John Roebling's Historic Wire Rope Workshop Restoration 2026-1

Project Description: The Borough of Saxonburg is seeking contractors for a design build foundation renovation and site drainage project for Saxonburg’s historic Roebling Wire rope shop. The goal of the project is to preserve and restore the historic structure through remediations of water infiltration through masonry repairs, structural stabilization to the existing foundation as well as drainage improvements to the adjacent site. Schematic plans of the site draining improvements portion of the project have been completed by WBCM. Signed and Sealed Architectural, Engineering and final permit drawings for the work is required to be provided to Codesys Code Consulting by all bidding contractors. However, please breakout out all design costs separately in your bids as reimbursement for these fees will be provided by grant funding. This project is being financed in part by a grant from the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Financing Authority.
The restoration of John A. Roebling’s historic Wire Rope Workshop in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, will preserve and revitalize one of the community’s most significant industrial landmarks. Constructed in the 1840s, the workshop represents the birthplace of Roebling’s revolutionary wire rope manufacturing process an innovation that later made possible some of America’s most iconic suspension bridges, including the Brooklyn Bridge. This project will stabilize and rehabilitate the structure in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the treatment of Historic Properties specifically the guidelines for restoration, ensuring that its architectural integrity and industrial character are carefully maintained while preparing the building for safe public access.
Work shall include, but is not necessarily limited to, the furnishing of all labor, superintendence, materials, tools and equipment and performing all work necessary to complete all Architectural design, permitting, structural stabilization of the existing stone and timber framing, restoration or replacement of deteriorated roofing and siding materials in-kind, masonry repair and repointing, foundation improvements, drainage enhancements, and installation of updated electrical and safety systems. Architectural and engineering services will guide the project to ensure compliance with local codes and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Where original materials cannot be salvaged, historically appropriate replacements will be used to maintain authenticity.
Upon completion, the restored workshop will serve as an interpretive and educational space, expanding the Saxonburg Museum’s ability to tell the story of Roebling’s early engineering achievements and the Borough’s important role in America’s industrial history. The project will enhance heritage tourism, provide new opportunities for school programming and community events, and contribute to the continued revitalization of downtown Saxonburg. By preserving this nationally significant site, the restoration will safeguard a tangible link to American innovation while creating a lasting cultural and economic asset for future generations.
Attention is called to the fact that prevailing minimum wage rates as determined by the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Industry must be paid by the Contractors on this project and that employees and applicants for employment shall not be discriminated against because of their race, age, color, religion, sex, national origin, or handicap. Each Bidder is required to meet the requirements of Public Works Employment Verification Act, Act 127 of 2012.
Saxonburg Borough hereby reserves the right, which is understood and agreed to by all bidders, to refuse and reject any or all bids submitted, and also reserve the right to waive any informality in bids received.
Bidders must comply with all State anti-kickback regulations pertaining to work associated with this project and will be required to submit an executed anti-collusion statement with the bid.
Except as otherwise provided by law, no bidder may withdraw its bid for sixty (60) days after the Bid Due Date, unless the contract award is delayed by a required approval of another government agency, the sale of bonds, or the award of a grant or grants, in which case the Bids shall remain open to acceptance and shall be irrevocable for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days after the Bid Due Date.