Council awards $7.8 million progressive design–build contract for Las Palmas Civic Center

The Los Banos City Council on Oct. 15 authorized a progressive design–build agreement with Swinerton Builders and The Taylor Group Architects for the Las Palmas Civic Center project, not to exceed $7.8 million.

Staff said the project will convert the former police annex across from City Hall into a development services “one‑stop” center, modernize City Hall workspaces and electrical systems, and implement a future plan for the old police station property based on a feasibility study. The city committed an $8 million total project budget for FY2025–26, which includes a $200,000 contingency.

Community and Economic Development Director Stacy Souza Elms described a two‑phase schedule. Phase 1 is preconstruction work — structural and roof assessments, geotechnical studies, electrical and plumbing investigations, conceptual programming and cost estimating. Phase 2 is the final design, permitting and construction after staff and council review of the guaranteed maximum price. The city used a two‑part qualifications process and confidential interviews; an internal panel recommended Swinerton and The Taylor Group based on technical experience, collaborative design approach and past local work.

Supporters at the meeting said progressive design–build promotes early collaboration and can reduce change orders and delivery time. Staff said the contract is consistent with the California Government Code progressive design–build provisions and uses previously adopted FY2025–26 budget authority. City staff and the contractor will return with the program, conceptual designs, and the guaranteed maximum price for council review.

Quotes in this article come from the staff presentation and council discussion recorded at the Oct. 15 council meeting.