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Bid Date/Time: March 30, 11 a.m.

The Spanish Steps in Tacoma, Wash., are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The staircase is an important east-west pedestrian connection within the north end of Tacoma’s downtown. The Spanish Steps serve as an access point to transportation facilities, including those for Pierce Transit and LINK light rail, which connects with the Sounder commuter rail line.

Built in 1916, Tacoma’s Spanish Steps were modeled after the famed Spanish Steps in Rome and were originally built of a concrete-like material made from pulverized marble and cast stone. Today, the process is obsolete.

Tacoma’s Spanish Steps started to deteriorate in the 1950s. Some maintenance and patch-work repairs were performed throughout the following years. Vandals also have contributed to the demise, toppling and smashing decorative urns. Several years ago a driver lost control of his car and drove down the stairs, knocking out a grill of colonnades.

This project consists of the rehabilitation of the urns, baluster, newels, posts, railing and streetlights. Also included in the bid are pedestrian furnishings, signage and installation of a retaining wall to support the stairs.

A pre-bid meeting will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. in Room 537 of the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market St. The purpose of the pre-bid meeting is for project officials to answer questions about this solicitation and any special or technical requirements, as well as the city’s DBE goals.

The estimated cost for the rehabilitation is between $800,000 and $950,000.

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