Council directs staff to ask architect for cost estimates to repurpose Regions Bank building for city administration

Indianola — At a study session, the City Council directed staff to ask the city's architect to produce high-level cost estimates to rehabilitate the city-owned Regions Bank building and to scope what it would take to move city administration and some services there.

Council members said the building could address several facility needs — including council chambers and administrative offices — and asked staff to quantify the cost difference if an elevator is required and what temporary buildouts would cost. The council also discussed whether police or other departments would be located there temporarily or permanently, but made no final decision on long-term occupancy.

Councilmember Christina (first name only) said after touring the building, “rip the band aid off” and urged the council to consider the building seriously because of its size and existing investments such as a new roof and boilers. Councilmember Steve (first name only) and other council members urged incremental steps: get architect estimates, then decide which departments to move and which to…