Architect Reviews

Town Hall Elevator Bids

By Jan Howard

Bids have been opened regarding the Edmond Town Hall elevator project.

The five bids that were received are currently in the hands of project architect Alan Black, according to Marci Becker, the Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers’ administrative assistant.

“The architect is going over the bids,” Ms Becker said. Following this review, the bids would be presented to the board of managers. The board of managers is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, June 29, at which time the bids may be discussed, Ms Becker said.

The board of managers would then make a recommendation regarding awarding of the bid to Ben Spragg, the town’s financial director.

The bids were initially expected to be opened on May 24, but were delayed by changes to the plan.

In May, Ms Becker said that preliminary work, such as a temporary handicapped ramp at the front of the building, should begin two weeks after the bid is awarded.

Funding for the town hall project included a $500,000 Small Cities Grant from the state and $1 million appropriated by the town in 2001. First Selectman Herb Rosenthal said recently there could be an opportunity to obtain another $500,000 or $1 million toward the project, but that the town would spend only as much as it needs. Some of the original grant was used for work on the terrace at the side of the building.

Mr Rosenthal also noted there may be times during construction when only one driveway would be in use.

The project consists of the construction of a new elevator and stairway on the north side of the town hall to provide accessibility for the disabled, to bring the building into compliance with guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Connecticut Building Code.

The project also includes new exterior walkways and stairs that will match existing bomanite paving used in the plaza and sidewalk in front of the town hall. The design also includes a new ADA-accessible walkway adjacent to the recently restored marble terrace. Four new parking spaces will be provided on the north side of the building. A new emergency generator would be located in the rear parking lot.

Restoration work also is planned on the building’s facade, including replacement of brickwork and repairs to the stone masonry.