BONDURANT RECREATIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX SAFEROOM UPDATE

SEPTEMBER 7, 2011
 

The contract for construction of the Bondurant Recreational Sports Complex Safe Room (tornado shelter) has been awarded to Jensen Builders of Ames. Jensen Builders submitted the low responsive bid of $418,750. Four other bids were received. Jensen’s bid is $48,755, or 11.6%, below the architect’s estimate of $467,505. The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) will be paying approximately $325,000 of the project costs. The State of Iowa will pay approximately $45,000, leaving the City of Bondurant to pay the remaining $100,000.

The outside dimensions of the building are 60’ X 41.5’ for a total of 2,104 sq. ft. A graphic of the building is shown above. The building is 100% concrete. The walls are 8 inches thick and the ceiling is 18 inches thick. The building conforms to the FEMA requirement of being able to withstand an F5 tornado with winds of 250 mph. Building capacity is set at 360 people, however, the building could likely accept more people if necessary. Because the building is designed for use during ball season, there is no heating system. The building walls will be tan colored concrete and will include reveals and exposed aggregate to provide some architectural interest.

One men’s and women’s restroom facility is included in the building. The building will be completed in time for use during the 2012 baseball and softball seasons. The building will be located at the current batting cage site next to the concession stand. The batting cage is being moved to the south side of field #5.

Because the building’s purpose is emergency shelter, storage of equipment or materials in the Safe Room is not allowed. An Operations Plan has been developed and approved by FEMA. This Plan describes how access will be provided to people using the ball fields. Coaches and concession stand personnel will be instructed on how to open and use the Safe Room.

Questions or comments about the Safe Room project can be addressed to City Administrator Mark Arentsen at marentsen@cityofbondurant.com or by calling 515-967-2418.