County opens bids for governmental complex flashing and control‑joint replacement; lowest base bid $751,850

LaSalle County staff opened bids April 11 for the lintel flashing and control‑joint replacement project at the governmental complex, a masonry restoration intended to protect and match existing brickwork.

County staff reported a mandatory pre‑bid site visit attended by six contractors and four formal bids received. No bid was submitted by Berglund Construction or Restore Works. The four bids recorded at opening were: - Western Specialty Contractors: base bid $751,850 (bid bond 5% provided) - Ward Contracting and Building Restoration: base bid $872,995 (5% bid bond) - E and H Restoration: base bid $905,996 (5% bid bond) - Autobom Company (Morton, Ill.): base bid $998,875 (5% bid bond)

The county’s budget estimate for the work was approximately $877,000 (and $964,700 including contingency). County staff said they will review the submissions, check bonds and documentation, speak with the apparent low bidder to confirm the bid, and bring a recommendation to the next County Property meeting for award.

Why it matters: the work is intended to arrest masonry deterioration and match historic materials; staff emphasized careful review to match brick and mortar appearance and to coordinate work with courthouse operations. The bid package included a completion deadline (work to be finished no later than Nov. 30 to align with the fiscal year) and work‑hour constraints to minimize interference with court operations.

County staff also noted contractors generally declined second‑shift work; removal above windows would be scheduled before court hours (roughly 5:30–8:30 a.m.). A staff member said Western Specialty Contractors will be contacted as the apparent low bidder and a full recommendation will be made at the next county property meeting.