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Copyright 2021
Granite School District

Historic Escalation in Construction Costs Delays Projects

January, 2021 by Steven Powell

When voters approved the Granite Bond in 2017, projects immediately began moving forward. Since that time, multiple schools have been remodeled, two elementary schools have been rebuilt, Hunter High School added a new building wing, several schools have received security and building upgrades, and construction has begun on rebuilding Cyprus and Skyline high schools.

All of these projects were established along the Phase I timeline of a 30-40 year strategic plan to rebuild and renovate all schools in Granite, with the schools in most need of building updates at the top of the timeline.

From the time the bond was approved, however, construction costs have risen at a historic rate. Between 2017 and 2020, costs increased about 10 percent every year (compounded yearly). For 2021 and beyond, costs are estimated to increase 6 to 7 percent annually. Utah’s economy shows no signs of slowing, and many large projects across the state are keeping all areas of the construction industry very busy. Combine this with a decline in the construction labor force and hikes in prices for materials (exacerbated by tariffs and the COVID-19 pandemic), and the result has been major leaps in costs in a short amount of time.

The challenge, therefore, is to hold construction costs to budget, especially between now and 2025 while two high schools are under construction.

In order to achieve this and keep the district’s cash flow for capital projects ‘in the black,’ our remaining Phase I projects need to be delayed five to seven years.

timeline showing delays in capital projects

The damage to West Lake STEM Junior High as a result of the March 2020 earthquake also presents financial challenges as insurance settlements may not cover all rehabilitation/rebuild costs.

Despite the hurdles, we are moving forward with projects as quickly as possible given the circumstances.

Filed Under: Feature

January 2021 Construction Site Photos

January, 2021 by Steven Powell

Cyprus High School – Site Preparation

Aerial photo of Cyprus High School construction site
Aerial photo of Cyprus High School construction site
Aerial photo of Cyprus High School construction site
Aerial photo of Cyprus High School construction site
Aerial photo of Cyprus High School construction site

Skyline High School – Athletics Building; Stadium

Aerial photo of Skyline High construction site
Aerial photo of Skyline High construction site
Aerial photo of Skyline High construction site
Aerial photo of Skyline High construction site
Aerial photo of Skyline High construction site

Filed Under: Cyprus, Skyline

Cyprus High School Updated Renderings & Site Layout

November, 2020 by Steven Powell

These latest renderings of the new Cyprus High School show the general building aesthetic as well as main exterior features. Portions of the facade will a copper tone to reflect the nearby geology.

Rendering of Cyprus High School completed building
Rendering of Cyprus High School completed building
Rendering of Cyprus High School completed building
Rendering of Cyprus High School completed building

Cyprus High School layout site

Filed Under: Cyprus

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