The cost to complete Phase 2A of the State Street Revitalization Project is $171,039 above its original budget.
The Columbus Board of Works on Tuesday approved a fourth change order for $96,539.32 under a $2.1 million contract with Dave O’Mara Contractor Inc. of North Vernon. The increase was due to a decision to mill and overlay intersecting streets — work already completed, said Heather Pope, the city’s redevelopment director.
Additional grading and sod needed after the demolition of the former Jack Rabbits building at the corner of Indiana Avenue and State Street also contributed to the increase, Pope said. Milling work was $23,670, while sod and soil preparation cost an additional $11,802, according to the city.
These Phase 2A changes brought the revised contract with Dave O’Mara to $2.34 million, according to the city.
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The final change order was presented to the board of works by Dave Hayward, executive director of public works/city engineer. The city is using funding from its Central Tax Increment Financing District to cover the additional cost, he said.
Improvements made as part of this phase of the State Street project include two green spaces at Stadler Drive and at Indiana Avenue and State Street, new sidewalks, a multi-use trail and decorative panels featuring Paul Rand’s Dancing C’s design.
Three change orders were approved by the board of works in April that included the installation of the Dancing C panels along State Street at a cost of $220,055.
A celebration and ribbon-cutting to mark the end of this phase of the project was held June 5.
Under Phase 1 of the project, completed earlier, lights were added to the State Street corridor, with six-foot sidewalks added on the south side of the road and a 10-foot, multi-use trail added on the north side of the bridge that extends to Maple Street.
The city’s investment in State Street so far have exceeded $4 million.
The State Street project was launched July 1, 2014, as part of the city’s comprehensive plan. It represents an attempt to revitalize the area and to better connect the east side of Columbus with downtown.
The city plans to continue the State Street Revitalization Project under Phase 2B, which will link the trail and sidewalk to downtown Columbus. It will involve improvements along Third Street onto California Street and up Fifth Street that will connect to Mill Race Park, although a cost estimate or timeline on that phase has not yet been determined.
