The Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce is, by almostany standard, one of the most prominent driving forces behind theconstant growth and betterment of the city.

But for more than five years, the old building has waited itsturn for its own betterment.

Blueprints have been drawn and renovation plans have been made,but when bids were taken in December, they were well above the$265,000 available for the project.

So some things will just have to wait a little longer, ChamberExecutive Vice President Cliff Brumfield said. While the plans tobegin renovation had initially included upgrading the elevator inthe old firehouse, it will not be included when the project isrebid.

“The elevator shaft with the groundwork necessary for it, andthe pad that will be under it that will support the weight will allbe constructed, but the elevator itself will not be installed,”Brumfield said. “But the labor-intensive part will be covered.”

But, city officials said, the elevator itself will come in, butit will be in another round of renovations. Mayor Bob Massengillsaid the project is enough out of the cost range of the lowestbidder that it must be rebid.

“By eliminating the elevator, it will hopefully come within themoneys that we have, but we can’t go back to the low bidder andnegotiate that large of an amount,” he said. “The architectrecommended that we eliminate the elevator and rebid.”

Officials said they hoped the economy would help lower the bids,as some material costs have gone down.

“Steel has come down a lot, much more now than when bids werereceived six weeks ago,” Brumfield said. “We hope they will andfeel confident they will be lower than they were this time.”

Brumfield said that while the initial renovations would notaddress all that has been planned, they will make the building muchmore eligible for grants and other financial assistance that can bebudgeted for aesthetic improvements, especially through theDepartment of Archives and History.

Adding period-correct lighting and heating fixtures will also bea part of those later projects, in addition to redoing other areasof the first floor.

Massengill said the project will continue, in spite of theobstacles that seem to have fallen in its way.

“This project was initiated well over five years ago,” he said.”It is a long-term project and it’s time to bring tocompletion.”