ESTHERVILLE, IA (NorthwestIowaNow) — The City of Estherville has approved revised plans for the 2026 Phillips Pavilion Project, moving the long-awaited renovation of the former pool bathhouse another step forward.

Action was taken during Monday night’s regular city council meeting on May 18, where council members voted to adopt updated plans for the project.

City Administrator Penny Clayton says the revisions became necessary after construction bids came in higher than the city anticipated.

To bring the project back within budget, the city worked with the apparent low bidder, Woodruff Construction, to identify cost-saving adjustments.

Despite the setback, Clayton says the city does not expect the construction timeline to be significantly affected, though final scheduling still needs to be confirmed with the contractor.

If additional funding becomes available in the future, Clayton says only two of the removed features could realistically be added back later.

With the council’s approval of the revised plans, the city can now move forward with awarding the construction contract to Woodruff Construction.