Commissioners approve timeline for Hutchins Memorial Auditorium demolition

Ponca City's Board of Commissioners approved a request Monday night to allow staff to advertise for bids for the demolition of Hutchins Memorial Auditorium at Fifth Street and Overbrook Avenue.

City Engineer Jim Fairbanks presented a timeline on the work leading to the demolition. He said a site plan has been created and asbestos abatement in the building has been done.

"One small area of asbestos remains that could not be done before demolition," Fairbanks told commissioners. "It is in a small flue or vent area in the boiler area and will be handled as the demolition is underway."

The city is working to preserve the plaques and lettering items associated with the auditorium, and is coordinating with the utility companies to have services shut off.

Fairbanks said he has a list of 18 to 20 potential bidders who will be contacted, in addition to the normal advertising process for such projects.

With the commission's approval, the project will be advertised for bids July 14. There will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting on Aug. 2 and a bid opening on Aug. 11. Staff will present its recommendations to the City Commission on Aug. 22.

Fairbanks said the chosen contractor has 30 calendar days to execute contract documents, making the anticipated start date in late September or early October. He said the demolition project should last 45 days, with completion by mid-November.