New contractor selected for Shorewood-Troy Library window project

SHOREWOOD A new contractor was selected by the Shorewood-Troy Library's Building Committee Thursday to resume work on its window-wall, a project that has experienced multiple delays since October.

Glen Ellyn-based RoMAAS Inc. was the lowest bidder to complete construction of the two-story wall on the north side of the building at a cost of $63,900, according to RoMAAS owner Alex Mihailescu. State requirement requires the lowest bidder be awarded the contract.

Library trustees, however, are making sure they know everything about the contractor this time after the previous one failed to finish the project. The hiring is pending referrals being in line and the outcome of an attorney's extensive background checks on the contractor and bonding company.

"I'm very worried about anything right now because of the past," Library Board President Phillip Besler said Thursday.

The window-wall was identified by architects and engineering consultants as an area in need of serious improvement. Evanston-based Continental Construction was hired to oversee the construction process, with a completion date of Oct. 24 last year.

However, Library Director Jennie Mills said Continental delayed the $80,000 project several times, and eventually ceased communication with the library and consultant TRIA Architecture.

TRIA representative Ron McGrath said RoMAAS has done several projects with TRIA and can be trusted to finish the project.

RoMAAS owner Alex Mihailescu gave a short presentation Thursday on his experience and how he would approach the remaining work, which includes drywall construction, painting, decorative details and window glass installation.

"Depending on how fast it goes, around March 13," Mihailescu said when asked about an estimated completion date.

"We've got to get moving on this," Mills said.

Read more here:
New contractor selected for Shorewood-Troy Library window project