PBC to Build New Fieldhouse, Awards Contracts For New Branch Libraries and Trade Contracts For New School

Construction of new branch libraries in the Greater Grand Crossing and Humboldt Park communities will move forward after the Public Building Commission of Chicago’s Board of Commissioners approved construction contracts for the projects.

The Board’s Annual Meeting included the swearing in of commissioners Bishop Arthur Brazier and Adela Cepeda, who were reappointed to the Board.

Also part of the agenda was the publication of the Public Building Commission’s 2008 Annual Report, a 26-page document that summarizes the PBC’s activities for the prior year. Sections on schools, libraries, police stations, firehouses, campus parks and senior centers are included, as well as information on the PBC’s financial position, on its commitment to M/WBE participation in project development, and on its dozens of active projects.

“The Public Building Commission is thrilled to award these two contracts, the first two construction contracts to come as part of the Chicago Public Library’s newest capital development plan,” said Erin Lavin Cabonargi, Executive Director of the Public Building Commission. “These new libraries, like the library’s other branches, will be places where reading and a love of learning is celebrated, with Internet access and a variety of programming for readers of every age. There is something for everyone at a branch library, and we’re proud to be a part of bringing those facilities to Chicagoans.”

The new Greater Grand Crossing Branch Library, to be built at 1000 E. 73rd Street, will follow a prototype design to bring a new facility to the neighborhood. The branch library is designed to achieve “Silver” level certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, standards.

The contract for construction of the new Greater Grand Crossing Branch Library was awarded to the George Sollitt Construction Company, whose bid of $4,383,000 was the lowest of five submitted. Sollitt committed to Minority-owned Business Enterprise participation of 24.9 percent and Women-owned Business Enterprise participation of 8 percent. At the time of the bid, Sollitt submitted the following M/WBE subconsultants: M.W. Powell, A&H Mechanical, Carlo Steel, Glass Designers Inc. and Canino Electric Co.

The new West Humboldt Park Branch Library, meanwhile, will be built at 733 N. Kedzie Avenue. The building also was designed to achieve “Silver” level LEED certification. The contract was awarded to Leopardo Companies Inc., which submitted a bid of $6,384,175, the lowest of nine bids submitted.

Leopardo committed to Minority-owned Business Enterprise participation of 27.6 percent and Women-owned Business Enterprise participation of 4.1 percent. At the time of the bid, Leopardo submitted the following M/WBE subconsultants: U.S. Masonry Inc., Power-One Supply Inc., Carlo Steel, Alliance Drywall and Acoustic Inc., All Chicago Inc., Arc Underground, Art Dose Inc., Evergreen Supply Co., Fullerton Industrial Supply Inc., Q.C. Enterprises Inc. and L.B. Hall Enterprises Inc.

The Board also approved a Park District request that the PBC undertake the design and construction of a new fieldhouse for Haas Park, 2404 N. Washtenaw Avenue. The new facility is based on a prototype design and will include multipurpose recreation space. The design will target a minimum of “Silver” level LEED certification.

Also approved by the board was the awarding of two trade packages for the Ogden Replacement Elementary School, located at 24 W. Walton Street. Revcon Construction Company submitted the lowest of three bids for caisson installation and Thatcher Foundations submitted the lowest of three bids for the earth retention work.

The PBC manages construction and renovation projects for the City of Chicago and its other sister agencies. Mayor Richard M. Daley serves as the PBC’s chairman. Additional information about the PBC and its projects is available at the agency’s Web site: www.pbcchicago.com.