Ben Hawes Driving Range Bays

The City of Owensboro is soliciting bids for construction of a 5-bay driving range building at Ben Hawes Golf Course, with bids due September 17, 2026 at 3:00 PM Central Time. This is a public construction project subject to performance and payment bond requirements; the project is not subject to Kentucky prevailing wage requirements.

The scope encompasses all labor and materials for a post-frame driving range shelter with a base bid of one 50-foot by 26-foot bay featuring a reinforced 4-inch concrete slab, engineered wood trusses, standing-seam metal roof and wall panels, LED lighting (Lithonia FEM LED DC2DC), ceiling fans (Hunter Cassius Outdoor 52-inch), and electric radiant heaters (Infratech All Weather C-Series C-3024 SS). The structure is classified as A-3 occupancy under Construction Type VB per the 2018 Kentucky Building Code, designed for 115 mph wind speeds and 15 psf ground snow load. Three additive alternates are offered: addition of four more bays (for five total), wall enclosure options, and installation of up to eight heaters. Contractors must coordinate TopTracer Range technology integration, including two cameras mounted at approximately 13 feet high, five 22-inch multi-touch screens, network and electrical infrastructure with 10 Mbps minimum internet connectivity and 99% uptime, and artificial lighting meeting 3-foot candle measurement at 55 yards. The contractor is responsible for light pole relocation, TopTracer conduit trenching and infill, and electrical configuration to support heating at approximately 12 amps and 3,000 watts per unit from existing 60-amp breakers in the adjacent Par 3 building. All materials must be Underwriter's Laboratories approved; compliance with 2023 National Electrical Code, 2015 International Mechanical Code, 2012 International Energy Conservation Code, and 2012 International Fire Code is required. The City will handle site preparation including removal of the existing ball dispenser building and concrete pad. Work is scheduled during winter months when the driving range is closed, targeting completion by Spring 2027.

The bid tabulation shows four bidders submitted proposals, with SOKY Elite Contractors LLC submitting the lowest overall bid of $236,100.82 for all items combined. A pre-bid meeting was held September 8, 2026. All bidders and subcontractors must maintain current City of Owensboro business licenses. Questions were due seven days prior to the bid deadline via the City's Bonfire portal at www.owensboro.bonfirehub.com.