The Community Consolidated District 89 School Board voted Monday to approve a bid for the construction of an elevator in Glen Crest Middle School, 725 Sheehan Ave., Glen Ellyn.

Glen Crest Middle School, a two-story facility, does not have an elevator.

The board approved a bid of $270,800 from Expedia Construction of Arlington Heights for the installation of an elevator at Glen Crest.

Today, students, faculty and guests who are unable to use stairs to access the lower level of the school must ride in a wheelchair lift.

The lift moves slowly; it causes students who need to use it to be late for classes. Students also describe the lift’s movement as “choppy.”

In addition, the lift is positioned near a two-story window overlooking a declining exterior elevation. While riding the lift, students’ visual perception is heightened, causing an uncomfortable and intimidating feeling.

“The lift is safe; an elevator is just a better way to do it,” said Andy Keil, Facilities Advisory Council Committee member.

Legat Architects of Oak Brook has been working with the District 89 Facilities Advisory Council on planning and recommendations for the installation of the elevator.

Patrick Brosnan, president and CEO of Legat Architects, reported to the board that bidding was made available to contractors March 26 and they were opened publicly April 10.

Six companies submitted bids for elevator construction; the highest was $428,371, and the lowest was Expedia Construction’s bid of $270,800.

Brosnan said Legat has had a previous positive experience with Expedia Construction and has checked the company’s references.

Legat recommended Expedia’s bid to the board.

Keil said he was very pleased with the bid. The Facilities Advisory Council has been discussing alternatives to the lift since January. The council originally estimated a cost in the range of $485,000 for the elevator since the work involves moving electricity and structural changes.

“A lot of behind-the-walls stuff,” Keil said.

Brosnan said he is pleased they have found a way to add the elevator without losing any classroom space. About 130 square feet of a fitness room with be lost, Brosnan said.

The timeline includes demolition, construction of the shaft and installation of electrical equipment.

Additionally, the underground sewer line needs to be moved and walls will need to be rebuilt, Brosnan reported.

Funding will come from the fund balance account.

“I’m really pleased the bids came in at this level,” said John Perdue, superintendent of schools. “This is a good project. This will serve our handicapped students well into the future in an appropriate way.”