Beaver County: parking garage renovation nearly complete after $1.9 million contract; county expects remaining payments and maintenance work

Beaver County staff told commissioners at their June 17 work session that the downtown parking garage renovation contracted to Carl Walker for roughly $1.9 million is largely finished but will require final payments and punch-list work before full reopening.

Maria Hartman, a presenter from LSSC and Engineering Theater, said four payment requests have been submitted and that after the fourth payment the county will owe about $455,000, of which roughly $290,000 covers remaining work. She described a mix of unit-price and lump-sum items: some concrete repairs and post-tension slab repairs ran over budget (two additional tables were needed) while other items were under, and staff plans a single adjusting change order at completion. Hartman said the project currently looks to be about $59,000 over the original contract amount but that final reconciliation will be completed with the punch list.

The report outlined several construction and durability improvements: a replaced storm system and upgraded drainage to reduce standing water, ventilation added to stair towers, new coatings and window glazing, and electrical conduit work to remedy water-filled conduits and corroded wiring. Hartman said the contractor stressed avoiding use of the top deck in winter to reduce salt-related coating damage; contractors will also provide a maintenance training session for county public works staff.

Hartman said the county negotiated an agreement with an adjoining property owner that will include trimming or removal of some trees and the installation of woven-fabric privacy panels to screen views into the garage. A firm cost for the panels was not specified.

Security and operations issues were also discussed. Staff reported a recent incident in which juveniles entered an elevator control area and caused damage; the fire department responded and a commission will assess repairs and restitution. Cameras were offline during construction but will be reactivated, and Hartman said many punch-list items can be completed with short, localized closures rather than a full shutdown.

"I think you'll be pleased. I think it's... it turned out really well," Hartman said, adding that contractor training and a five-year maintenance agreement (with annual inspections and touch-ups for items in scope) are part of the closeout plan.

The board scheduled a punch-list review the day after the meeting; staff said the garage may open in phases once outstanding items are addressed. Following the update the board moved into executive session to discuss litigation and personnel matters.