RDA seeks new demolition bids for property
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The Warren Redevelopment Authority is seeking new bids to demolish the long-vacant building at 231-237 Pennsylvania Avenue West, signaling a potential step toward resolving the future of a downtown property that has been the subject of months of debate over preservation and redevelopment.
The authority will accept sealed bids for the demolition project until 10 a.m. Nov. 12 at the City of Warren Municipal Building, 318 West Third Avenue.
The project calls for demolition of the existing buildings, asbestos abatement and disposal of debris at a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection-permitted facility. The work also includes disconnecting existing utility services and coordinating with affected utility companies.
The latest move follows months of negotiations between the RDA and the Warren Heritage Community Alliance, which has proposed redeveloping the property as the Warren Marketplace, a community-focused destination intended to bring new activity to downtown Warren.
In August, the authority unanimously rejected a revised proposal from the alliance after members determined that the group’s refusal to accept a required $200,000 developer’s bond amounted to rejection of the authority’s overall offer. The five-member board then unanimously voted to seek new demolition bids.
The property has remained a point of contention since the authority regained control following the collapse of the Eagles Crest development project.
In June, the authority declined to award a demolition contract after residents and representatives of the alliance urged members to give the historic building another chance. At that time, City Engineer Chad Yurisic recommended awarding a base demolition contract of $130,350 to Fox and Sons Excavating, the lowest bidder.
The proposed contract was not awarded after public comment and board discussion, leaving the door open for further negotiations over the property’s future.
Supporters of redevelopment have argued that preserving the structure could help maintain Warren’s historic downtown character while creating opportunities for local businesses and community activities. Others have raised concerns about the building’s deteriorating condition, potential safety hazards and the impact of water infiltration and structural problems on neighboring properties.
The new solicitation establishes another opportunity for contractors to submit proposals as the authority considers its options for the site.
Contract documents, including plans and specifications, may be examined at the City of Warren Municipal Building or obtained through Greenman-Pedersen Inc.
Additional information is available on the city's website, by calling the city at 814-723-6300 or Greenman-Pedersen Inc. at 814-725-8659, or by emailing sharris@gpinet.com.
Bids must include proposal security equal to 10% of the total bid price in the form of a certified check, bank cashier’s or treasurer’s check, or bid bond payable to the Warren Redevelopment Authority.
The authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to accept the proposal, or portion of a proposal, it determines to be most advantageous.
The future of the Pennsylvania Avenue property has not been resolved through the redevelopment discussions, and the new bidding process could move the site closer to demolition if the authority elects to proceed.