By Shannon Lukens.
The Piknik Theatre Amphitheater to be built at Strawberry Park Elementary School has run into a setback. Board Chair and Executive Director Stuart Handloff says the estimated price of $650K has gone up to near $1M, with a possible delay of three months in the delivery of materials. The Piknik Theatre Board has decided to get more quotes from contractors, to hopefully start the project in June of next year.
Here’s more from Stuart Handloff, sent July 18, 2023.
It is with a very heavy heart that I have to announce that we’ve run into a serious setback with our general contractor on the amphitheater project. We’ve been working with Holmquist-Lorenz Construction Company (one of the best commercial builders in the region) for over 14 months on pricing for the project. Their last estimate in February of this year was about $650K including some additions from our architect and donations of materials and labor from our suppliers. Then just over a week ago, we received an email from the HLCC saying their latest estimate had gone up to nearly $1 million. Furthermore, they were expecting a three month delay in material delivery. There was no explanation or apology for the drastic 50 percent increase or the deal breaking delays.
Both of these shocking and unexpected changes were devastating personally and to our board members. The 2023 construction schedule we had been assured of achieving had become impossible overnight. Nonetheless, after working with our architect and having a conversation with our board, we’re continuing to pursue building and completing the project in 2024.
We will be putting out a request for proposals to several contractors, both local and regional, to get more competitive quotes with the goal to select a contractor before Thanksgiving. We’ll negotiate with the approved GC to get firm numbers (allowing for inflation of material costs) so that we’ll be able to get all the materials necessary and start the project in early June 2024.
I’m contacting every donor, large or small, to inform them of the current situation. While we’re hoping that all of them are willing to remain on board with the project, I’m offering everyone the opportunity to back out. Our largest donor, the State of Colorado who has provided a $125,000 grant, has allowed us the extra year to complete the project. All of our nonprofit foundation donors have agreed to stay on board. And all of the private donors with whom I’ve spoken have been equally supportive. Everyone associated with Piknik Theatre is exceedingly grateful.
Our intention is to have the current design fully constructed, with some minor modifications, by September of 2024, at a price that meets our current budget. If you have specific questions about any of these events, please contact me at your convenience. I’m so sorry we were unable to deliver as promised; but I’m committed to continuing the effort. There is a salvage supplier in Northern California who has a quantity of recycled old growth redwood decking (which has a remarkable providence). I’m planning on buying the material personally within the next few weeks to ensure we’ll have this beautiful. unique, and highly functional requirement in hand as a finishing touch to the project.
I’ll continue to keep you all updated as we adjust our design and begin the selection for general contractor in the upcoming weeks. Please call if you would like additional information or have any questions about where we’re headed with the project. With gratitude,
Stuart Handloff
Stuart Handloff, Board Chair and Executive Director (he/him/his)
Piknik Theatre
970-355-9403