Latest documents obtained under NH Right to Know statute (RTK) indicate that the town manager has received a new estimate from NCA architects for first floor with exterior that excludes finishing the interior of the annex.  That reduces the cost by $184,160 or roughly $2.9 million to $2.7 million.

What amazes me about this is that they are removing the finish of $1,000 sq ft, and getting a savings of $184/sq ft.  Compare that to new construction at $200/sq ft which includes the actual building.

Also included in the disclosed documents was a plan for a modified office/meeting space annex that was forwarded to NCA from the Town Planner.  Presumably initiated in a phone call.  My guess is that this will be the subject of attention in Thursday’s Selectmen Town-Hall work session.

As originally conceived, the First Floor with Exterior does not provide office space for the employees in the annex.  So it would appear that they are trying to find a way to pull this off without also needing to lease space for the Public Works, Planning, and Code Enforcement departments.  The new plan allows 4 offices and a small central area.  It’s hard to imagine that those employees can be housed in less space than currently, but there it is.

My best guess at this point is that they are shooting for the modified first floor plan with exterior for $3 million.