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Traverse City backs joint study with Grand Traverse County on long-term options for governmental center
Summary
The city commission voted to support a county-led RFP and jointly engage a consultant to assess long-term options for housing city services and the co-occupied governmental center after a TowerPinkster study described the building as functionally obsolete.
The Traverse City Commission gave its support on Oct. 20 for the city to join Grand Traverse County in hiring a consultant to evaluate long-term housing options for city services currently in the governmental center and the joint law enforcement center.
City staff said TowerPinkster’s joint facility master plan (January 2024) found major systems deficiencies — inconsistent and inefficient HVAC, obsolete electrical capacity, plumbing at end of life, failing roof and exterior cladding, moisture intrusion and ADA access and security gaps. TowerPinkster estimated options in 2022 dollars: targeted material fixes about $10.1 million and full renovation near $32 million.
Grand Traverse County Administrator Nate Elder told commissioners the county had already issued an RFP with alternate pricing for including the city in the work. "This building is functionally obsolete for a governmental entity," Elder said, describing mechanical and accessibility issues and noting the county’s concurrent justice planning (JFAC/JTAC) and proposals for a new jail and justice facility.
Commissioners discussed options and requested that any future agreements require city-commission authorization. The motion the commission approved directs joint engagement of a consultant to develop options for the Boardman Avenue governmental center campus and the joint law enforcement center, with future contract approvals subject to the commission’s authorization.
Next steps include the county's RFP evaluation and a return to the city commission for any authorization of contracts or implementation steps.
Vote outcome: motion passed (voice vote recorded in the minutes).
