ISG architect outlines county facility‑assessment process and cost range for Madison County buildings

Anna Peterson, an architect with ISG, described the firm’s facility‑assessment services and said assessments are usually conducted building‑by‑building and include structural, mechanical, life‑safety and accessibility reviews. Peterson recommended a holistic approach that produces actionable priorities and cost estimates, then supports space‑planning decisions.

Peterson said typical assessments vary with scope: "We've seen them as low as $20,000 ... we've seen them as high as $40,000 or $50,000," and the overall process typically takes about two months from initial site visits to delivery of prioritized action plans. She said assessments document photos and conditions, identify major equipment nearing the end of its service life and recommend what needs immediate attention versus long‑term planning items.

Supervisors asked how granular the inspections get; Peterson said staff identify specific systems such as boilers and electrical panels and note life‑safety or code issues while avoiding destructive investigation (she said the team would look above ceilings when warranted). She also said historic‑building status is considered and may change what work codes require when changes are proposed.

Board members expressed support for incorporating a facility assessment in future budgeting and discussed using the results to form a clear RFP scope to ensure comparable vendor proposals.