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Plum officials have taken the next step in the development of a new urban center.
The council approved a $ 16.5 million contract from Rycon Construction on Thursday evening.
The Pittsburgh company was the lowest of 11 bidders.
The so-called city center would house a police station, city offices, gym, plaza, and community center – essentially an all-in-one government center – near public works and emergency services along Old Mine Road.
The construction work could start as early as next month if the weather is nice.
“I’m very excited to start building a real community center in Plum,” said Borough Manager Michael Thomas. “From the beginning, the design of this facility has focused on the community.
“We didn’t just design an office building where we could do city business. We’re building a real community center that creates more opportunities to bring the entire community together all year round. “
It is unclear when the project will be completed.
The current Plum Community Center is located at 499 Center-New Texas Road.
Councilor Ryan Delaney said the new building created new opportunities for everyone.
“I think it’s an incredible investment in our community,” said Delaney. “It will really allow us to make our already great events even better. I’m particularly looking forward to the amphitheater. I envision a series of summer concerts and musicals. “
District officials have been working on the project for the past few years.
The center would be built on 110 acres near the Renton Volunteer Fire Station and the above buildings.
The hope is to sell or lease the current county building and land to retail developers and use that money to pay for the center. A dealer was not announced.
Massaro Construction of O’Hara was recruited as construction manager for the project.
Councilor Mike Doyle said he expected a great job from Rycon, who also carries Massaro’s stamp of approval.
“You are major surgery and we are delighted to have you,” said Doyle. “I trust Massaro. They are solid people and they were thrilled to have Rycon come in.
“This building is going to be amazing. It will be state-of-the-art, very “green”, and have been in operation for decades, and we’ll do everything without collecting taxes. We’re pretty proud of that. “
District officials have spoken to several supermarkets and other businesses about developments in the district’s current construction site, Doyle said. He refused to give any names.
“It’s a prime place and this side of the county needs that kind of development,” said Doyle. “It’s still at the forefront. The location there is phenomenal with the ball fields right there. This side of the district has nothing. ”
The council approved the land development plan for the city center and approved the project to be put out to tender in October.
Massaro has worked on several district projects over the years, including as a site manager for public works and emergency services along Old Mine Road.
Plum has taken out a $ 15 million bond. Of that, $ 12 million would go downtown, $ 2 million for rainwater projects, and $ 1 million for parks and recreation.
The district’s Bond Counsel is Ron Brown of Cohen & Grigsby. The Bond underwriter is Piper Jaffray.
Michael DiVittorio is a contributor to Tribune Review. You can contact Michael at 412-871-2367, mdivittorio@triblive.com, or on Twitter.
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