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INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 10313
September 10, 2019
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 1 of 2
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON REHABILITATION OF THE WILL ROGERS MEMORIAL
CENTER PIONEER TOWER
The purpose of this Informal Report is to provide an update on the Pioneer Tower rehabilitation project and
advise the City Council of an additional appropriation that will be necessary to restore the integrity of the
infrastructure, address some of the deteriorated conditions in area facilities and extend the life of the
masonry in the nationally registered 84-year-old structures. Due to presence of the current contractor the
opportunity to leverage onsite resources presents economies of scale that render the additional work fiscally
prudent.
Project Background
On June 12, 2018, M&C C-28724 authorized execution of an Architectural Services Agreement with
Elements of Architecture, Inc. in the amount of $141,922.
On August 14, 2018, M&C G-19341 authorized a $1,500,000 supplemental appropriation for the
rehabilitation project.
On January 29, 2019, M&C C-29019 authorized the execution of a Construction Manager at Risk
Construction Contract with Muckleroy & Falls to provide construction services for the rehabilitation of the
Pioneer Tower. The total cost of the project was established at $3,756,050 including the architectural
services and an additional $325,000 for the public art allowance for design and construction of the power
and projection elements of the art project. The M&C also authorized a supplemental appropriation in the
amount of $1,931,050.
Structural Issues & Repairs
During the process of rehabilitation, unforeseen conditions have been identified necessitating additional
repairs to ensure the integrity of the structure. Additionally, extended life treatments are being
recommended including repointing & sealing of the masonry to preserve the longevity of the structure and
avoid future maintenance costs. Lastly, structurally related masonry enhancements are proposed that will
enable a consistent exterior elevational view of the historic structures and re-establish the original luster of
the interior terrazzo within the main Coliseum entry and hallway. Both these treatments will extend the life
of the facility and reduce ongoing maintenance costs.
Infrastructure related work on the tower will include the replacement of the limestone band (which was
determined to be structurally unsound) and the lower glass blocks on the north side of the tower; and re-
pointing stone joints on the north elevation of the Auditorium and north & east elevations of the Coliseum
to address deterioration and extend the life of the building. The work also includes the replacement of roofs
& restoration of windows and cleaning & sealing of the two (2) original ticket booths; and repairing the
roof, replacement of failing cast stones and cleaning, sealing and repairing the brick on the Visitors Center.
Total cost for the proposed additional work amounts to $725,505.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 10313
September 10, 2019
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON REHABILITATION OF THE WILL ROGERS MEMORIAL
CENTER PIONEER TOWER
Scaffolding
In addition to the above, the cost for the scaffolding which served to support both the asbestos removal on
the tower and the rehabilitation project, must be apportioned accordingly. M&C C-28971 (December 11,
2018) authorized a contract with H.P. EnviroVision in the amount of $393,600 for asbestos abatement.
Because the abatement contract required the installation of scaffolding, it was determined that economies of
scale could be realized if the tower rehabilitation contractor leveraged the existing scaffolding into the
rehabilitation portion of the project. The cost for the additional scaffolding and related demolition that are
not directly associated with the asbestos abatement amounts to $255,545.
Appropriations for the above costs will be made from the Public Events Department Public Events Capital
Fund; and the Property Management Department will utilize agreements to pay the
vendors.
Project Budget
Appropriations to-date: $3,756,050 (includes public art component)
Proposed appropriation: $ 981,050 (includes cost of related scaffolding/demolition)
Total cost of project: $4,737,100
If approved a significant portion of the work will be completed by October 31, which is within schedule to
conduct the celebration for relighting of the tower on November 6, 2019.
An M&C will be on the September 10, 2019, City Council agenda to authorize the supplemental
appropriation necessary to complete the Pioneer Tower Rehabilitation Project. Should you have any
questions regarding this matter please contact Jay Chapa, Assistant City Manager or Richard Zavala,
Interim Public Events Director.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS