Bidding begins for depot renovation

NORTH CANAAN — It was another big step toward the re-opening of the depot. On Aug. 19, 11 general contractors attended a pre-bid meeting at the historic railroad station.

All of the contractors have purchased the extensive set of specifications that detail the final phase of the reconstruction. It includes interior walls, plumbing, heating and electrical work, an elevator and landscaping. 

Architect John Lloyd and Selectman Charlie Perotti led a tour of the 1872 landmark, which was partially destroyed by an accidentally set fire in October 2001. The intervening years have seen the purchase of the depot by the Connecticut Railroad Historical Association (CRHA) and an incredible showing of support for the rebuilding effort. Ownership by the nonprofit allowed for state grant funds that, along with donations and fundraisers, have allowed for stabilizing the building and rebuilding the east/west wing and signal tower.

Perotti has been acting as liaison between the CRHA and the state Department of Transportation, which is administering more than a million dollars in funds appropriated through the federal highway bill. Legally, those funds have to be channeled through the town. 

The only question among the prospective contractors was whether funding was in hand. They were assured  it is. 

Bids are due by Sept. 2 at 3 p.m., when  they will be opened publicly at Town Hall.

Bids will be accepted right up until that appointed hour, but only from contractors who attended last week’s pre-bid inspection.

It was a good day, Perotti said. There was some fear that there would be little interest in the project.

“Because the state’s involved, contractors have to pay prevailing wage, and that scares some away. But it’s a good project because the funds are secured and there will be plenty of work through the winter.”

He was also happy with the number of contractors. If all or most come back with bids, it should make for competitive pricing but remain a manageable task to select one. It does not have to be the lowest bidder. A committee of local businessmen has been appointed to make a decision, with a goal of doing so by the end of the month. The selected contractor will then have 10 days to get started and 240 days to finish. 

That would put completion somewhere around the end of next May. 

There will also be plenty of work for subcontractors, and it is hoped local electricians, plumbers and others will be involved in the project.

All the prospective bidders are Connecticut companies. They came from all over the state, with several from Torrington and the farthest from North Haven. The state only requires a general contractor be licensed here. There were 110 eligible for the depot project.