Highlands seeking bids for Tarentum clock tower restoration

Highlands School District is seeking bids for the restoration of the clock tower on its elementary school in Tarentum.

The district decided to repair the clock tower at Highlands Elementary after learning that removing it would cost more than fixing it, according to district officials.

The prospect of removing the landmark tower, a distinctive feature of the school that was once Tarentum High School and in recent decades was known as Grandview Elementary, was met with public opposition and concern.

The school board in March recognized John and Sally Greco Jr., of Lower Burrell, for donating $25,000 toward the project. Greco owns P.G. Greco Sons and JG’s Tarentum Station Grille.

In February, the board approved paying VEBH Architects about $22,000 to provide architectural services related to restoring the tower’s masonry and fixing its leaking roof.

The broken clock will be replaced.

Sealed bids are due to the district by 3:30 p.m. May 9, according to a district notice. A pre-bid meeting has been scheduled for 3:30 p.m. April 30 at the elementary school.

District officials have said they expect the work to be done over the summer while students are out of the building.