Construction of the DeBruce Center, which will house the original rules of basketball, will be delayed by a few weeks, officials said Thursday.

Construction bids for the $18 million project came in higher than expected, Kansas University Endowment Association President Dale Seuferling said.

So, Seuferling said the project architect would go over the proposal to identify areas where savings can be made.

Then officials will re-invite the five bidders to determine which company will be selected.

The bidders proposed bids that were more than the construction contract, although no one bid more than 10 percent higher, he said.

Seuferling said he expected the final bid to be awarded next month and construction to start in August.

He described the delay as minor. “It’s a complicated project,” he noted.

The 32,000-square-foot-building will house James Naismith’s original rules of basketball, which were purchased by David and Suzanne Booth for $4.3 million at auction in 2010.

The building will be connected to Allen Fieldhouse and also feature a restaurant.