HAMILTON, Ohio — Bids for the first of three phases to restore the Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument in downtown Hamilton range from $156,000 to $816,000.
WCPO media partner the Journal-News reported Monday that the 112-year-old building houses historic artifacts and war records that may be in peril due to a crumbling ceiling and other structural issues.
County Administrator Charlie Young said the low bid was a “good” bid, but they are having their architect examine the bid documents to make sure everything is included. The commissioners could pick a contractor on Aug.1.
A recent report put a $1 million price tag on the building’s entire restoration. The architect divided the cost of the project into three phases:
- The first phase had an estimated price tag of $471,778, plus $90,000 for scaffolding that will be up for six months, $157,480 for contingencies and $125,984 for general conditions, meaning what contractors may find beneath the surface.
- The second phase was expected to cost $33,550 and includes things like new storm windows over the stained glass and other windows and cleaning the bronze sculpture at the top. These items would be addressed in a three- to five-year time frame.
- The third phase was estimated at $124,923 and would address aesthetics such as cleaning, replacing bird deterrents and other finishing touches.
Read Callahan's original report for the Journal-News here.
