At $24.5 million, Norwin stadium project bids come in lower than expected

Demolishing the Norwin Knights stadium’s home grandstand, rebuilding the bleachers and renovating the multisport facility is expected to cost less than the $25 million estimate the district received last year.

R.A. Glancy & Sons Inc. of Hampton submitted the apparent low bid of $19.9 million for the general construction work. There could be another $400,000 if the board approves other optional work.. Apparent low bids for the mechanical work, plumbing and electrical work would cost about another $4.2 million, for a total project cost of $24.5 million.

That’s $500,000 under last year’s estimate.

“I’m pleased with the way the whole process went,” said Bill Bojalad, school board president. Bojalad said it was the result of the work by school officials, the architect and construction management.

The bids will be reviewed and invited to a preconstruction meeting Friday, said Dan Kiefer, chief estimator for Massaro CM Services LLC of Pittsburgh, which is the construction manager.

Kiefer said he was pleased the district received three general construction bids. Rycon Construction Co. of Pittsburgh submitted a $20.2 million base bid, while the Hudson Group’s base bid was $21.7 million.

The school board will discuss the project when it holds a workshop session at 7 p.m. Monday, Bojalad said. The contracts are scheduled to be awarded April 21.

Construction is scheduled to begin in November, once the football season is over, and to be completed by June 2027.

Norwin’s football team, as well as the other boys and girls teams that use the stadium, will not be able to play at their home field in 2026.

The concrete home grandstand will be demolished and will have new aluminum seating for about 2,400 people. The new press box will have a multipurpose room that the district can use in addition to the space for coaches and the news media.

The existing track and field will be replaced. Access to the visitors bleachers will be improved to provide more accessibility to those who are disabled. Improvements to the concession stand and restrooms are planned.

The school board for several years had talked about the need for repairs to the stadium because the home side grandstand, which is about 60 years old, was showing signs of deterioration.