The price of steel has fallen through the floor, potentially making demolition of the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium less desirable for Ontario Specialty Contracting, who stands to increase the value of their $1.3 million demolition bid by selling the Aud’s steel for reuse. The lowest of 11 bidders for the job, OSC has seen steel prices plummet since submitting their bid.
There is speculation, however that the slide will be short-lived, as in this article.
In the meantime, the contract between OSC and the Erie County Harbor Development Corporation is being processed in NYC – without amendment in consideration of steel prices – and will be presented to OSC shortly.
“It is our hope that Ontario Contracting will still want to move forward,” according to ECHDC Director of Communications Matthew Davidson. If OSC doesn’t accept the contract, they will forfit a $130,000 bid bond, and the offer will be presented, down the line, to the remaining 10 bidders in the hope that one of them will accept the contract.
Slated to begin demolition in mid-November, the project is still considered to be on schedule, and depending on the results of the contract, could stay that way if the contract is accepted and OSC mobilizes. With the start of construction of Bass Pro to begin on the site in the fall of ’09, contractor delays could be a detriment to that project.
Asbestos remediation at the Aud has been completed, and Davidson points out that the act of removing the asbestos from the upper levels, walls and floors has already gone a long way toward demolition. “Now it’s a matter of getting the contract signed and moving forward,” he said.
queenseyes
Newell Nussbaumer is 'queenseyes' - Eyes of the Queen City and Founder of Buffalo Rising. Co-founder Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts. Co-founder Powder Keg Festival that built the world's largest ice maze (Guinness Book of World Records). Instigator behind Emerald Beach at the Erie Basin Marina. Co-creator of Rusty Chain Beer. Instigator of Buffalo Porchfest, and Paint vs. Paint. Founder of The Peddler retro and vintage market on Elmwood. Instigator behind Liberty Hound @ Canalside. Throws The Witches Ball at Statler City, the Hertel Alley Street Art Festival, and The Flutterby Festival. And his latest adventure... FigBuffalo, with the intention of creating a Buffalo United Fashion Front (BUFF). Contact Newell Nussbaumer | Newell@BuffaloRising.com