Memorandum

City of Lawrence

 

TO:

Mayor and City Commissioners

FROM:

City Manager David L. Corliss                            

Date:

January 21, 2010

RE:

Bids for the Carnegie Renovation

 

At your meeting of November 3, 2009, the Commission directed staff to proceed with the bidding of the renovation of the Carnegie building at 7th and Vermont.  The Commission adopted a project construction budget of $1,574,978, that includes funds from the recently increased guest tax, remaining funds from debt issued to rehabilitate the building, the National Park Service Save America’s Treasure’s grant, and capital improvement and guest tax funds.  See staff memorandum for additional information and plans for the use of renovated facility.

 

The project was advertised and bids were opened on January 12, 2010.  Twelve bidders submitted bids.  The architect’s estimate was $1,600,000.  See bid tab.  The architect, David Dunfield with Treanor Architects and Lynne Braddock Zollner, the City’s Historic Resources Administrator, have conducted reference checks on the low bidder, AB Bradley from Shawnee.  These checks provided positive references for historic work performed by personnel in this firm (in some cases under different firm names) including the Seed House and World Company renovations here in Lawrence.  Ms. Zollner has confirmed with National Park Service officials administering the grant that the project and the construction firm can proceed.

 

At this time, staff does not recommend proceeding with the alternate for landscape irrigation; although it may proceed later if there are not significant change orders or other items which would impact the project budget.   Staff plans to work with adjacent property owners because the construction will completely remove the existing City parking lot located north of the Carnegie (approximately 25 City parking spaces), some of the parking spaces will be rebuilt while others will be replaced with the addition to the building.

 

This project responds to a number of City Commission and community goals including continued enhancement of our downtown, opportunities to build our heritage tourism economy with a new permanent home for the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area, and providing another venue for community gatherings and celebrations.

 

The contractor estimates that substantial completion on the work can be accomplished within 180 days of issuance of a building permit.

 

As part of the National Park Service grant, the City is required to execute a conservation easement which protects the façade of the building.  Authorization to execute that easement is also recommended.

 

ACTION:       Award bid for the Carnegie renovation to AB Bradley in the amount of $1,436,000.00 and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract for the project. Authorize the Mayor to execute conservation easement for the façade.