Public sees future city hall
Crescent City is moving forward on a new city hall. At the Monday, May 1 council meeting, councilors approved tentative floor plans to renovate the 11,000 square feet former Bank of America building, located at 240 H St. The vote was unanimous.
In 2017, upon Bank of America closing its Crescent City office, the city purchased the building for $200,000. City Hall has and continues to operate at 377 J St., a two-story building that is approximately 7,000 square feet and was acquired in 1990. For the last six years, the council has pondered how it will proceed in remodeling the H Street property.
In February of 2022, a Request for Qualifications for engineering, planning, environmental, architectural and related services was published. There were a dozen responsive statements.
In May of 2022, a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) was signed and executed with Calpo, Horn and Dong of Sacramento.
The cost for the full task order for this planning project is $155,000. Estimated Municipal remodel costs will range from $350 to $450 per square foot. The estimated preliminary construction costs will be between $4 million and $5 million.
Current opportunities for grant funding are limited, if any. Long term financing for this project may come from the United States Department of Agriculture at approximately four percent interest over a 35 year term.
Estimated annual debt service of between $215,000 to $265 000 will be about $20,000 per month. The city touts the expansion as necessary, per its strategic plan.
The proposed plans include all existing departments, a multipurpose space for public meetings, staff trainings and council chambers and offices.
• City goal 1: The expansion meets strategic plan goals of supporting quality services, community safety, and health to enhance the quality of life of residents and visitors.
• City goal 3: Obtain the highest levels of organizational excellence.
Staff will return the item to the council upon completion of construction documents.
The 240 H Street building is currently being utilized to display the Val Polyanin art exhibit, each Friday through October 6.