KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Contracts have been awarded to start construction on the new Kalamazoo County parking ramp just off Kalamazoo Avenue. When it’s finished, it could be one of the most distinctive, and certainly one of the most colorful buildings in downtown Kalamazoo.
The county board approved a new local preference policy just last September, and for some reason it wasn’t applied to subcontractors. The new policy gives an edge to local firms with apprentice programs that pay a living wage.
Board vice chair John Taylor says the wrong criteria used to screen bids.
Contractor Miller Davis submitted its preferred subcontractors, and their building board submitted another list, and for 15 of the contracts, there were clear winners.
Last week the county board went their own way on the other four, who they felt deserved consideration for preferred status. It will cost just a little more, but more of the money will stay in town.
They had hoped to have the new multi-story parking garage ready around the time they opened the new courthouse, but other plans got in the way.
Board vice chair pro tem Jeff Heppler said he’s glad they didn’t re-bid and pushed through to a decision.
Commissioner Abigail Wheeler says they will go back and make sure the bidding process is fixed.
County Administrator Kevin Catlin says the parking ramp construction project it will cost several million below their initial estimates.
It will be located at 440 North Church Street, next to the former McDonald’s site on Kalamazoo Avenue,
A groundbreaking may be staged in the next few weeks.
The committee organized to select the artist for a building sized mural planned for the northside of the parking ramp will meet Tuesday to interview artists and view their presentations at 2 p.m. at the Kalamazoo County Administration Building.
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