, May 17, 22 @ 4:50 pm:
I know it’s easy to bash legislators working at the Capitol. My school took our 4th graders to the Capitol for a tour and to meet our former Governor. The kids were in awe of the committee rooms with the chandeliers, wood paneling, and fancy desks and chairs. They enjoyed the air conditioning. Everyone smiled when they took pictures with our students. We then returned to our school. You know, the reality of their lives. Buildings that lacked air conditioning, windows that don’t open and close, broken desks, problems with pests, bad plumbing, etc.. Even in 4th grade more than a few asked us if we could maybe get some of the money that was spent to make our school better. So yeah, it would be nice to have a glittering Capitol, but maybe there are more pressing needs at the moment. I didn’t have the heart to tell them about the doors to the Capitol.
- Give Me A Break - Tuesday, May 17, 22 @ 4:51 pm:
AD, I suggest you read the article this is more than making it look pleasing to bureaucrats. Security along with making it more user friendly for those with disabilities is part of the project.
Let me guess you will be the first one on here complaining in 10 years when it cost double the price to fix what they are addressing with this project.
- Demoralized - Tuesday, May 17, 22 @ 4:59 pm:
==Let me guess you will be the first one on here complaining ==
People like this are why the state’s infrastructure is in the shape it’s in. They never want to spend money on it.
You have to upgrade and maintain buildings every once in a while. It’s time to do so at the Capitol.
- Al - Tuesday, May 17, 22 @ 5:31 pm:
Only one bid? Cough.
- DuPage Saint - Tuesday, May 17, 22 @ 6:20 pm:
AI of course only one bidder. Only one guy qualifies someone named Cellini or something
- Anyone Remember - Tuesday, May 17, 22 @ 6:37 pm:
===Only one bid?===
Wasn’t there a federal DOT investigation into this?
- prairepolice - Tuesday, May 17, 22 @ 7:53 pm:
I have no problem spending this money, in fact to me this is a project that is worth whatever the cost.
I’m sure some of the media and the usual gang of complainers will make issues of the cost but this is the Statehouse, a place that personifies Illinois government. It is a special place that needs to be protected and kept up.
One bid and over budget. This is SO Illinois government in a nutshell
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, May 18, 22 @ 6:45 am:
===$250M in the rainy day fund or===
It’s capital money. May also be borrowed money. So, no.
- Gruntled University Employee - Wednesday, May 18, 22 @ 7:24 am:
Core Construction is owned by the Baum family of Morton, they’re one of a small handful of down state contractors big enough to successfully handle a project of this size on this timeline. Full disclosure, I used to work for them.
- Anonymous - Monday, May 23, 22 @ 10:35 am:
The BEP spend on State construction projects are mostly supplies and pass thru nothing has change. Ask The Governor offices to report the real data. No excuse oh BEP firms pricing is too high and don’t have the experience.