Libertyville parking deck plan to be redesigned and construction delayed
Construction of a new parking deck in downtown Libertyville will be delayed and the project likely modified because of a much higher than anticipated cost.
The potentially disruptive construction of a 340-space deck mainly atop existing surface parking south of the Libertyville Civic Center on Church Street in the heart of the busy downtown, was to have begun in a few weeks. But the lowest of three bids opened this month was $1.4 million higher than the original estimate of $8.3 million, causing village officials to pause.
Much of the overage is due to an increase in the cost of concrete and concrete panels, which is the majority of the building material used in a parking deck.
"Contractors, quite frankly, are busy. Demand is high and supply is low," said Brad Navarro, director of operations for Walker Parking Consultants, the village's longtime adviser. "From what we've been able to identify, the (construction) market is pretty hot right now."
Walker is reversing the internal ramping system and reducing the amount of excavation and pre-cast concrete that would be needed. Between 30 to 40 spaces would be lost in the redesign, which would drop the cost, said John Spoden, community development director.
The start could be delayed about a month, Village Administrator Kevin Bowens said. The bid results and alternate plans for rebidding are to be discussed Tuesday by the village board at its regular meeting.
"We had a really tight schedule," Spoden said. "The intent was to get it done before the holidays. We'll look at all the other options."
The bids were opened Jan. 12. McShane Construction had low bid of $9.78 million but that included use of the PNC Bank property for a crane, which is beyond the scope of the project. The other bids were $10.27 million by Walsh Construction and $10.49 million by Joseph J. Henderson & Son Inc.
Navarro said there are many big construction projects underway, which has led to the increase in the cost of materials. He said one of his personal gauges is the number of tower cranes he sees driving to downtown Chicago.
The village has the authority to reject all bids. State law requires towns to submit public projects to competitive bidding unless bidding is waived by a two-thirds vote. If the village board does that, it would be possible to allow the three companies to submit new bids based on the revised plans. Walker has informed the village it will not charge a fee for the modified drawings and documents.
Navarro said the village is "very motivated" to enhance downtown parking. "It's up to them and we're here to give them the options," Navarro said.
In 2009, the village built and opened a 360-space deck a few blocks north at Lake Street and Brainerd Avenue - also on the west side of the downtown, but a second parking structure has always been part of a long-range plan. An east-side location originally was envisioned but the property couldn't be assembled.