 February 22, 2005 - By Matthew Surdevant, Corpus Christi Caller-Times
The cost of Whataburger Field will increase for the third time if the City Council approves $393,150 in increased costs to build the baseball stadium.
If the City Council votes to approve the increase today, the total stadium bill will be $22.54 million. It is the second increase council has considered approving in as many weeks, and if it is approved, the increases will total $1.085 million. The total for the stadium and related expenses such as streetlights, electric work and roadwork, comes to $27.72 million.
The first increase was for $331,409 to improve drainage for storm water. That money was taken from the storm water Capital Improvement Project fund.
The two most recent increases will be paid for from $25.75 million in bonds taken on by the city as debt to finance the stadium. About $1.5 million from sales tax proceeds from before the sale of the bonds also is being applied to the cost of the stadium, according to city documents. There is also interest from bonds to pay for construction. The debt will be recovered through a voter-approved sales tax during the next 15 years, City Manager Skip Noe said. Voters approved a sales tax at a rate of one-eighth of 1 percent in November 2002. Voters also approved using a portion of the sales tax for the construction, operation and maintenance of a minor league baseball stadium.
Council approved a $361,369 increase Feb. 8 for an irrigation system, modifications to the roofing, repairs and several other enhancements The most recent cost increases will pay for a number of architectural amenities that weren't included in the initial design for the stadium. The initial design was intentionally hurried in order to get the stadium on a fast track for construction in order to open in April.
The modifications to be voted on today include a concrete slab under the pre-seating area to prevent stagnant, standing water in mud; fire extinguisher cabinets, added bathroom accessories, stained concrete flooring, ballpark netting, hot water piping to the suites and power and lighting to outfield structures.
"Three of the things were done by architects," said Kevin Stowers, assistant director of the city's Engineering Services Department. "The original design, because it was hurried, didn't have fire extinguishers or bathroom fixtures."
The $393,150 increase also will pay for concrete walls, stairs and a ramp for a swimming pool area that will be available to groups for a special price. The family of retired major league pitcher Nolan Ryan owns the Hooks baseball team and will pay to have the swimming pool installed, Stowers said.
The total $27.72 million price tag reflects expenses in addition to the stadium itself, including additional streetlights, electric work and roadwork. Construction of on the stadium itself originally was $21.46 million, and the three increases total $1.085 million, or 5.06 percent of the original bid. Legally, a city cannot allow increases - called "change orders" - to exceed 25 percent of the original bid.
There is an additional $823,712 available in interest income from bonds to pay for additional change orders, and Noe said he anticipates at least one more increase, though the amount has not been determined.
The stadium construction is expected to be finished April 5, and the first game is scheduled for April 17, Stowers said.
The stadium is being built by Fulton/Coastcon and Hunt Construction Group of Corpus Christi. Fulton/Coastcon built the American Bank Center arena.
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