Mount Clemens commission reviews South Main feasibility study, hears roof emergency and $12.1 million project estimate

Mount Clemens City Commission members heard a detailed five-week assessment of the 20 South Main building at a work session, where consultants said the site can be adapted to house city hall, a sheriff substation and a new fire-station addition but warned that an active, worsening roof leak must be fixed before construction begins.

The presentation, led by consultants from Partners in Architecture and summarized for the commission, outlined program needs, site plans and three cost scenarios. “There’s already an active roof leak…That really needs to be repaired immediately before construction can even start,” project manager Nate Rynholz said, calling the roof a critical near-term issue the city must address if it pursues the purchase and reuse of the building.

Why it matters: The consultants said consolidating functions into one downtown building would reduce overall square footage, create efficiencies and save energy costs over time. The team estimated construction costs at about $10,550,000 and presented a total project budget (including soft costs, furniture and contingencies) near $12,000,009.50; an alternative, more conservative renovation scheme could reduce the cost by roughly $500,000.

What the consultants recommended and proposed: The study included program matrices, floor plans and site-plan options that show a separated public entry plaza, a three-bay pull-through apparatus for fire trucks, distinct parking zones for the public and on-duty staff, and secure circulation for staff and election materials. On programming, the team estimated roughly 17,300 square feet for city functions and about 13,200 square feet for the combined fire station portion, with a sheriff footprint increased modestly to roughly 2,400–2,800 square feet to meet needs.

Design and code considerations: The consultants said new code requirements for essential-service buildings now call for an on-site storm shelter when elements of the project fall inside a 1,000-foot radius of a shelter-qualified facility; they discussed locating a shelter in either the new fire PPE area or the sheriff area depending on cost and structural considerations. The team also cited the Unified Facilities Criteria and NFPA guidance as planning references for fire and essential-service requirements.

Funding and next steps: City staff and consultants discussed financing options, including adding the project to a planned capital bond issuance so the city would not need a separate voter referendum. Staff said bond counsel has checked capacity and the city has room under its debt ceiling; options include bonding the full cost or applying cash toward the project to reduce the bond amount. Staff also reported an extension of the property due-diligence period through September 25.

Commission reaction and follow-up: Commissioners asked for more detailed line-item costs, clarification about potential revenue from selling existing properties and the operational effects on downtown traffic for elections and apparatus deployment. The commission requested a follow-up work session with Fishback Engineering and for consultants to provide negotiable items for potential purchase negotiations (for example, roof repairs). Staff committed to returning with additional details before any final decision.

The session closed after commissioners praised the clarity of the presentation and requested the additional financial and engineering detail the study did not yet include. The commission adjourned following a motion to adjourn.