Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Finance and Management Director to enter into a contract on behalf of the Office of Construction Management with Thomas & Marker Construction Company for the Reeb Avenue Building Renovations Project. This project involves the renovation and a child care addition to the former Reeb Avenue Elementary School, a historic landmark in the City's South Side. The facility will be known as the Reeb Avenue Center.
The former Reeb Avenue Elementary School is located at 280 East Reeb Avenue. It will be renovated and expanded to house non-profit organizations to provide programs and services that meet the needs of the neighborhood. The Reeb Avenue School was originally constructed in 1907. This project will renovate the historic portion of the building, approximately 44,790 sq. ft., as well as the approximate 4,500 sq. ft. gymnasium addition that was constructed in 1968. The classroom portion of the 1968 addition will be demolished and replaced with an addition of approximately 17,702 sq. ft. for a daycare center.
These renovations and addition will support much needed services within the Southern Gateway community. Among the many functions to be provided by the not-for-profit groups that will occupy this facility will be child care, educational services to children of all ages, support services for families, and workforce development programs.
The City of Columbus currently owns, and will continue to own, the building. A non-profit organization, the Reeb Avenue Center, is awaiting approval of its tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status from the IRS and will be formed to govern and serve as master tenant of the Reeb Avenue Center. Tenants will enter into lease agreements with the Board of the Reeb Avenue Center. Tenants will be expected to pay rents to cover the operating expenses of the Center and for the establishment of a capital fund reserve.
Formal bids were solicited and five companies submitted bid on June 25, 2014 as ...
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