The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors have voted to award a $25,000 contract to an independent architectural firm OWPR Architects and Engineers of Blacksburg to conduct a needs assessment of the county’s Phase II school construction project.

According to County Administrator Daniel Witt, earlier in the year The Board of Supervisors requested a plan, and a estimated cost from the School Board for Phase II and what was presented was an approximate $7.2 million change order to the existing contract. “The Board of Supervisors did not say ‘yes or no’ to this proposal but had legitimate concerns,” said Witt.

It was during the board’s April meeting that members voted to hire a pre-construction architectural engineer to work with the committee appointed by Chairman Garland Hamlett on the Phase II school project.

The committee consisting of members from county staff, school staff, Board of Supervisors, School Board, and one county citizen will work with the architectural firm to review the plans and cost associated with Phase II.

“We are looking at a 60 to a 90-day timeframe for the completion of the review, assessment, etc. and report from the architect,” added Witt.

Phase I of the school’s construction project is currently underway at Bacon and Phenix Elementary schools. The projects include the addition of classrooms and gymnasiums. Phase I is estimated to cost $3.2 million and is being done by Jamerson-Lewis Construction of Lynchburg.

Phase II is a continuation of renovation projects at both Bacon and Phenix Elementary schools.

According to the Phase II proposal from Jamerson-Lewis Construction the interior improvements will provide a fresh “like new” feel when completed. “With the exception of the glazed block, terrazzo floors and doors all surfaces including walls, ceilings and floors will receive new finishes,” cited the proposal.

There will also be exterior improvements consisting of window replacements, roofing and paving. Other improvements include, HVAC upgrades, fire alarm upgrades, ADA access upgrades, kitchen upgrades, safety fences and canopies.

Jamerson-Lewis anticipates the phases to be completed this summer and summer of 2020.