Spokane Valley council authorizes $2.13 million change order for city hall repairs

The Spokane Valley City Council on Dec. 23 unanimously authorized the city manager to execute Change Order No. 12 with GARCO Construction for $2,130,000 to continue remediation and repairs at Spokane Valley City Hall.

City Manager John Holman described the project history and legal context, saying the city pursued phased repairs and litigation after early construction defects. "The settlement was $13,925,000 in total," Holman told the council, and staff brought the progressive design–build proposal with GARCO forward to complete additional work identified during ongoing investigations.

The work authorized includes replacing five multistory storefront systems with curtain-wall systems, repairing 13 glulam beams using drilled epoxy threaded rods certified by a structural engineer (rather than full replacement), attic venting and upgraded insulation to meet current Washington state code, recaulking and repair of roughly 120 window systems and several operable vents, repairs to two small exterior metal roofs, and several safety and security improvements to the first floor permit counter, including shatter‑resistant glass, speaker pass-throughs and an ergonomics upgrade for permit‑center staff. Staff also proposed programmable access control to restrooms on the first and third floors, a new secure door on the second floor, application of safety film to lower-level windows in the chambers and providing contingency funding to address unforeseen conditions discovered during remodel work.

GARCO and city staff justified continuing with the same progressive design–build contractor because GARCO provided in‑house architects, familiarity with the building and continuity from prior phases. Holman said the progressive design–build approach was authorized by the state and had allowed specialist investigation work and a staged remediation that informed repairs now recommended.

Council members asked about customer service implications for the permit counter and about contingency levels. City staff and GARCO representatives said they had iterated the design with permit‑center staff and would seek solutions—such as a separate reception point or conference rooms for customers with language or hearing needs—to preserve service while improving staff safety. Staff stated they had built a 20% contingency into the authorization and said they had reviewed subcontractor pricing to confirm reasonableness.

The council voted to authorize the change order unanimously. The authorization directs the city manager to execute the change order and to proceed with the next phase of work under the existing contract. Work on several items (notably recaulking windows) is expected to extend into spring and beyond, and larger items such as HVAC and roof replacements were identified as future phases not included in the current authorization.