Fencing up, groundbreaking scheduled for Libertyville parking deck
After several delays, construction fencing was erected Friday to mark the official start of an $8.74 million parking deck project in downtown Libertyville.
The 317-space structure will replace public surface parking south of Church Street, east of Brainerd Avenue and west of Milwaukee Avenue.
It will be the second deck to be built in recent years to accommodate visitors to shops and restaurants in the increasingly popular area. A ceremonial groundbreaking is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday.
During construction, about 100 parking spaces will close and force customers and visitors to alternate areas. Options are listed at www.libertyville.com/churchstreetparking and site visitors can view maps and sign up for updates. Information is also available on Facebook and twitter.
While several measures have been taken and information made available, community and village officials are anxious to see how things go as activities and events ramp up for the season.
"It will be an inconvenience but we're excited about the opportunity," said Anne Carlino, executive director of the Libertyville Civic Center Foundation. The organization operates the Libertyville Civic Center, which abuts the construction zone. It is home to the village's senior center and has available rental space for a variety of other activities.
"The village has done a pretty good job of providing us parking options for our evening and weekend guests," she said.
But as many as 150 people per day come through the center and a 14-space adjacent lot won't be nearly enough.
"The daytime parking - we'll see what we come up with," Carlino said.
Construction was to have been under way several weeks ago in hopes of finishing before the holiday season. But the first set of bids were well above the estimated cost because high demand for pre-cast concrete, and the design was modified.
The new design was rebid, but the lowest two were rejected because they did not meet guidelines. The village board on April 12 accepted the $8.74 million bid from Walsh Construction, which was $340,000 above the low bid.
Dave Hoener, senior superintendent in charge of the project for Walsh, said silt fencing will be installed and lights and trees removed next week. Working in the confined space will be challenging, he added.
The deck is expected to be complete in January.
"It's a very aggressive schedule," Hoener said.