Council awards preconstruction contract for new Eureka Operations Complex; $21M project budget

City staff and consultants presented the Eureka Operations Complex project concept and procurement approach on Sept. 17, and council unanimously approved staff’s recommendation to award preconstruction services to Swinerton Builders.

Project manager Katie Marcelon described the site at 3993 Bridal (near Highway 101) and said the facility is intended to consolidate public works operations, house a new fleet building and warehouse, and serve as an emergency operations center. The presentation reviewed prior council actions to acquire the parcel, the schematic design phase that consolidated building concepts into two metal buildings, and a $21 million target project budget allocated across site development, buildings and preconstruction costs. Marcelon said the delivery method selected is construction manager‑at‑risk (CMAR) to allow early contractor involvement; Swinerton’s preconstruction fee recommendation ($378,000) and Scott Edwards’ planning fee ($142,000) were listed in the staff materials.

Council member Bauer moved to follow staff recommendation; the council voted unanimously to authorize selection and funding for preconstruction services. Staff said the next steps are schematic and 50–90% design work, development of a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) by the construction manager, and a return to council for GMP approval and construction award. The city noted that preconstruction grading and utility work would be scheduled to take advantage of the dry season.