Sticker Shock: School Construction Costs Reach $100M for Possible Mercer Island Bond

School construction cost estimates rose to more than $100 million on expansion plans for overcrowded Mercer Island schools, according to reports made public on Thursday at Mercer Island School Board's public meeting.

Architects Mahlum and Integrus delivered cost estimates much higher than originally proposed last year on a proposed small addition of classrooms and science labs at Mercer Island High School, a larger addition to Islander Middle School and a brand-new elementary school.

Altogether, the total cost estimate of the preferred school construction program now stands at $100,395,548, compared to last year' estimate of $68,219,310.

Several elements of the various construction proposals appeared to drive the increase.

The new elementary school — which is proposed for the old North Mercer Campus site at 86th Ave. and SE 40th Street — saw estimated construction costs jump up to $19,857,640 (from $14,625,000); soft costs, such as increases in taxes, site remediation work, equipment and other fees jumped from $9,436,502 up to $13,900,275. Cost could rise further if the school board adds more to the project, such as over-sized lunchroom, common areas and gym in anticipation of a future expansion of the school's capacity, or an all-weather play field south of Mary Wayte Pool.

Construction costs also increased at the middle school, with estimates of $3.5 million more needed to develop the site and install proper drainage in the area, among others. The $46,775,136 cost would include tearing down part of the building and in its place construction on a new academic wing of classrooms, commons, learning resource center, and larger gym space.

The cost of four new science labs and six classrooms at Mercer Island High School also rose, due in part to reconfiguring a new parent pick-up and drop-off entry for cars and revised hard construction costs of 10 new classrooms.

Two public meetings are proposed for the community to weigh in on the various projects and expansions. The meetings will take place on Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. in IMS's Multipurpose Room on the IMS expansion, and an Aug. 28, 7 p.m. meeting at the North Campus Gym on MIHS expansion and new middle school. The school board will also meet publicly at City Hall on Aug. 29 at 8:30 a.m., and again for a "community review" on Sept. 12 at the North Campus Gym at 5:30 p.m.

The school district is proposing the board reach a decision on whether or not to move forward with a bond at its Sept. 26 meeting.

(Ed. Note: An earlier version of this story was appended with a correction that stated school construction costs are not subject to taxes, which is incorrect. Mercer Island Patch regrets the error.)