Renovations at Longview depot slow to complete

Scaffolding used to put stucco on the ceiling sits unused in the open air pavilion at Longviews historical train depot. It is one of several projects that has remained uncompleted in the eight months since the depots grand opening.

Unexpected problems installing drainage and difficulty getting a Fort Worth contractor to finish its work are behind the slow grind finishing the renovations of the citys depot.

City Architect Brent Brevard said Mega Contractors in Fort Worth has missed its deadline to complete the project. Originally, the company was given a year from January 2013, but complications with the drainage to prevent flooding of the basement allowed the completion date to be pushed back.

It is substantially complete now. It is serving its intended purposed, but the contractor still has something that they have to come back and do, Brevard said.

We have had difficulty getting the contractor to come back. They did a big push to get to May 10 for the grand opening.

The May dedication of the depot was a huge event for the city, bringing in dignitaries with the railroad system and symbolically marking the end of renovations of the Texas Historic Landmark and Local Historical Landmark.

But Brevard said last week that the hot water heater for the facility has not been connected, nor has an air conditioning system for the basement. Additionally, work on the roof of the pavilion and finishing details such as painting, doors and door hardware are waiting to be completed.

We are holding 5 percent retainage on $1.8 million; so, we are holding a lot of money, Brevard said.

The City Council unanimously approved the contract with Mega Contractors in November 2012.

A representative for Mega Contractors was unable to be reached for contact.

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Renovations at Longview depot slow to complete