Los Banos selects Fortune Ratliff team for civic center design-build; project budget $7.8M

The Los Banos City Council on June 17 approved a design-build award for the city's Development Services (civic) Center, selecting Fortune Ratliff General Contractors with Paul Halagian Architects as the design team under Resolution 7116.

Community and Economic Development Director Stacy Soua Elms reviewed the project background, including a prior contract termination and re-engagement with the next-ranked team. The project will convert the former police annex at 535 J Street into a one-stop Development Services Center. Staff said the project budget is $7.8 million with a $200,000 contingency and described a design-first approach (preconstruction/design phase followed by guaranteed maximum price and construction). The contract as drafted anticipates five months for design and 15 months for construction, for a 20-month total timeline; staff said they will attempt to shorten that schedule where feasible.

Stacy introduced members of the selected team including Adam Miles (Fortune Ratliff) and architect Paul Halagian. Council asked about schedule and potential design changes; staff said program needs are established and the new design team will be given flexibility to optimize within the budget. Council approved the award by vote and directed staff to execute the agreements and begin the preconstruction process, including a kickoff meeting.

The award authorizes the city manager to execute the agreement and staff will return with upcoming design submissions, guaranteed maximum price proposals and any required project-change items for council consideration as the design progresses.