wing was evaluated in December 2003, the council determined demolition was the best solution, and approved a two-phase design-build agreement with SKS Construction to handle the project from beginning to end.
The entire demolition project is expected to cost $2 million, according to city staff.
The first phase, with Neubauer Electric as the electrical sub-contractor, called for a design and recognizance plan. The second phase encompassed the actual demolition of the police wing and creation of a landscaped courtyard in its place. The City Council was expected to approve phase two in December 2004, but was forced to explore alternatives when SKS informed City Hall it would not be able to complete the project.
“The city decided to run phase two itself,” Friedman said. “We need this done quickly and it would take longer for us to go out and find another design-build contractor than it would to do it ourselves. Neubauer Electric was part of phase one and, given their existing knowledge of the project at hand, it was in our best interest to continue working with them to complete the project.”
Friedman said once rewiring and relocating electrical elements were finished, and additional contractors are brought in to handle similar issues with plumbing and air conditioning, the demolition would begin around June 1.
The council is also expected to spend $12,800 for additional elements needed for brand strategy and marketing for the new Big Blue Bus Rapid 3 Service — a total contract amount of $67,800. The branding and customer communication campaign is being developed by Sussman/Prejza, the same firm that developed the new look of the Big Blue Bus in 1997, according to city staff.
The new Rapid 3 line, also referred to as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), will begin this June and provides limited-stop service with 15-minute service down the Lincoln corridor between Santa Monica and the Green Line in El Segundo.
The city is also working with Sussman/Prejza on the development of graphics for police department patrol cars.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 8, 2005. Read the original PDF.