By 1812Blockhouse
As anyone knows who is involved in construction these days – from house repair projects to large scale building erection – the costs of materials and the availability of labor are anything but certain.
More than once in north central Ohio over the last few months, those types of considerations have delayed or, in some cases, stopped worthwhile projects from starting.
It is not known at this point why it was the case, but when bids were opened today for the large Black Fork Commons project in downtown Shelby, the two bids received exceeded the estimate to such a degree that they must be rejected. Such was the news coming on social media Friday from veteran Shelby Council member Garland Gates.
The resulting mood in City Hall was “somber,” Gates shared.
The two bids reflected on the posted on the bid tabulation sheet were from 2K General Construction, Inc. at $1,629,040.00 and Adena Corp. at $1,799,141.00. The estimate for the project was $1,105,430.00.
According to the bid documents, the work would consist of “…the construction of a paver plaza, seat walls, pergola, fireplace and storage structure, dry-deck fountain, lighting, and plantings, as well as the rehabilitation of an existing shelter and a new decorative arch, including poles, foundations and lighting, spanning West Main Street, and other work.”
More information on the Black Fork Commons project is available in our story from last February (can be read here).