Butler’s proposed parking garage will cost a little more than was projected.

The estimated cost of the 239-space garage will be at least $4.6 million, based on the bids received June 10.

That cost could rise to about $5 million if council elects to include an elevator and brick piers — two alternative designs included in the bid package.

Gateway Engineers is reviewing the bids to make sure they meet the technical requirements the city is seeking for the project. The contracts are expected to be awarded next month.

Five general contractors submitted bids, while there are separate contracts for mechanical, electrical and plumbing duties.

“It’s a little over, but I’m happy with it,” said Mayor Tom Donaldson. “We ended up with a few extra spaces than we first planned.”

Joe Gray of Gateway Engineers updated council at its meeting Tuesday night on the status of the project.

Gray said an elevator would add about another $250,000 to the estimated base price.

Adding brick work to the steel piers, a mainly cosmetic move, would cost about $140,000.

The city had originally projected the structure to cost $4.1 million to $4.4 million, based on industry standard rates.

UHL Construction of Allison Park has the low bid for general contracting at $3,627,000 for the base design. Its bid would increase by $127,500 to add an elevator shaft and $130,000 for the brick piers.

CPS Construction Group, Leonard Fiore Inc., Thomas Construction and Arcon Contracting also submitted bids ranging up to $4.7 million.

Merit Electrical Group submitted the low bid for electrical work. It placed a bid of $188,325, with an addition of $15,000 if there is an elevator.

Council expressed interest in going forward with the elevator. It is uncertain if Act 504, which guarantees rights to people with disabilities, would require one in the structure. All handicap parking is on the first floor.

Donaldson said council may hold a special meeting in early July to award the contracts. However, the city must first determine if it wants an elevator.

If so, it will need to gather mechanical bids for the elevator. Only one of the prospective general contractors — CPS Construction — submitted a bid for the mechanical contract, but it withdrew the bid due to not being in contention for the general contracting award.

Donaldson said the plumbing work also will be rebid because city officials say the lone $75,000 bid by Newman Plumbing is too high.

Gray said the price should be closer to $50,000.

The city plans to build the garage as part of the Centre City project, which includes a proposed Marriott Springhill Suites hotel and the already-completed Rite Aid pharmacy.

Other costs in the estimated $4.6 million project include $190,000 for engineering, $200,000 for gates and stations, $20,000 for security, $205,000 for contingency and change orders, $75,000 for contract management and $100,000 for inspections.

The garage will be paid for with a bond issue through PNC Bank. The city authorized itself to spend up to $7 million through the bond although about $273,000 of that money is devoted to bridge projects in the city.

The hotel, with about 70 rooms, will be owned by J.S. Capitol and the city’s redevelopment authority.

The parking garage will be owned by the city and managed by the city parking authority.