Schuylkill County officials opened four bids for repointing and restoring the county prison’s stone wall, with the lowest coming in at $609,315.

The prison occupies a city block in Pottsville, and the 19th century wall surrounds it. The wall doesn’t function as a barrier for prisoners but functions as a retaining wall around the grounds.

County Administrator Gary Bender said that although three of the companies also bid separately on a repair to a gate, the structure is considered historic and would need approval from Pottsville before such actions were taken. Bender added that the bids will be reviewed and awarded at a later date.

The four bidders are:

• Houck, Harrisburg, at $609,315.

• Cresswell Brothers, Pottsville, $698,060.

• Jones Masonry and Restoration, Harrisburg, $890,000.

• Caretti Restoration and Preservation LLC, Berwick, $1,129,446.