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Cole County approves Architects Alliance phase‑1 study for Southridge EMS renovation
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Summary
Commission authorized a $10,350 phase‑1 study and an optional $1,500 exterior rendering package from Architects Alliance to document conditions and develop a scope and budget for Southridge EMS station renovations.
The Cole County Commission approved a professional services agreement with Architects Alliance to perform a phase‑1 preliminary study for renovation of the Southridge Drive EMS facility. The agreement covers as‑built documentation, mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) review, drainage and floor damage assessment, and recommendations for stabilizing or removing a water‑damaged mezzanine.
Architects Alliance proposed a $10,350 fee for the study plus an optional $1,500 fee for exterior renderings. County staff said EMS has earmarked approximately $500,000 in its 2026 capital budget request toward the project and that the study will inform scope and cost estimates for that request. The consultants will document existing conditions (the county presently lacks reliable as‑built drawings), evaluate drainage and legacy mechanical issues in ambulance bays, and propose options for the mezzanine and exterior repairs.
Why it matters: the facility has active operational needs for EMS, evidence of water damage and infrastructure concerns. The study is intended to create a usable, modeled record of the building that can underpin future capital funding and maintenance work.
Commission discussion noted the value of capturing accurate as‑built documentation, the need to coordinate electrical updates and the potential for the study to recommend immediate fixes (trench drain recommendations and other short‑term repairs). Commissioners voted to approve contracting with Architects Alliance for the phase‑1 study so the county can proceed with budget planning and more detailed design work if elected in the capital program.
Provenance: discussion and motion to approve the proposal occurred on the Aug. 19 agenda where Abigail Stec (Architects Alliance) joined staff to explain scope and cost; the commission approved the motion.
