The city of Elsmere has entered into negotiations with both SHP Architecture and Design and John L. Maxwell Construction for a new public works facility.
On Tuesday, the Elsmere City Council agreed to begin negotiations with the design and construction firms for the new public works building. Council also conducted the first reading to issue an $8 million general obligation bond to cover the project’s cost.
“(Maxwell) are going to come on board with the design professionals and work through the design of the project, develop bids, specs and go out and bid the technical construction work through subcontractors,” said Ben Hyden, attorney and partner for Bricker Graydon Wyatt.
The process for the new public works department building has begun. SHP’s design was approved in July. Now the city can discuss both firms’ contracts, pricing and the specifications for the building.
“The city worked with SHP to do the preliminary design for the project,” said SHP Director of Development Steve Kenat. “This agreement engages them to take the project documents to construction completion.”
The projected timeline suggests six months for design and planning and another 12 months for construction once negotiations conclude and bids are approved.
The new building is projected to cost around $5.5 to $6 million, with an additional $2 million added to the bond if the project requires it.
“You have your project and this is now how you’re going to pay for it,” said Donnie Warner, partner for FBT Gibbons – Elsmere’s bond counsel.
The city will decide whether to authorize the bond at the second reading at the next city council meeting on Oct. 13 at 6:30 pm.
