The city awarded Intron Technologies Inc. a $404,994 contract to replace the Memorial Park balustrade, according to a news release from the Memorial Park Association.
The balustrade, at the foot of Margaret Street along the St. Johns River near Five Points, was extensively damaged during Hurricane Irma in September 2017.
“Memorial Park is a gem and one of the City’s flagship parks,” said Randy DeFoor, District 14 Council member, in the release.
“We are delighted the City’s balustrade restoration project will utilize a local firm, Intron Technologies, to create the iconic balustrade. This is a win-win for our community,” she said.
In addition, light fixtures on the original balustrade that had been removed over time will be replaced with new fixtures to the restored balustrade.
Intron Technologies is certified by Cathedral Stone Projects Inc. for historical concrete, stone and masonry restoration projects using the Jahn Restoration Mortar system, said the release.
The 28-year-old company has restored portions of the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine.
To qualify for reimbursement by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the plans to replace the balustrade were reviewed by local, state and federal engineers, as well as environmental and historical experts.
The restoration will begin this year.
Pieces of the 600-foot-long balustrade were salvaged after the hurricane and are available for purchase.
Proceeds will benefit Memorial Park Association and will be used for park maintenance. For details, email [email protected].