Bids approved for new Scene Shop building at $614,000

CRESCO - A total of six bids were received on February 11 for the Cresco Theatre and Opera House Scene Shop project with Dave’s Complete Construction of Delhi, Iowa being lowest at $614,000––$17,500 lower than the next closest bid.

Putting in quotes were N.B. Kock General Contractors at $806,000; Life Time Construction Company at $716,600; Cresco Building Service at $691,000; Brenton Buildings at $659,000; Matt Construction at $631,500; followed by Dave’s Complete Construction with the lowest bid at $614,000.

Martin Garner Architecture reviewed the six bids offered and recommended approving the lowest, responsive, responsible bid from Dave’s Complete Construction. Bids were reviewed at the March 3 City Council Meeting. 

At the Cresco City Council meeting on Monday, March 17, members approved the final bid by Dave’s Complete Construction at the $614,000 price tag.  The company is bonded by United Fire & Casualty Company and will be building the new facility in it’s entirety. Completion of the Scene Shop Project is slated to be toward the end of 2025.   

Bids were originally projected to come in at $500,000 to $600,000, according to Brian Stark of Martin Gardner Architecture at the January 6, 2025 meeting, but regulations due to the Cresco Theatre and Opera House being a historic building may have drove up the costs.  

David Gosch, of the Cresco Theatre Commission, addressed the Council at the March 3rd meeting, updating the group on fundraising efforts for the Scene Shop Project. He encouraged the Council to work with the committee and approve the project and believed, working with the contractor, the cost could potentially be lowered with change orders without compromising the layout of the building. 

Ann Seebach, also of the Cresco Theatre Commission, had added that donations would be “difficult” until the project is approved.  She explained that the design and components of the Scene Shop will increase live events and revenue for the Cresco Theatre and pointed out that many shows were well-attended in the past, that are no longer able to use the theatre without the lift (which will be part of new facility). 

At the meeting, Council Member Amy Bouska stated she supports the Theatre, but offered concerns about future expenses and with property tax changes, there may not be enough funds to cover all the necessary services.

Others coming to speak in support of building Scene Shop at that meeting were Kelly Bartling, Julie Wilson, Jim Holstrom and Paige Bordwell.

Following the discussion, the entire council voted in favor to proceed.  Bids were then opened with Dave’s Complete Construction winning the quote and a revised resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a right-of-entry for construction related to the Scene Shop Project was made with MB Inc. and approved. 

The old Scene Shop building was located behind the Cresco Theatre and Opera House and was condemned, eventually getting torn down and leaving the Cresco Community Theatre group without a home.  They have managed to still host some plays and shows, but were limited with what they could offer due to not having that space, plus the lift, available. 

As for fundraising for the new Scene Shop building, the committee will be offering some future shows and events to raise the funds needed.  They are also accepting donations where you can visit the Cresco Theatre website at cityofcresco.com or mail or drop off a check to Cresco City hall, 130 N. Park Place in Cresco.  

Those involved are also asking you to feel free to reach out to anyone on the Cresco Theatre Commission, including: David Gosch, Kelly Bartling, Julie Wilson, Kari Waterbeck, Steve Lickteig and Ann Seebach.