The city of Richmond has selected a company with experience in complex demolition projects, including pedestrian skywalks, to demolish the former Elder-Beerman building and skywalk.
O’Rourke Wrecking Company of Paragon, Indiana, was awarded the bid for $711,000 during the Aug. 22 meeting of the city’s Board of Public Works and Safety. O’Rourke’s bid was $40,040 more than Green City Demolition of Cincinnati’s $670,960 bid; however, Beth Fields, the city’s director of strategic initiatives, said Green City’s bid packet did not show experience in skywalk demolition.
The city received seven bids opened during the Aug. 15 board of works meeting, but only three bidders submitted all the required documentation and only Green City and O’Rourke attended the mandatory pre-bid meeting.
The demolition must be completed by Nov. 15.
The board of works also awarded Thor Construction Co. the bid to renovate Richmond Fire Department’s Station 2 at 930 Winding Ridge Drive. Thor’s $138,711 bid was the lowest of three received, and the company is able to start the project without delay.
Whisenhunt Construction bid $170,300, and Smarrelli General Contractor bid $195,264.
Sidewalk problems in the 900 block of East Main Street have resulted in the city contracting with Milestone Contractors outside the Indiana Department of Transportation’s contract for the Loop Phase 2 project. The contract will cost $30,346.50, and the city will receive partial credit for work included in the INDOT contract.
Sidewalk modifications are needed to provide consistency throughout the project and maintain Americans with Disabilities Act standards. The board of works approved the contract 3-0.
The city will use Redevelopment Commission contingency funding to cover the cost. Sticking to the contract would have resulted in a delay that pushed the project to a second construction season.
Board of works members also approved 3-0 an $80,973 contract for Make My Move. The city is applying for a $60,000 grant from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation for the program that incentivizes remote workers to relocate to the county. Wayne County government will pay the remaining $20,973, or if a grant is not awarded, the entire cost.
The two-year pilot program was completed, but local officials opted to add a third year. However, funding was not included in Richmond’s 2024 budget.
A version of this article appeared in the August 28 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.