Yesterday was a very good day for those of us who’ve complained about The Mall in Redding for nearly as long as we can remember. 

Thursday afternoon was the deadline for contractors to bid on Phase II of The Mall construction project in downtown Redding.

J.B. Excavating Inc.  owned by Jim Baker, of Redding-based Jaxon Enterprises, is the apparent winner. He submitted the lowest bid of  $1,455,000. (For more particulars, visit Pink Hollyhock.)

Before we start the wild applause and gleeful hand springs, Baker’s bid is preliminary. We won’t know the outcome of the bid process until June 16th, when Redding’s Redevelopment agency gives either a thumbs up or thumbs down. (They’d need their heads examined to give a thumbs down.)

But let’s think positive thoughts that all The Mall’s planets line up and Baker’s paperwork passes muster.

“We’re prepared to start on it as soon as we get the go-ahead,” Baker said.

“We’re excited. Work is especially hard to come by this year.” 

Speaking of the economy, when the time came for Phase II bids, this tight building market left the city flush with choices.

In fact, Morgon said he noticed a contrast in contractors’ interest between the first and second construction phases. 

“The first time, staff outnumbered contractors during the pre-bid walk,” Morgon said. 

“This time we had about 30 contractors and subcontractors.”

Meanwhile, if Baker gets the green light to begin Phase II, he won’t have to worry about work for many months.

“The first thing is the roof,” Baker said. “A sub will come in and remove all the asbestos. At that point we’ll go in and take the roof off manually. Then the concrete floor gets removed. Then there are planters, fountains, a drainage system, and a concrete floor, similar to the north end.”

Morgon said that barring any unforeseen hold-ups, The Mall’s Phase II could begin after the Fourth of July holiday.

The happiest of Independence Days for The Mall.