New City Hall rising: Franklin project nearing GMP review with construction in the low—0s million range
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Summary
Project managers reported vertical construction progress on the New City Hall development, anticipated GMP completion this month and expected signing by early April. Staff provided a component cost breakdown and reported limited weather-related schedule impacts.
City staff on Feb. 10 updated the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on New City Hall construction progress and budget projections for the larger mixed-use development block.
Chris (city project staff) described work divided into Area A (office and City Hall) and Area B (park and parking garage). Columns and slabs are rising in both areas, and the team expects to complete Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) documents for final review by month—end, with anticipated signing in early April.
Staff said construction spend-to-date through the most recent pay application was about $17,483,900 and reported favorable bid competition with multiple bidders per scope. The estimated construction cost for the development was presented in the low 90s millions; staff provided a component breakdown indicating the City Hall building itself in the $58—62 million range, subgrade parking around $17 million for roughly 200 spaces, streetscape and utilities in multi-million-dollar ranges, and the park in the $3 million range.
Weather and geotechnical impacts were discussed: crews encountered rock where the cistern will be (about $27,000 in costs) and a recent winter event caused an estimated 2' days of schedule delay and an approximately $7,000 de-icing change order on the construction side. Staff said contingency and allowances totaling roughly $3.5 million remain in the GMP package to cover unforeseen issues.
Board members asked about coordination with downtown events and festival schedules; staff said the construction team coordinates closures and tries to avoid major work during scheduled festivals.
Next steps: staff expects to finalize the GMP, review scopes and possible VE items, and bring the GMP forward for council approval in coming weeks.
