The City of Tacoma received four bids from contractors interested in a project to restore the bronze Children’s Bell sculpture, which has been located along Ruston Way near Commencement Bay since it was created by artist Larry Anderson in 2000.

The public art piece, which can be rung by visitors, was recently removed and placed in Metro Parks Tacoma’s Parks Maintenance Building to address needed repairs.

According to bid documents, the project involves remounting the piece on a shaft foundation, painting existing support pipes, rebuilding gong strikers, and restoring the surrounding landscape to its original condition. The goal is to have the project completed by May 1 or in time for the summer season, according to City of Tacoma staff.

A pre-bid meeting was held on Weds., Feb. 5. Bids were to be received until 11 a.m. on Weds., Feb. 12. However, that deadline was extended to 11 a.m. on Weds., Feb. 19. The project budget is $9,900.

The four companies that placed bids include Lewis Concrete, Inc. (Tacoma, Wash.) — $8,000; Green Earthworks, Inc. (Tacoma, Wash.) — $8,340; MAD Construction, LLC (Spanaway, Wash.) — $6,000; and Combined Construction, Inc. (Mukilteo, Wash.) — $14,500. According to City of Tacoma staff, low-bidder MAD Construction, LLC was not a verified Small Works Roster vendor at the time of their bid, and therefore could not be awarded the Small Works Roster contract.