PSA emerged early as the firm of
choice, noted Pekin’s Director of Finance and Operations
and Team Leader Guy Cahill. "They led the field
after the first round of the selection process based
upon the breadth and depth of their response. The
Committee was quite impressed at the lengths they
went to in getting to know us … in preparing their
initial response." PSA of Peoria was one of four
finalist which included Springfield-based Wight
& Co., Oak Brook-based Legat Architects, and
Peoria-based LZT Architects.
The recommendation was not formalized
until the day of the Board meeting with data collection
continuing late into the day Friday. "We entered
into final negotiations with PSA Saturday afternoon,"
noted Cahill. The delay occurred as the field was
narrowed to two firms with the Committee seeking
additional information. Design team strength and
creativity were issues with the Committee. PSA responded
by naming a national design team of eight with over
100 years of experience between them to lend support
to the Pekin project. "PSA responded in the manner
envisioned by the Committee as that being necessary
to gain our business," noted Cahill, adding: "PSA
has been most responsive throughout the process…this
was just one more example of their interest in us."
The Board awarded to PSA a contract
for the Phase I design, bid, and construction oversight
of a major addition at the Wilson School campus
with an option on Phase II architectural work. The
final, negotiated price was 6.24% of construction
on a $6 million project.
