Steel Replacement Will Add to Square Deal Arch Renovation Cost

The project to repair and stabilize Johnson City's Square Deal Arch is getting more complicated and more expensive.

The historic structure on Main Street at the east end of the village has been in need of renovation work for several years.

Now that the job is underway, it's becoming apparent that the project isn't going to be as simple as officials had hoped.

Johnson City Mayor Martin Meaney said the steel that has made up the steel superstructure of the arch is coated with lead paint, so it must be removed and replaced.

Meaney said the discovery will require a "complete redesign" of the renovation project that now will include a new steel frame.

The village is planning to spend $82,000 for an engineering study to determine what additional work must be done to address the newly-discovered situation.

The mayor said the renovation project will continue despite the complications. He said "we're committed to fixing it."

Lupini Construction of Utica was hired to repair the century-old arch for $462,000. The Greater Binghamton Fund is paying for the work.

It's not yet known how much more the renovation project will cost because of the steel-related issues.

VIDEO: A visit to the Arch renovation project site on May 28, 2024.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.