ST. JOSEPH — The construction plan for three buildings to replace the St. Joseph-Ogden bus barn that burned down this summer has hit a speed bump.

The architects projected it would cost $635,093 to construct a concession stand, bus barn and athletic storage building. But the bids came in more than $150,000 over that.

Three companies placed bids; all were higher than expected.

School board President Les Hoveln said he was not surprised by the bids.

"I think this project is way overbuilt," he said.

Hoveln said he checked with FBI buildings, in Remington, Ind., to price pole-barn structures. He said they were much cheaper than the bids the district received.

Hoveln said he supported starting the design process over.

School board member Jason Jefferson said it was important to work within the confines of the insurance reimbursement. The insurance company said it expects the project to cost $669, 913.

"We currently don't have revenue for three buildings together with this scope of work," he said.

The architects said they would speak with the bidders and see where costs could be lowered or they would redesign the project free of charge.