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Bennett Building renovation substantially complete; elevator work and final pay remain
Summary
County staff reported the Bennett Building project reached substantial completion and a final pay application was submitted in December. Three elevator replacements remain the primary barrier to occupancy; staff said two crews are working and estimated elevator completion in April.
Carla of Bailey Edward Design reported that the county plaza renovation—now referred to as the Bennett Building—reached substantial completion earlier in 2024 and that the contractor submitted a final pay application to the county in December.
The update matters because the facility cannot be occupied until the elevator work is finished. County staff said three elevators are being replaced: the north elevator (intended for staff use) is essentially complete but the emergency phone has not been installed; two south elevators intended for public use are still under construction. Two crews are now on site working on the south elevators, and staff cited an April target for elevator completion as an updated estimate.
Carla said, “the county plaza project, which I believe has been renamed the Bennett Building,” and described outstanding items the contractor is finishing, primarily wiring and access-control work. Committee members and staff noted the elevator emergency-phone work prevents independent operation: one committee member said the contractor can operate the elevator for visits but it cannot be used independently until the phone and related systems are functional.
Eric discussed change orders for ITB 2022008 (Bennett Building Renovation Project) and said the contractor has submitted final payment; the project team does not expect substantial additional change orders. He said any small remaining items will be treated as repairs or separate, smaller projects and that staff can bring monthly updates on minor work if the committee prefers.
Committee members asked for a firmer elevator completion date for the next report; staff agreed to provide an updated timeline. Members also cited a local occupancy rule: the County cannot begin moving people into the building until the elevators pass Urbana code requirements for functional elevators.
The committee did not take formal action on construction change orders at this meeting; staff described the project as essentially at final payment stage and recommended monitoring remaining punch-list items and elevator completion.
Looking ahead, staff said owner‑provided furniture still requires electrical connections and coordination before final occupancy. The committee asked staff to return with a specific estimated completion date for the elevators at the next meeting.
