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Dunlap school board taps Iowa architectural firm for new athletic Training Center

A rendering of the proposed new Dunlap Training Center. The 42,500 square foot facility has a projected $8.5 million price tag that would be covered entirely by district reserves.
Dunlap School District 323
A rendering of the proposed new Dunlap Training Center. The 42,500 square foot facility has a projected $8.5 million price tag that would be covered entirely by district reserves.

The Dunlap School Board has unanimously approved an architectural design contract for the new $8.5 million athletic Training Center despite the relationship between the company and another contractor on the job.

Board member Tom Feldman inquired at the Dunlap School District's last meeting about the association between construction management company Estes Construction and architectural firm Vantage Architects.

Both companies share addresses in Cedar Rapids and Davenport, Iowa. Superintendent Scott Dearman said Vantage Architects does share common ownership with Estes Construction. Estes Construction president Kent Pilcher is also on Vantage's board of directors, and Pilcher's holding company has ownership stakes in both businesses.

But Dearman says the relationship's not a problem.

"His role could be seen as a duality of interest on paper, but that's not the case in practice. Dunlap will have two separate contracts, one with Estes Construction and one with Vantage," said Dearman at Wednesday's school board meeting.

Dearman said the contracts are written to ensure checks and balances so roles, responsibilities, and accountability are separated out for the district's benefits.

"Our attorneys have reviewed these contracts, are aware of the relationship and are comfortable with all of it," Dearman said.

He said Vantage will waive $75,000 in costs if bids do not come in within the district's $8.5 million budget. Construction of the new Athletic Training Center will be funded entirely through district reserves.

The new 42,500 square foot complex at Legion Hall Road and Cedar Hills Drive is meant to relieve overcrowding in the district's existing athletic faclities. It's currently set for completion sometime in early 2026.

Board member Andrew Tyra was absent from Wednesday's meeting.

Tim is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.