HACM awards Lincoln Court elevator modernization contract for $884,662

The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee on Feb. 12 approved a contract with Seltzer Orange Construction Co. of Milwaukee to modernize elevators at Lincoln Court for $884,662.

Allison Wisnicki, vice president of construction for the authority’s development arm, told commissioners the bid from Seltzer Orange was the low responsive bid, at $884,662; the next bidder submitted $986,282. Wisnicki said performance-elevator consultants prepared the design and managed the bid process, including site walk-throughs for general contractors and elevator subcontractors.

Commissioners asked about the procurement and budget. Wisnicki said the project will use 2023 Capital Fund Program (CFP) funds and that the estimate used in planning had been about $750,000; the bids exceeded that estimate because of current market conditions for labor and materials. She explained the authority solicits multiple bidders and accepts the lowest responsive bid that meets federal procurement rules for CFP-funded contracts.

On a roll-call vote the board approved the resolution awarding the contract; commissioners present voted aye.

Wisnicki said the modernization will proceed elevator-by-elevator to maintain resident accessibility, that elevator lead times can be several months after contract award, and that modernization work typically includes interior renovations and equipment upgrades rather than full shaft replacement.

The authority will obligate the contract in its capital-fund accounting at the awarded amount and, if needed, reallocate other capital items to keep the overall grant balanced with HUD deadlines.