Alhambra

Contractor Robert Pipkin has been hired by the city to manage construction of a clubhouse at Almansor Golf Course for $143,000. City Manager Kevin Murphy said the council voted to hire a construction manager in an effort to pare costs.

The city recently sought bids on clubhouse construction and received offers ranging from $4.2 million to $5.5 million, although architects had estimated the cost at $3.2 million. The council rejected all bids and decided to break the project into about 25 subcontracts and hire a construction manager to oversee the work.

Murphy said city officials believe that eliminating the profits built into bids by general contractors will reduce costs. Murphy said Bellflower used this approach in building a City Hall and saved 15% on a $3-million project.