School Building Plans Delayed; Bids Under Study

School Building Plans Delayed; Bids Under Study

Architect Evaluating New Figures Submitted On Forest Ave. Job

YPSILANTI - Construction of the proposed W. Forest Ave. School and administrative offices building was again delayed by the board of education last night pending the study of revised bids from two Detroit building firms. 

Architect Ralph S. Gerganoff presented the companies' base bids, but asked for time to make a thorough study of four alternate construction proposals. Another special board session was set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday to hear Gerganoff's report. 

The Ellis Construction Co. revised its September bid downward to $333,927, while the other firm - a Detroit contracting and engineering corporation - submitted a lowered bid amounting to $340,990. 

Earlier Bids High

Bids ranging upward from $388,000 were received by the board last month from the two Detroit firms and several other companies. But, because the cost of the two structures had earlier been estimated at "around $300,000," the board decided to ask for "reduced" cost estimate from the lowest bidders. 

The two base bids received last night include construction of the seven-classroom elementary school and a neighboring office building. Equipment and architectural and engineering costs will add about $25,000 to the total cost, Gerganoff said. 

Meanwhile, preliminary plans and specifications for the proposed Woodruff School replacement were approved. The school's architect was then authorized to proceed with advertising for bids on the four-classroom building. Razing of the original 53-year-old. Woodruff School started last week and should be completed in about 30 days.

May Award Contracts

School officials hinted last night that contracts for both proposed schools may be awarded at the same time. Completion of the needed classroom space is now tentatively set for next September, some eight months later than the original estimate. 

Continuing its long-range planning, the board instructed Gerganoff to finish preliminary plans and cost estimates for a proposed 13-classroom elementary school on a recently purchased site adjoining both Shady Knolls and Nancy Park subdivisions southeast of the city limits.