Washington County says Fair Park modernization bids return favorable; staff to finalize award

WASHINGTON COUNTY — Washington County staff told the Land Use and Planning Committee that bids received for the Fair Park modernization returned "very favorable" to the project budget and that staff will complete due diligence before recommending an award.

Jamie Ludovic, the county’s chief community development officer, said the bid results were received at noon the day of the meeting and that the county is considering a full award of the project. "The bids came back very favorable to our total project budget," Ludovic said.

Project scope and schedule

Ludovic summarized the project elements under consideration: base audio and control systems, upgraded power distribution, a 1-for-1 sitewide lighting-fixture replacement and lighting controls, acoustical upgrades in performance and music support areas, exterior audio and pole-mounted alternates, exterior doors at the Ziegler Center, bathroom updates in the pavilion and Ziegler Center, video systems, cabinetry and millwork in conference rooms, and minor mechanical and signage updates. The county had broken out some acoustical improvements into a base scope and add-on options depending on bid results.

Staff said the planned construction schedule would begin later this summer and run through early next spring. Ludovic said staff were finalizing due diligence on bidders and expected to publicly release award information "no later than next Friday." He emphasized the county will verify that the low bid captures full project completion before confirming the award.

Committee response and next steps

Committee members congratulated staff for reaching what supervisors described as a favorable set of bids. No formal contract award was recorded during the meeting; staff will return with recommendation and contract documents for committee/board approval once vetting is complete.