Family Entertainment Centers : Developers Start Here
By Peter F. Olesen
Page 1, 2, 3
Establishing Budgets
In addition to the above costs are such items as on-site sidewalks,
landscaping, area lighting, parking lot paving, on-site drainage (and
often storm detention facilities), security fences and signage.
The above represents a look at many of the individual attractions included
in a large percentage of FECs being designed today. There are other
options available including paint ball, climbing walls and laser shooting
galleries. Larger facilities have also included dancing, full-scale
bowling, roller and ice skating, children’s edutainment centers
and full service restaurants. Some have included skate boarding and
water park attractions. We do not have valid pricing for these elements
at this time, but they all have significant costs, and anyone seeking
to develop any of them, should research their costs carefully.
When establishing budgets, don’t forget the costs for salaries,
consumables, insurance, marketing, utilities and related costs that all
have a strong impact on your bottom line. Your budget should include
some provisions for addressing lost revenues due to bad weather, economic
downturns and other events that may occur.
It should be understood that the above cost projections are general
in nature, but based on experience with actual projects. Specific projects
may have different costs, but unless you are technically familiar with
all of the elements of your project in terms of projected costs, the
above should at least get you in the ballpark.
We would invite others familiar with the industry to make their comments
relative to the cost information presented in this article.
Peter F. Olesen, P.E. is president of Peter F. Olesen
and Associates, Inc., a firm with more than 20 years of experience
in the design of family entertainment facilities, including more than
250 projects spanning 38 states, Brunei, Canada, Mexico and Puerto
Rico. These services have included site selection, concept development,
feasibility studies, master plans, final design, construction engineering
and the renovation and upgrading of existing facilities for family
entertainment centers, outdoor and indoor go-kart tracks, miniature
golf courses, theme parks and other entertainment industry projects.
You can get more information at www.olesen.com,
pfolesen@ flash.net or 847-253-1515. |
