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Council hears $6.0M city-hall schematic design; architects recommend upgrades that raise cost estimate
Summary
Council reviewed the schematic design for renovating City Hall into a 14,400-square-foot facility; designers presented layouts, finishes and technology options and staff reported a revised cost estimate of about $6.0 million, driven by mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades and code-related work.
Designers presented schematic drawings for the proposed City Hall renovation during the Oct. 21 meeting and explained why the current cost estimate is higher than earlier projections.
Amanda and Nikki, members of the design team, showed renderings of the lobby, council chambers, conference rooms, staff work areas and a staff break room. The design would convert the Legacy Church building into a 14,400-square-foot facility intended to serve up to 36 full-time employees with furniture densification able to expand capacity to 44 or more staff in the future.
Nikki said the estimated total project cost is $5,996,000 and that the figure includes design contingencies, furniture, owner‑installed items and required mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) infrastructure upgrades. “The revised estimate reflects necessary upgrades to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems,” she said, adding these changes are needed to meet current energy code and to support electrified HVAC options and additional plumbing fixtures.
Designers proposed acoustical wood panels at the back of the council chamber, improved monitors and a custom dais. Council members asked about elevating the dais for better sightlines; designers said an elevated dais would require ADA ramping and would reduce audience seating, and they agreed to provide a comparison of seating capacity with and without an elevated dais.
Council members also questioned possible cost reductions and optional upgrades. Architects said some finishes and clerestory windows were priced as alternates and that finish choices, additional glazing or larger mechanical work could be added or removed as budget dictates. Staff said roof structural upgrades and partial roof replacement are part of the current estimate because new rooftop units would require additional structural support and electrical capacity.
Project schedule calls for design-development work to start immediately, bidding early next year and construction in 2026–27 if the council moves forward. The council gave staff permission to begin design development work with no objection recorded at the meeting.
Council debate noted the project’s multi‑decade scope and the importance of a long‑term view when balancing cost savings against future function: “This is something for the citizens of Liberty Lake that for the future…there's gonna be the building's gonna be there for 30, 40 years,” one council member said.
No final construction authorization or appropriation occurred on Oct. 21; staff will return with further cost refinement and options.
