Board of Works approves change orders for downtown streetscape project

The Valparaiso Board of Works approved three change orders for the downtown streetscape project after engineering staff said the changes reflect extended work, unforeseen underground construction delays and a materials substitution.

Engineering department staff member Max said the department recommended “approval of change orders 2, 3 and 4 to the Downstone Street downtown streetscape project.” He described change order 2 as “an additional mobilization charge in the amount of $41,267” tied to work extending into 2025, change order 3 as “related to underground work construction and unforeseen delays” in the amount of $49,152, and change order 4 as a materials-only change to swap planters for a larger size consistent with prior downtown installations. Max said the engineering department and the relevant utility boards had reviewed the work and recommended approval.

The board moved and seconded to approve the change orders; a voice vote carried. The engineering presentation stated that change orders 2 and 4 are to be paid from the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) funds and that change order 3 is to be paid from sanitary sewer and stormwater funds and had utility board approval. The transcript included a statement that the total contract increase was “thousand $613.45,” but that figure was not clear from the record and is therefore not stated as a confirmed total here.

Why it matters: the changes adjust the project budget and schedule for a high-visibility downtown improvement. The record ties specific cost lines to RDC and utility fund sources, which affects department budgets and capital planning.

The board did not request further study before voting and approved the change orders on a voice vote.