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Webster Groves council authorizes staff to pursue study comparing renovating City Hall to building new
Summary
Council directed staff to negotiate a planning contract for an independent architectural and structural assessment comparing costs to bring City Hall into code/ADA compliance versus constructing a new facility; staff estimated planning‑study fees roughly $145,000–$187,000 and a 4–6 month timeline.
Deputy City Manager and staff presented a facilities assessment scope and preliminary cost context for City Hall and two public safety buildings that together total about 30,000 square feet.
Staff said maintenance has been significant in recent years: "In the last five years, over $650,000 has been spent on roof work," and other categories include roughly $62,000 on water intrusion repairs, about $135,000 on elevator work and more than $119,000 on interior fixtures and finishes. Staff described two study options: (A) an existing‑building assessment to identify required code, ADA and mechanical/structural repairs and costs; or (B) a conceptual comparison showing the life‑cycle cost of a new similarly sized municipal facility to provide an apples‑to‑apples comparison for future decisions.
After discussion about budget timing and the possible use of one‑time funds or inclusion in the FY27 budget, staff reported responses to an RFQ produced two realistic planning‑study proposals in the approximately $145,000–$187,000 range with a typical 4–6 month schedule from contract signing to final presentation. Multiple council members expressed concern about rushing into bonding and emphasized that the study is informational. Mayor Arnold summarized the council’s direction: staff should proceed to negotiate a study contract and return to the council with the final scope and fee for formal approval.
Council asked staff to consider phased/menu options in the scope so the final report could show cost options (for example, combinations of prioritized items) and to include any implications for staff relocation and space planning during construction or renovation.
