What you need to know
City staff completed the evaluation of bids submitted for the construction of the new public works facility Dec. 18. Of the seven bids, the city deemed five to be complete.
The bids ranged from $10 million to $12 million. City officials chose the second priced option with Tegrity Contractors, whose bid came in just under $100,000 more than the top-ranked price from Patriot Contracting at $10,777,970. The project award also includes $167,777 for the city's underground fuel storage tank for a total project cost of $11 million.
According to the Jan. 13 agenda memo, the city supported Tegrity Contractors due to the company's positive reviews, financial cost and ability to manage the project schedule.
Roger Roulette Jr., a representative of Tegrity Contractors, said they anticipate to begin the demolition process at the end of January into early February. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.
West University City Manager Dave Beach said the entire process will be recorded on camera to create a time lapse of the project. According to the city's website, the new facility will be approximately 17,540 square feet and two stories tall at the corner of Westpark Drive and Dincans St. in Houston.
A quick note
Building a new Public Works Maintenance Facility is part of West University's Phase 1 of the Facilities Master Plan approved in June 2022. Additional phases of the master plan includes building a new civic center housing a new library, senior center and community building, as well as a public safety building and new city hall.
Also on the agenda
West University council members also received an update on the status of the Bellaire Elevated Storage Tank and water system improvement projects.
City Council requested an evaluation of the Bellaire EST in 2023 that included inspection services from two separate contractors. Results of the evaluation included recommendations to:
- Remove and replace the roof vent
- Install new safety climb rails at all ladders
- Reduce storage volume of the tank
- Implement structural design modifications
Construction may also begin in 2026 on the Wakeforest Distribution Line and Milton Plant upgrades with construction set for 2027 on the Wakeforest Plant upgrades and new water well.
A note by IDS Engineering Group shows that timing on the water system improvement projects will depend on the Facilities Master Plan projects. The total estimated cost for all four project is approximately $30 million.
