Robinson’s proposal totals $1.28 million as submitted, which
is beyond the $900,000 to $1.1 million suggested by the project’s architect.
“We’re meeting with Robinson Construction this week to discuss opportunities
for additional cost efficiencies,” said Astoria City Manager Paul Benoit.
Benoit noted that it is not unusual for a contractor’s bid to vary from the
architect’s cost estimate, particularly when the project is so unique and
involves installation of public art. “We had no way of knowing exactly what our
hard costs would be until we went out for bid. After we talk with Robinson’s
team this week, we’ll know with more certainty what our final number is. This
is just the next step in the process,” he said.
To date, approximately $950,000 has been committed to
construction of the Garden of Surging Waves project — including $505,000 in
public fundsand $445,000in private funds. Private contributions are comprised
of grants from foundations, and donations from hundredsof businesses and
individuals. Contributions have come primarily from Astoria and Portland,
though gifts have been received from throughout the Pacific Northwest.
“We anticipated our committed funds would be short of the
final bid,” said Astoria Mayor Willis Van Dusen. “After this week, we’ll know
where our finish line is and we’ll make a final push to cross it,” he said.
“This is Astoria’s Bicentennial Legacy Gift, marking an important milestone in
our history — much like the purchase of Coxcomb Hill marked the city’s
Centennial in 1911. It’s exciting to be so close to all of this becoming a
reality. I want to assure the people of Astoria and our supporters outside the
city that we are approaching this responsibly and will not enter into a
contract agreement until we have our funding secured. We’re so close. I don’t
expect it will be long.”
Construction is expected to take approximately four months
under optimum conditions. Benoit says there would be obvious weather advantages
to constructing the project in the summer. “That would actually work in our
favor,” Benoit said. “By getting our hard costs settled now, we know exactly
what funds remain to be raised, and we can use this brief window of time to do
it before summer arrives.”
Benoit stated that until all funds are secured for the Garden
of Surging Waves, fundraising efforts and expenses will be focused on the
Garden rather than the broader Heritage Square project. “We are approaching
Heritage Square incrementally. We want to show results to our donors and our
community as soon as possible, so completion of the Garden of Surging Waves is
the highest priority for now,” he said.
When negotiations with Robinson are complete, a construction
contract will be presented to City Council for review. “If Council likes the
numbers they see, we’ll be able to wrap up our fundraising effort and get a
contract signed for construction. Then we’ll be off and running,” Van Dusen
said.
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