Ozarks contractors predict another surge

It's a full slate for the Ozarks commercial construction industry again this year. 

Coming on the heels of last year's 132-project prediction and more than 200 projects that came to fruition, area leaders predict another 115 projects exceeding $388.7 million on tap during the next 12 months. 

The results of a joint study by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Springfield Contractors Association and Missouri State University, area owners and architecture firms were surveyed regarding projects in the design process in and around the Springfield area, including Joplin. More than 150 industry leaders got a chance to review the data during the Springfield Regional Construction Bidding Forecast, Sept. 19 at MSU's William H. Darr Agricultural Center. 

"Again, this is just the tip of the iceberg. These are just the projects people are willing to tell us about," said presenter Rick Quint, an SCA board member and Q & Co. LLC president. "Last year, we reported 132 projects for $417 million and when we updated in May it showed $361 million and about $630 million across all of southwest Missouri."

Quint said on average, about 10 projects representing $32.4 million will be bid each month until next September. However, in real time, the projects are not spaced out as evenly, he said, noting the majority of job identified go to bid within the next six months. 

Of the 115 projects, Quint said 75 are building projects, 29 are civil and 11 specialty jobs, which includes security upgrades, for instance. About $275.9 million is projected in the public sector and $112.8 million in the private sector. 

Missouri State University is again poised to be one of the largest players on the slate. During last year's forum, Doug Sampson, MSU's architect and director of planning, design and construction, had 131 fully funded projects on the agenda. This year, he's got 100 more, and Sampson said he didn't report the smaller projects.  

On tap for the coming months, MSU is planning a $9 million renovation to Sunvilla Tower, $2 million in lab renovations to Temple Hall and a $1.3 million Federal Emergency Management Agency shelter. That doesn't include the $25 million Glass Hall addition and renovation on hold until more funds are raised. 

"In the last two months, we have awarded 75 contracts," he said. 

Convened last year because local contractors were worried about bidding against themselves, Sampson reported last year's addition of the SCA online bid calendar has helped.

"Last year, we had a tidal wave of projects and everybody was worried," he said. "This year, we have already started to coordinate bidding with major players such as Springfield Public Schools."

Quint reiterated the committee most likely knew about a fraction of private work on the horizon, but said it would all get done.

"The bottom line is we have to plan our work and then we have to work the plan," he said. "Stick to your guns, and we'll get this and anything else that comes our way done."