The cost of a major reworking of Miller Park and Patten Parkway with connections to each has risen to more than $9 million counting contingencies.
Thomas Brothers Construction is asking for a change order totaling more than $1.2 million. The exact change order request is $1,203,045.87.
The city in May estimated the work would cost $7.6 million.
With contingencies, the price tag was tabbed at $8.4 million. $9,040,459.20.
Officials said the sewer line along MLK Boulevard was erroneously omitted from the bid.
Also, the final design for the Market Street streetscape and the intersection of Cherry Street and MLK Boulevard was not completed at the time the contract was awarded.
An additional sewer line is to be installed in anticipation of a future stormwater detention system in Patten Parkway.
Officials said the design team has decide to add concrete under the pavers to increase the lifespan of the sidewalk.
A public art piece has been added into the scope of the current project in the northeast corner of the park.
The city only had two bidders on the major downtown project.
Thomas Brothers Construction had the low bid of $7,637,413. Dillard Construction was just behind at $7,768,113.
A sizable portion is being paid by private sources with the city's portion listed at $4.1 million.
The City Council earlier voted to pay New Orleans firms Spackman, Mossop and Michaels and Eskew + Dumez + Ripple $693,700 to draw up the plans. About half of that came from private sources.
The park opened in 1976 with a sunken design that is no longer in vogue. The fountain and pool, that were difficult to maintain, have been taken out and the center of the park is being raised. There will be a large grassy area, an amphitheater along 10th Street and two pavilions.