Chattooga County is re-advertising the first phase of the Tooga Theater renovation project after contractors interested in the work said they needed additional time to prepare their bids.

Sole Commissioner Andy Allen told WZQZ News that only two contractors were prepared to participate by the original bid deadline. Both had toured the aging downtown Summerville theater earlier this month and got a firsthand look at the extent of the work that will be required.

Allen said the building has significant structural and cosmetic issues that must be addressed, and the contractors told him they needed more time to evaluate the building and prepare accurate bids. Rather than proceed with the limited response, Allen decided to re-let the project, giving those contractors — and potentially others — additional time to submit proposals.

The new solicitation was posted Wednesday, September 23, and sets a new bid deadline of October 23. The project is being undertaken by Chattooga County with funding assistance from the Appalachian Regional Commission and oversight from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

Phase I calls for demolition and interior renovations, including work in the back portion of the theater, renovations to the ticket booth and front entrance, and installation of audio-visual and information technology equipment, furnishings and fixtures. Contractors must also provide the labor, materials, equipment, permits and other work necessary to complete the project.

The project carries additional requirements because federal funding is involved, including federal prevailing-wage requirements and performance and payment bonds for the contractor ultimately selected.

Renovating the Tooga has been identified by Chattooga County as a major economic-development project. The county’s current five-year Community Work Program estimates the overall revitalization effort at $1.5 million and lists Appalachian Regional Commission funding as the funding source.

The theater dates to 1947 and was purchased by Chattooga County in 2015. Its most recent theatrical production was Chattooga Curtain Call’s The Lion King Jr. in 2019. Plans call for the renovated Tooga to eventually serve as a multipurpose facility for performances, movies, community gatherings, conferences, concerts and other events.

The county’s decision to allow additional bidding time means construction will not move forward under the original schedule, but Allen said the additional time should allow contractors to better evaluate what will be required inside the nearly 80-year-old building before submitting their prices.

New bids for the Tooga Theater Phase I Renovation Project are due October 23.