Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Civic Center Renovation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City details Civic Center renovation scope, timeline and temporary relocations
Summary
The city summarized the Civic Center seismic retrofit and systems upgrade project funded by voter-approved bonds, described required abatement, seismic shear‑wall work and a new atrium skylight, and outlined temporary office relocations during construction.
City project staff updated the council on May 27 about the Civic Center renovation funded by the voter‑approved bond and associated city funds. The project focuses primarily on seismic safety, building-system upgrades (including adding a full sprinkler system) and accessibility improvements; staff noted limited discretionary funds are available for aesthetic changes.
Key elements and rationale: Assistant City Engineer Aaron Kimsey said the building — constructed in 1972 — is not built to modern seismic standards and the project will join the separate structural pieces with exterior shear walls and collector plates to reduce pounding between sections. Because the building lacks a full fire‑suppression system, the renovation includes installation of sprinklers; that work requires removal of ceiling tiles and gives the project an opportunity to renew ductwork, lighting and finish materials while ceilings are exposed.
Roof, atrium and chambers: Staff plan a new roof (staff estimate that delaying the roof would increase future costs) and reconstruction of the center atrium skylight to reduce leaks and brittle glazing that could fail in an earthquake. The council chambers will be reconfigured for accessibility and flexible use while preserving character features where possible.
Hazardous materials and costs: Kimsey said asbestos and other hazardous‑material mitigation work has been identified and the contractor will perform abatement as part of demolition. The project budget is primarily the bond; the city has asked the bond oversight committee to consider a short list of additional high‑priority items for potential inclusion at a June council request. Staff said relocation and lease costs for temporary office space cannot be paid from bond proceeds and are budgeted with general‑fund sources and previous project savings; the city estimates relocation and lease costs at roughly $2.2 million and will seek to limit net cost via efficient scheduling.
Moves and schedule: Most departments will relocate during the upcoming move week. The council will hold meetings at the alternate venue starting June 9. Kimsey and staff asked the council to expect continued updates as construction nears.
Ending: Staff described the project as focused on life-safety, resiliency and building systems while limiting nonessential items to what bond funds will cover; the council asked for follow-up material on funding for any additional requests.
