by Bradley Parsons
Staff Writer
Jacksonville Children’s Commission officials say they have everything in place to start construction on their headquarters’ second phase. Now they’re waiting for a go-ahead from City Hall.
Although construction has just started on the project’s first phase, the commission’s CEO, Linda Lanier, told the mayor’s office earlier this week that the City could save money by working simultaneously on both buildings. Lanier said the design work was complete and the equipment in place. Work would begin immediately if the mayor’s office approves the plans she said.
“Work could start the next minute if we get the go-ahead,” said Lanier.
The mayor’s office is still considering the JCC’s request. City spokesperson Heather Murphy said the mayor’s decision would be based primarily on the design. Mayor John Peyton was satisfied the project could be brought in on budget and on time, said Murphy, but he was still considering the design.
Lanier said she hopes to hear a decision by early next week. She said the contractor needs a quick answer if both phases are to proceed. If the second phase is postponed, she said the City would pay more to redeploy equipment start over with site preparation.
“If we could get the OK to move ahead, we could save some costs,” she said. “A quick answer would save us money and time.”
Murphy didn’t provide specifics about when the decision would be made. However, she said the mayor was “mindful that they’re on a schedule.”
The JCC was created in 1994 by former Mayor Ed Austin to provide educational support for disadvantaged children. The commission’s approximate $50 million budget is paid with City, state and federal money, said Pam Paul, the commission’s director of government and community relations. The building, planned for the corner of First Street and A. Phillip Boulevard, is funded separately through a City bond issue.
Lanier said the JCC realized the opportunity to build both phases when estimates came in lower than expected. Estimates for the second phase came in at just over $873,000.
When completed, the building will house the JCC’s staff, classrooms, training areas for teachers and a warehouse for discount education materials. Given the building’s intended use, Lanier said she expected the mayor would support expedited construction.
“When you look at the mayor’s emphasis on early literacy, I would think this would be a natural,” said Lanier.
Peyton has been careful about approving construction projects that could extend into next February’s Super Bowl. However, both sides said they were confident construction would be finished in time for the game.