South Whitehall commissioners have awarded a $29,950 contract to MKSD Architects for Phase I of a project leading to restoration of the Mill House at Covered Bridge Park.

Director of Parks and Recreation Randy Cope said piecemeal improvements have been made to the structure, which according to Lehigh County assessment records was built in 1850, over past years.

When the township shifted its Christmas lighting to the Covered Bridge and Mill House, employees realized updating the building would enhance the display and the park.

Some painting and window improvements were done first, then mold, asbestos and lead paint were removed from the house which has been vacant at least 20 years.

Noting the forthcoming construction of the Jordan Creek Greenway and the significant history of the Wehr’s Dam neighborhood, Cope would like to see the Mill House become a visitors’ center and office.

“It’s an opportunity to be a multiuse facility. We’ll have a room to showcase the area,” Cope said during the Feb. 15 commissioners meeting. “This is a very rich history area with the limekiln, the dam, and two covered bridges. People from all over will be using the Greenway.”

He added although the mill is gone, its history will be included in displays.

When renovated, the Mill House will have some functional meeting space, observed township Manager Howard Kutzler.

Cope reported four firms submitted bids for the project. The lowest was Benjamin L. Walbert Associates at $19,500.

He commented on the selection of MKSD which has its office at 1209 Hausman Road in South Whitehall.

“We felt more comfortable with them. They did a great job at the walk through and had a strong proposal with a comprehensive look at the entire project,” stated Cope.

Phase I will cover a schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and bidding services.

Cope anticipates having conceptual work done by April to have prices and necessary information available to proceed with grant applications.

With the Phase I information received, Cope said he will have a better idea of costs for the renovation and will be able to work with commissioners on planning the next phase, probably in 2018.

“We want to take a comprehensive look at the entire project and make sure it’s done the right way,” Cope said.