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Council directs contract path to finish Warrenville Merkantile market shops
Summary
The city moved to finish all eight Merkantile marketplace shops and directed staff to present a bid-waiver resolution and contract with Countryside Barns to complete the remaining six units, aiming for an end-of-June/July opening and ongoing sponsorship support.
Warrenville councilors on April 20 directed staff to pursue a contract path with Countryside Barns to complete the buildout of the Merkantile marketplace and requested staff present a resolution waiving competitive bidding at the next council meeting.
Assistant community and economic development director Christine Hockey said the Merkantile work group recommended finishing all eight shops and making them ADA-compliant to create a consistent vendor experience year-round. Two interior units will be completed through an Eagle Scout volunteer project; staff sought bids to finish the remaining six units and included two finish options (flat ceilings and a vaulted/open appearance) in the materials.
Staff also outlined sponsorship outreach. Amy, the staff lead on sponsorships, said Aurora Sign Company has pledged design services and at-cost signs, and that staff have contacted local banks and businesses for season sponsorships though no large donations were secured in time for a July opening.
Council approved a motion directing staff to present a resolution waving competitive bidding and approving the Countryside Barns contract at the next meeting so the buildout can proceed. Staff said Countryside Barns estimated an end-of-June timeline to start and a July opening if the council approves the contract at the next meeting.
What’s next: staff will bring a formal contract and waiver resolution to council for approval and continue sponsor outreach; volunteers and an Eagle Scout project will complete two units as part of the buildout.
