Sam Mousa's Courthouse Presentation to Finance Committee

[thelakelander]

However, I really don't care how they design the new courthouse. Just let it get built.

If this is the case, why not stick to the original budget and put up a bland, but efficient box?

Tulsa Federal Courthouse

$100 million for 367,188sf. Ground breaking 2009.

[Steve]

I'm not sure we need this proposal either, but here's the thing - Despite the fact that cost seems extremely high (given Charlotte's recent courthouse for like $180 million or something), and the site plan is shit, I do trust Mousa, because he has a history of delivering and managing large projects.

Remember, 65 million has already been wasted, making the building cost 285 million

[JeffreyS]

 

If this is the case, why not stick to the original budget and put up a bland, but efficient box?

I think many of us wouldn't feel to bad if the criminals had to go to court in a bland but efficient box.  We send our children to school in trailers parked out side of over crowded schools. Who do you think should be first on the world class facilities list?

[thelakelander]

I'm not sure we need this proposal either, but here's the thing - Despite the fact that cost seems extremely high (given Charlotte's recent courthouse for like $180 million or something), and the site plan is shit, I do trust Mousa, because he has a history of delivering and managing large projects.

Remember, 65 million has already been wasted, making the building cost 285 million

Remember a good part of the 65 million is in land and the demolition of buildings to make way for the structure.  Whatever that number is, is only lost if the courthouse project is moved to another site.  Btw, I'm not saying Mousa isn't doing a good job or that I don't appreciate him trimming this budget by $100 million.  I just believe we can trim more and possibly move forward with the number already approved, if really pushed.

[thelakelander]

It doesn't sound like they are that far along.  I seriously doubt taking a month or so to develop a more efficient solution will cause the price to jump back to $400 million (its not like the economy is going to get better anytime soon).  It also does not mean starting over from ground zero.  I seriously believe a utilitarian structure could be done with the money already set aside.  It won't look like the Taj Mahal, but we wouldn't have to risk delaying other needed capital improvement projects by borrowing additional money.