Cloud Park building could cost more than expected

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Construction bids to build a new concession stand and restroom facility at Thomas Cloud Park came in higher than expected, delaying the project that has been discussed for more than a year.

The new facility would replace the one destroyed by fire in 2011 and be built southwest of the previous location — a proposal that has had baseball and soccer organizations at odds.

The city collected $180,000 in insurance money, and Brick City Sports Club has agreed to pay anything above that amount, city and Brick City officials have said. The estimated cost of the project is $320,000, but the two bids submitted were more than $350,000.

According to Public Works Committee chair Karen Kaleps, Brumbaugh Construction’s bid was nearly $356,000, while Bruns General Contracting’s was about $351,000. Brick City’s preferred company, Wigro Construction, did not submit a bid, city officials said.

“I was somewhat surprised,” Kaleps said of the bid estimates. “I thought for $320,000, it was a pretty nice building with various accommodations.”

Kaleps said the city plans to spend about $50,000 to set up water and sewer infrastructure for the facility. The remaining balance — expected to be $100,000-plus — will come from Brick City, she said.

Chuck Doran, president of Brick City, previously said his organization is anticipating between a $50,000 and $100,000 donation to the city. Doran did not return messages seeking comment for this story.

“I don’t want anybody to get the impression that anybody has been stalling,” Kaleps said. “Certain things needed to be done that took extra time. I will be glad to see the first shovel of dirt.”

More discussion is expected to take place at the Public Works Committee meeting April 22. Assistant city manager Scott Falkowski said he will present cost-saving measures after going back to the two bidders.

Huber Heights did not receive any bids during the original bid process, which ended March 7.

The 1,470-square-foot facility will feature a concession stand, restrooms, storage space, a retail area and big-screen TV to display game schedules. An emergency access road to the building also will be constructed.

The concession stand/restrooms will be in the center of five baseball diamonds and five soccer fields and can be used by any organization, not just baseball. The five soccer fields are in the outfields of the five baseball diamonds.

Kaleps said the facility would not be completed until late summer at the earliest. Construction will not begin until the city has received the donation, Falkowski has said.

Huber Heights and Brick City officials have said the donation is playing a factor as to where the building will be located. There are 10 baseball/softball fields and 19 soccer fields at Thomas Cloud Park, which is 124 acres. The new facility will not affect soccer fields, Falkowski has said.

Warrior Soccer Club president Carol Maas has said the facility should be built at its previous location. Doran has said the organization’s goal is to have lights, fences, dugouts and scoreboards, “but that’s a fight for a different day.”

Any improvements to the baseball/softball fields would have to be approved by planning commission and City Council.

Opening day for Brick City is May 10. The 29th annual Warrior Soccer Classic is scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend, and about 500 teams are expected to participate in this year’s event.