Libertyville officials urged to reject bid for Cook House work

Libertyville officials are expected to reboot on repairs to the iconic Cook House Museum downtown.

Eight contractors picked up information for a list of projects at the village-owned local landmark in Cook Park but only one bid for $343,900 was received, so it likely will be back to the drawing board.

"As we had only one bidder and the costs came in over budget, we are recommending rejecting the bids," said John Spoden, community development director. "We will probably break them down into smaller jobs and proceed from there."

The village board will consider the recommendation Tuesday at its regular meeting at 8 p.m. at village hall, 118 W. Cook Ave.

The Victorian-style Ansel B. Cook house was built in 1878. Cook was a well-known masonry contractor, state legislator and town benefactor. The building and grounds were deeded to the village in 1920 with the stipulation it be used as a library and the park maintained at the site.

The library was in the house until 1968 when a new facility was built to the west. It since has been operated as a museum by the Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society and the park has remained a popular gathering place and centerpiece of activities.

The bid by Boller Construction was $176,000 for the first phase of work, with the remaining $167,900 for four future phases. The village had budgeted $51,000 for initial work.

That includes exterior painting, reglazing exterior windows, replacing deteriorated wood window frames and sills, replacing a deteriorated handicap ramp and repairing front porch columns.

"It's just the deferred maintenance because of the recession," said David Fischer, building commissioner. "We're trying to catch up."

Fischer said contractors are busy and some may have decided they didn't have the manpower to allocate. Another issue was difficulty in estimating the exact quantities of wood to be replaced.

The scope of the work will be re-evaluated to specify the project at a more economical cost, and limiting it to the south facade where sun damage is the worst, according to information provided to the village board.

Adding ultraviolet light protection for historical artifacts inside the building is another aspect of the project.

The historical society has about $5,000 set aside for UV protection, but has not been actively fundraising while working on a master plan, President Jenny Barry said.