Builder cleared to continue work on Neonopolis garage

Bill Gang

Tuesday, March 9, 1999 | 10:57 a.m.

The Neonopolis entertainment center that will become the Downtown Redevelopment Agency's latest addition to Fremont Street is back on track and legal.

A court challenge over the awarding of a contract to build a $12 million underground garage for Neonopolis was rejected Monday by District Judge Gary Redmon.

The ruling cleared the way for Granite Construction Co. to continue what it has already begun -- build a parking garage that is 25 feet below street level and 15 feet below the existing water table.

The water level was a major factor in the city of Las Vegas bid requirements and in Redmon's decision, because the low bidder, M.J. Dean Construction Co., had not submitted the necessary documentation to show its waterproofing subcontractor had the mandatory certification.

Although M.J. Dean Construction's bid was $450,000 less than Granite's, the city ruled the lower bid was "not responsive" and the project was awarded to Granite.

Granite attorney Stan Parry said construction on the project began last week in an effort to meet September and October deadlines for other construction to begin.

Parry said if there were delays that put off the timely opening of the theater complex and the shopping and dining mall, the city, which has committed to $32 million in bonds, would lose $22,000 a day in rents.

Redmon also rejected a challenge by M.J. Dean Construction over Granite's contractor's license.