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Paducah commission approves $842,500 design contract for city hall stabilization; construction estimated at $8 million
Summary
The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved a $842,500 contract with PFGW architects for design and construction administration work to stabilize and repair the historic Paducah City Hall; staff said construction could cost about $8 million and take roughly a year after design.
The Paducah Board of Commissioners on June 9 approved a municipal order authorizing a $842,500 contract with PFGW architects to design, engineer and administer construction for the city hall stabilization project.
City Manager Darren introduced the project and said the building has experienced spalling, canopy sagging and water infiltration into the basement that require structural remediation and long-term fixes. Chris, a project lead, told commissioners the work will likely remove the exterior concrete canopy and columns and replace them with a lighter-weight structural steel system, while repairing podium slabs, installing a waterproof membrane and improving drainage to stop water reaching the basement.
Jeff, a member of the design team, described the schedule and cost estimates: “That is a conceptual number at this point because we don't have some solutions yet,” he said, adding the team expects about 50–55 weeks to complete design and construction documents and roughly another year for construction. Commissioners asked repeatedly whether the $8 million construction estimate was realistic; staff said the number is a good-faith estimate that will be refined as design work proceeds.
Melinda, who said she placed the building on the National Register, advised the commission that state historic tax credits could be available and might cover up to 20% of eligible expenses. “We could phase it even over a couple of years,” Melinda said, describing options to pursue state credit eligibility and to discuss phasing with the Kentucky Heritage Council.
Commissioners discussed the project’s visibility to the public and whether to include restoration of the decorative fountain in the scope; Melinda said the fountain could be eligible for tax credits if its repair met the state’s eligible-expense threshold. Commissioners also asked staff to continue refining cost opinions and to return at 30, 60 and 90 percent milestones during the design process.
The commission approved the design contract by roll call vote with all commissioners voting in favor. Staff said the contract will let the city produce permit-ready drawings and bidding documents; subsequent work will come back to the board for construction contract awards and additional authorizations.
