By Krista Duhon
news@joplinglobe.com
MIAMI, Okla. — Bids were opened Thursday for a proposed Coleman Theatre construction and renovation project that will bring a dream of George L. Coleman to fruition.
Nine contractors offered their services to build a new entrance on the north side of the theater, finish the second-story ballroom — a feature that was part of Coleman’s original design but was never finished — and blend the new and old of the 1929 vaudeville theater into a conference center.
The Miami Downtown Redevelopment Authority, working with Crafton, Tull & Sparks Architects, of Tulsa, began working more than four years ago on what was expected to be a $1.3 million project, said Barbara Smith, general manager of the historic building.
Rick Scott Construction Inc., of Tulsa, submitted the lowest bid at $1,494,400, which is nearly $200,000 above what the architectural firm had estimated.
The project is to be supported by grant funding, said Tami McKeon, of the Grand Gateway Economic Development Agency. She is coordinating a $500,000 U.S. Economic Development Administration grant and a $150,000 Community Development Block Grant.
The downtown authority, with support from the Friends of the Coleman Theatre, is working to raise funds to cover the remaining costs of construction.
“A lot of effort on the part of many people has gone into this project,” Smith said. “We have raised a lot of money on a dream, and now it is becoming a reality. Now we have to raise a lot more, but I know that we are going to get it done. I have no doubt.”
The Coleman Theatre, owned by the city, is a prized possession of the municipality, said City Manager Huey Long.
“The Coleman is just an awesome venue,” Long said. “I think we are only in the infancy stage of the development and utilization of this theater. We are blessed.”
Stephen Earnest, lead architect on the project, said he will take the bid proposals to Tulsa for review. He said he hopes to have a recommendation ready for the authority within a week.
“MDRA will review my recommendation and then take its recommendation to the Miami City Council,” Earnest said.
The plan
Stephen Earnest, lead architect on the project, said it will take 30 days to complete a contract with the winning bidder after the City Council approves a bid. Work is expected to begin in November. Completion is expected to take no more than 280 days.
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