Garage plan may change to cut costs

Last month, workers began the demolition of an apartment building at 424 N. Queen St. to make way for a planned parking garage.

But the construction of that garage could be delayed as planners go back and attempt to lower the cost.

Earlier this month, construction bids for the 265-space garage came in $2 million over the anticipated $8.8 million estimate.

Randy Patterson, Lancaster city's Economic Development & Neighborhood Revitalization director, said Tuesday that he would soon meet with representatives of the low bidders on the project.

He will seek ways to "value-engineer" aspects of the project to come closer to that $8.8 million figure, he told members of the city Redevelopment Authority, which is constructing the garage.

The garage, with a total development cost expected to be $10.5 million, is planned for the site of an existing surface parking lot along North Market Street.

It is intended to provide parking for the $16 million redevelopment of the former Lancaster Press building into condominiums. It also will serve the restaurants and shops in the 300 and 400 blocks of North Queen Street, the 400 block of North Prince Street and the first block of West Lemon Street.

Patterson said plans could be altered to remove an extensive canopy over the ramp onto North Queen Street. One of three stair towers to the structure also could be altered or eliminated, he said.

Some items in the plans cannot be changed, he said. Parking equipment specified in the plans is compatible with that used in other garages of the Lancaster Parking Authority, which will operate the garage on behalf of the Redevelopment Authority, he said.

Major changes needed to bring the project under budget may require portions to be redesigned, Patterson said.

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Garage plan may change to cut costs