County completes advanced planning study for consolidated storage needs; study recommends ~102,000 sq ft

Robert Brown presented an advanced planning study on Buncombe County's consolidated storage and operational needs, reporting interviews with more than 40 departments and 45 user-groups and describing a comprehensive program that extends beyond records storage to include operations, secure vehicle parking, refrigerated evidence containers, trailer and RV parking, staging, scanning and decontamination spaces.

Brown said the study uses both standard- and high-density storage assumptions and estimated total space needs at approximately 102,000 square feet. Options identified in the study include building a new purpose-designed facility, finding and renovating an existing building, or pursuing leases. Brown provided per-square-foot cost estimates used in the planning: renovating an existing building was roughly estimated in presentation at about $90 per square foot for older buildings and a new building estimate in the $350 to $400 per square foot range (presentation text and figures provided by staff).

Timeline and next steps: Brown said the county expects to complete the advanced planning process between the meeting date and October, to select a preferred option and then proceed to design and property review. He listed a target construction-completion window stated in the presentation as May 2029 with moving beginning by July 2029 if the new-build option is selected.

Ending: Commissioners received the presentation and the next steps include finalizing the advanced planning report, evaluating options (new build vs. renovate vs. lease), and returning with a recommendation and budget estimates for board consideration.