Plans for the remodel of the Henderson Convention Center have been delayed for six months after all construction bids were rejected because all six were over the $10 million budget.

Construction on the project is now expected to start in early spring of 2009, and set to be finished by spring of 2010.

Construction manager Mark Hobaica said the competitive construction market just wasn't favorable for this particular project right now.

“It's always unfortunate to have to reject bids because we know contractors have to put in a lot of work into those bids,” Hobaica explained.  “It's public money we have to be responsible for, so we have to redesign our buildings based on how much money we were approved. It's the most responsible thing to do.”

The difference between the budget and the construction bids could have come from “scope creep,” last-minute additions to plans that Hobaica said need to be readdressed.

“(We'll) get back on to the drawing table with our design team to reduce the scope, reduce the square footage, value engineer some of the aspects designed into it and reanalyze how we're refinishing the building.”

Hobaica also explained that the remodel is definitely needed, as it is part of the Water Street District redevelopment project. Once it's complete, the re-oriented entrance will face the events plaza and include a parking structure.

The purpose of the convention center's “face lift” is to modernize the building as a whole and improve its functionality. The 30-thousand square ft. building was completed in 1982, and since then, very few improvements have been made to the functionality or aesthetics of the building. 

The bids rejected by the Henderson city council on Tuesday night were between $12 million and almost $14 million.

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