Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
County Board Awards $23.7 Million Contract for Long Bridge Park
- In other action, Board awards $4.49 million contract for Fire Station 3
- Bids for both projects came in well below expected costs
- Both projects expected to be completed in 2011
- County saving millions on contracts
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Board today approved a $23.7 million contract to build three lighted synthetic grass athletic fields, an esplanade and other amenities at Long Bridge Park. The contract went to the Donohoe Companies Inc. Construction is expected to begin early in 2010 and finish in summer, 2011.
In separate action, the Board approved a $4.49 million contract for the construction of Fire Station No. 3, in the Cherrydale neighborhood, to Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. The contractor is expected to begin work on the fire station in January 2010, and the project is expected to be finished in early 2011.
The Board noted that in each instance, the winning bids came in well below cost estimates – a trend the County has seen since the current economic downturn began. In 2009 alone, the lower bids have saved the County more than $8 million.
“With our actions today, we are moving forward on two exciting projects,” said Board Chairman Barbara Favola. “Long Bridge Park will turn what has been an eyesore into one of the most appealing open spaces in the County, and equip it with the recreational facilities needed to serve people of all ages and abilities. Fire Station 3 will improve our fire-fighting capacity with a state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable facility. By acting now, we are able to take advantage of substantially lower construction costs.”
Both projects were included in previous County Board-approved capital improvement programs. The associated debt service costs have been included in the County’s debt capacity analysis and remain within guidelines laid out in the County’s debt management policy.
Long Bridge Park
Long Bridge Park is a new park located at 475 Old Jefferson Davis Highway. Planning for the park began in 2001. Building a park at the site will transform what was once a light industrial area into a distinctive showplace of environmentally sound redevelopment, featuring a central expanse of attractive public green spaces, high-quality outdoor recreation facilities and environmentally responsible structures.
The Donohoe Companies, Inc. was the lowest of four bidders. Funding for the project will come from the 2004 park bond approved by voters.
In addition to the three athletic fields, the project will include landscaping, picnic areas and a raised observation area. A 2,350-foot raised esplanade with breathtaking views of the Potomac will connect all sections of the park and its recreational facilities. The esplanade will be suitable for strolling, bicycling, train spotting, plane watching and small festivals. A three-quarter acre rain garden will infiltrate runoff from the park’s parking lot and sports fields into a planted garden of native shrubs and perennials. Restrooms and a storage facility will complete the first phase of construction.
About 2,750 feet of Old Jefferson Davis Highway and 6th Street South will be reconstructed to complement the recreational facilities and amenities and provide gateway from the south into the Long Bridge Park area.
The County Board voted 5 to 0 to approve the contract for park construction and 5 to 0 to approve the public art element.
Fire Station 3
The new station replaces one built in the 1800s. It will include four bays to store and maintain more first responder and fire fighting equipment and feature a sustainable, environment-friendly design that meets Green Building Council LEED Silver criteria. Other features include:
- New curb, gutters and sidewalks on 21st Road North from Lee Highway to North Stafford Street.
- Public green space on the south side of the relocated 21st Road North.
- Architectural features to match the feel of the community.
- Off-street parking for fire station staff.
The Board’s action kicks off the final phase of the project. Construction on the Fire Station No. 3 site began in June 2009. Crews have relocated and rebuilt 21st Road North and are scheduled to complete Koons Arlington Toyota’s parking garage by the end of 2009.
Funding for this project is coming from previously authorized general obligation bonds and a planned debt issuance this spring.
The County Board voted 5 to 0 to approve the contract for fire station construction.
Saving millions on contracts
In 2009 the County has seen a series of contract awards come in at substantially less than estimated costs. The lower amounts can be attributed to the recession. The successful award for Long Bridge Park came in nearly $3.8 million, or 13.8%, below what County staff had estimated. The successful award for Fire Station 3 came in $1.59 million, or 26.2%, less than was estimated. Other projects that have come in below estimate this year include:
- Thomas Jefferson Middle School renovation -- $1.7 million (18%) less.
- Fairlington Phase II – Exterior -- $584,000 (32.4%) less.
- Parkhurst Park -- $227,268 (30.7%) less.
- Thomas Jefferson Middle School field replacement -- $261,575 (26.2%) less.
- Bluemont Park -- $138,200 (19%) less.
The savings on these and other projects bid on this year amount to $8.48 million -- or 17.7% less than estimated.
>Press contact: Mary Curtius, 703-228-7943
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
