Remaining Hose Tower Renovations Headed to Bid Process

Citing a technicality and the suggestion of the Village attorney, the Greendale Village Board decided to put the remaining construction projects needed to turn the Hose Tower / Grounds Building at 5699 Parking St., into a cultural center out for bid.

The decision came Tuesday even though it is widely understood that the Greendale Historical Society, through local, state and federal grants as well as significant private donations and pledges, will be tackling the project.

“We were under the impression we didn’t have to publicly bid it, but (bidding) was brought up by the Historical Society,” Village Manager Todd Michaels told trustees Tuesday. “We had our attorney look into it. … We have to bid it, but the irony is, the Historical Society will likely bid and submit a bid using donated funds and materials.

“It’s really just a legal hoop to jump through. It will be highly unlikely that anyone will bid less,” than the Historical Society.

The Historical Society began interior renovations on the building in late January. At that time, the Historical Society had raised more than $200,000. The Village of Greendale has agreed to match up to $100,000 for work on the building.

Bid packages to be advertised will be for stained concrete, masonry work, carpentry, drywall work, painting, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning and electrical work.

Bidders will be informed that the Historical Society will be bidding on this project, and will likely submit a bid using contributed funds, labor, and material.