No surprises on new City Hall project

 

BY PRU SOWERS

KONKLIFE STAFF WRITER

 

The conversion of the former Glynn Archer School into a grand new City Hall is on budget and on time, architect Bert Bender told city commissioners.

 

Exterior site clearing is largely complete and interior demolition has begun, said Bender, principal of project architects Bender & Associates. The remaining portions of the project are expected to be ready to bid by mid-July, with the construction contract awarded mid-October, he said.

 

“We have a target move-in date of Christmas 2015. We are on budget. Our 60 percent cost estimate showed us being right at the $15.5 million level,” Bender told commissioners.

 

The historic elementary school will eventually house 105 city employees at the 1300 White St. location. The first floor will be converted into offices for the mayor, city commissioners, city clerk and the building and planning departments. The first floor auditorium is being converted into a large public room where government meetings will be held.

 

The second floor will hold officers for the city manager, city attorney, finance, engineering and information technology.

 

“The building will be restored to its original characteristics,” Bender said. “It is a very grand building.”

 

“It’s a phenomenal piece of history,” added City Manager Bob Vitas.

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