Vets home landscaping must be bid

Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2001 | 8:21 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The trouble-plagued state veterans nursing home in Boulder City is running into a new problem -- landscaping.

The state has set aside $700,000 for landscaping, including installing the underground sprinkler system and other items.

Dan O'Brien, manager of the state Public Works Board, said the original plan called for the state to buy the shrubs and trees and have the prison forestry crews and the city of Boulder City do the work.

However, a state law, because of the amount of money being spent on the project, requires the project to be put out for bid.

O'Brien told a meeting of the state Board of Examiners that he is still aiming to complete the $20 million nursing home in early January. But, he added, "I don't know if we will be able to do it." It originally was to be completed in January 2001.

He said he expected subcontractors to return to the job in the next two weeks and complete their work. Subcontractors are owed $2 million from Addison Inc., the original contractor, which was pulled off the job by the state, O'Brien said.

The state has hired Metcalf Builders of Carson City to take over the project.

No major mechanical and electrical work is left to be done, although cracks in the walls must be be repaired.

O'Brien said a third party complaint has been filed against HCA Architects alleging "errors and omissions" in the design.