Harman Hartman, superintendent and field engineer for March-Westin, said renovation of the city’s riverfront amenities remains on schedule.
“The three buildings there, we’re about
98% complete on them. We just have some touch-up work left on those,” he said. “We’re going to be pouring a bunch of sidewalks, and hopefully we’ll get all the seeding, landscaping, planting and all the asphalt done in the spring.”
The work is being completed thanks to a $4.1 million gift from the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust, which was announced by the city in January of 2018.
March-Westin was named the city’s “construction manager at risk” on the project in March 2018 for $209,7000.
Thrasher Engineering and Pittsburgh-based design firm Strada provided design and engineering services at a total cost of $295,500.
According to the terms of the agreement, the city will create a full-time position to maintain and operate the park and riverfront, as well as a fund into which it will place $150,000 annually, up to $1 million, for maintenance and repairs.
Renovations to the riverfront park include expansion of the amphitheater stage and seating area, with the addition of a canopy above the seats.
The work will also provide upgrades to security features, including the creation of a police sub-station near the park, as well as improvements to the historic train depot and restroom facility and an overhaul of the Walnut Street Landing — including a new parking area, landscaping and a new kayak storage and launch area.
Morgantown Communications Manager Andrew Stacy said the project is anticipated to be 99% done by the “Feb – March timeframe,” though weather could play a factor when it comes to planting trees and laying asphalt.
Stacy went on to say that the project also remains within the original grant budget, but “There are a couple alternatives being considered that are outside the original project scope.”
Hartman said he’s excited for people to see the finished product.
“We’re moving along, and I think it’s going to be a great thing for the whole community once we get it done,” he said. “It will really open up this riverfront and provide a good venue for everybody to enjoy.”
