Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the City Hall Design topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Elko council approves phase 1 for new City Hall schematic design; architects estimate $10.5M total cost
Summary
Council accepted schematic designs for a proposed Elko City Hall and authorized moving to phase 2 if budget permits. Lombard Conrad Architects presented an ~18,500 sq ft concept, a council chamber sized under 2,500 sq ft (capacity ~176) and an initial construction estimate of about $8.5M (about $10.5M including soft costs).
Elko City Council voted on Feb. 18 to accept phase 1 (concept and programming) of a proposed new City Hall and authorized staff to proceed toward schematic design pending budget decisions.
Architects from Lombard Conrad presented a concept sited near College Avenue that responds to the existing civic landscape and emphasizes sight lines, security, customer accessibility and natural light. Presenters described program elements: roughly 18,500 square feet overall, a council chamber proposed just under 2,500 square feet (capacity about 176), and department adjacencies intended to consolidate operations and provide room for future expansion.
The architects presented a high-level construction cost estimate of about $8.5 million for hard construction and roughly $10.5 million including soft costs and contingencies. They emphasized that the figure is a program-level number — "solely based on the square footage of the program number" — and said material takeoffs and finish selections would be refined in schematic design.
Council members asked about chamber size, restroom requirements, utility and operating costs in Elko’s climate, potential geothermal or thermal energy options, parking and ingress, and whether the existing city hall would remain. Architects said schematic design (phase 2) will refine those items, involve mechanical and electrical engineers, and provide a packet of drawings, space program and cost estimates.
Council then moved, seconded and approved acceptance of phase 1 and to have staff return with budget options, delivery-method choices (CMAR vs. low-bid) and timing for phase 2 if the council elects to advance the project.
What’s next: staff will provide a comprehensive packet and, if budgetary direction is given, will proceed into schematic design and engagement with engineers.
