By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com
WABASH, Ind. – Smith Masonry submitted a bid to demolish a wall at 131 S. Wabash St., to the Wabash Board of Public Works and Safety on Thursday, March 15.
The firm bid $14,900 for the work, which includes removing the brick veneer and capping the brick on 131 S. Wabash St.
The wall was placed to protect the bricks at 131 S. Wabash St. after the Masonic Lodge burned in the 1950s, Building Commissioner John Stephens said after the meeting.
He told the board that before work begins, he would like a signed agreement from officials at the Hanna Masonic Lodge that it is OK for crews to be on the roof.
He said he has talked with officials who seemed willing to allow the work to be done, but would like to have a written agreement. He said the lodge roof was recently replaced and that officials don’t want to see it damaged.
Mayor Scott Long said officials probably want assurances that the firm has insurance in place in case of damage.
The board took the bid under advisement.
In another matter, the board approved a bid from Gaunt & Son for work related to the city’s Community Crossing grant.
The firm submitted a $711,985 bid at the March 1 board meeting. Work will be at various locations around the city.
The board also approved an engineering contract with Butler Fairman and Seifert for work at the North Wabash Business Park to build a bridge and extend Ringel Avenue.
The cost for the firm’s work is not to exceed $109,500.
The park is being prepared for possible future expansion.
Finally, the board approved the Wabash Fire Department advertising for bids for a new ambulance.
Once bids are received, it could take as long as six months for preparation and delivery.