11/13/2001
A $12 million contract was awarded Tuesday by the Public Building Commission (PBC) to build the new Paul Cuffe Elementary School at 84th Street and Racine Avenue so the building can be completed and open to students for the 2003-2004 school year.
Winning the contract was the lowest of six bidders, Castle Construction Co., according to PBC executive director Eileen Carey. Building the replacement school, which should start this spring, will take an estimated 16 months.
Castle’s contract of $12.15 million includes the school building itself and two alternates: a parking lot and paved play area south of 84th Street, and an irrigation system to be installed throughout the site.
“Mayor Daley understands the urgent need for this new school and made it clear he wants the project to proceed with all deliberate speed,” said Carey, who noted that Daley also chairs the PBC.
The construction firm committed to participation of 25% by minority-owned businesses and 5% by woman-owned businesses.
The future three-story school and grounds, to be located on the 8300 and 8400 blocks of South Racine, will feature 26 regular classrooms; specialized art, music, computer and science rooms; a gym with handicapped-accessible bleachers; full-service dining facilities; a resource center (library) with Internet connections; and central air conditioning.
The school grounds, which will extend through 84th Street, will include landscaping and two play areas and, beyond, a teachers’ parking lot for more than 50 cars. The entire building will be in compliance with the American Disabilities Act, including elevators for persons with disabilities.
