The Coral Gables City Commission on Tuesday directed city staff to pursue West Construction Inc. for the expansion of the Coral Gables Art Cinema, passing over the lowest bidder, Hycon Investments, which the chief procurement officer had recommended.
Mayor Vince Lago said he preferred West Construction because the company built Fire Station 4 on time, with few change orders and much of its contingency returned. The gap between the two bids is $6,000. City Manager Peter Iglesias said West Construction is willing to match or slightly reduce its price. The city has already given the cinema $450,000, and it will handle construction management at no charge.
The expansion would convert a storefront at 240 Aragon Ave. into a 92-seat theater with a larger lobby, a café and administrative offices. The estimated contract is $1,239,900, and the award depends on final negotiations. The space will also display cinema artifacts from the late 19th and 20th centuries and host sensory-friendly screenings, expert discussions and programs for underserved children.
City officials also extended the cinema operators’ lease by five years, to September 2035. Commissioner Ariel Fernandez said he would support awarding the contract to West Construction if the firm lowers its price below the top bidder’s.
