The Forest Park Urban Redevelopment Agency on Jan. 6 approved a $2,880,000 contract with Technique/Technic Concrete to construct the Grapevine project, a multiuse commercial buildout on property the agency recently acquired.

The board moved and approved the contract after Contractor Mister Freeman told members he would seek to honor the firm’s prior bid. Freeman said the base construction price excludes some long‑lead items — notably restaurant equipment and an upscale lighting package — which were quoted last year and could change. “I want to be 100% open book with you guys,” Freeman said, offering to share equipment pricing and make installation a separate line item if the board prefers.

Why it matters: The Grapevine is positioned as an upscale commercial anchor for the neighborhood, and staff and the contractor said timely ordering of long‑lead items will affect schedule and cost. Freeman estimated the prior schedule allowed 240 days to substantial completion and suggested a five‑to‑six‑month build time is feasible; staff said final equipment pricing will determine whether change orders are needed.

Details of the action: Board member Ellie Lawrence moved to award the contract and Miss Carter seconded. The motion to enter into a contract with Technique/Technic Concrete for $2,880,000 passed on the board’s vote. Staff told the board they will prepare the contract and use change orders to incorporate any additional equipment costs that exceed the base bid.

Contractor notes and next steps: Freeman said his team had a January 2025 equipment quote of roughly $300,000 from a local vendor (City Discount restaurant equipment) but warned tariffs and lead times have affected pricing since. He pledged to return with firm numbers for long‑lead items by midweek next week. Board members emphasized the need for updated vendor quotes before issuing change orders.

The meeting record shows staff will draft the formal contract and return to the board as needed if final equipment pricing requires additional approvals or change orders. The board concluded the item without moving into executive session.