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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Daniel Barreiro, Chief Community Services Officer
DATE: April 30, 2019
SUBJECT:
A resolution accepting the lowest responsible bidder for the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Museum Lower Level Remodeling Project.
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council approval for a resolution to accept a bid from Swedberg & Associates, Inc. from Sycamore, Illinois in the amount of $221,299 for the Remodeling of the Lower Level of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Museum.
BACKGROUND:
The Grand Army of the Republic Museum was built in 1878 by Civil War Veterans and the community. It was built to honor those who served in the Civil War and also provided a meeting space for GAR Post 20 members. After the death of the last remaining Post 20 Member in 1947, the post was disbanded and replaced by the GAR Association. The Association continued to occupy the Hall and hold meetings and care for the artifacts. Structural issues resulted in the closing of the GAR Museum in 2000. It re-opened in 2016 after various phases of work that began in 2000 were completed. The City of Aurora received a $750,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in 2014 but it was suspended in 2015 before a grant agreement could be executed. In 2018, the State of Illinois General Assembly adopted a budget which included funds for the GAR. The City engaged the services of Allen-Peppa Architects in 2018 to develop drawings and bids specs for the remaining work in the GAR.
DISCUSSION:
Drawings and bid documents for the remodeling of the lower level of the GAR were completed in early 2019 by Allen-Peppa Architects. Presently the lower level space is unfinished and not useable. Other work includes the replacement of the west entrance stoop and railing to bring them up to code. Lighting and handrails in the west tower will also be included in this phase.
Bid 19-02 was published on Sunday, March 3, 2019 in the Beacon News. Registered contracto...
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