FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The City of Springfield has issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) through 1 p.m., Monday, March 13 for construction manager at risk services for the Historic City Hall Renovation project located at 830 N. Boonville Avenue in Springfield.
The project will involve the substantial renovation of the interior of Historic City Hall, including three occupied floors as well as a full basement and attic space, so the building can continue as a municipal office and meeting facility. The design will include a new fire stairwell and elevator capable of accommodating medical emergencies, new mechanical and electrical systems, information technology and security upgrades, new public restrooms, renovated office spaces and various improvements to Council Chambers.
The building currently houses City Council Chambers, Springfield Fire Department’s administrative staff, the City’s Risk Management division and other City staff in office spaces that have not changed since 1976. Council Chambers, located on the third floor, is the public meeting site for various boards and commissions, in addition to City Council.
City Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Since then, standards and requirements for accessibility, energy efficiency and technology have changed.
The design of the renovation is intended to address the historic concerns of the structure from a local, state and federal level, while achieving compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as LEED Silver certification. In addition, the City plans to develop an informational program to educate citizens on the historical significance of the project before, during and after construction.
According to the RFQ, the City has elected to pursue the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) project delivery method for this project. The selected CMAR would be expected to provide a full range of services during the planning, cost-estimating, design, renovation and construction of the existing Historic City Hall. The City has retained Sapp Design Architects to provide all architectural design services. The CMAR will be required to work with the City and architect throughout the planning phase, construction document preparation and construction process.
“Springfield’s Historic City Hall is a Springfield landmark with historical significance that will likely present complex challenges throughout the renovation process,” says City Architect and project manager Jennifer Swan. “The CMAR contract delivery method is the best way to leverage the expertise of a construction manager, have access to current cost estimates and easily determine alternative solutions as these challenges arise throughout the project.”
The City’s construction budget for the project is approximately $10 million and will be funded primarily through the City’s Level Property Tax and City allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
To view all RFQ documents and exhibits related to the project, visit springfieldmo.gov/rfq.
About Historic City Hall
The original Historic City Hall building was designed in 1891 as the United States Customhouse and Post Office. The building officially opened on June 21, 1894. The exterior was constructed of limestone quarried at Stinesville, Indiana. The first floor and second floors housed the post office, offices and support staff. The federal courtroom and offices were housed on the third floor.
In 1913, a major addition was designed and constructed on the north end of the building and wrapped the east side of the building.
A mailing vestibule addition was designed and constructed in 1921 onto the south elevation of the 1913 addition. It was enlarged in 1927, with four loading docks on both the south and east elevations. Until recently, this wood-framed portion of the first floor housed office space for the Springfield Fire Department. A small elevator was added in 1932 in the center of the rotunda stairs and is still used today.
In 1973, City Council designated Historic City Hall (as United States Customhouse and Post Office) as a site on the Springfield Historic Register. Six years later, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 27, 1979.
In November 1992, most City offices relocated to the Busch Municipal Building, just north of Historic City Hall. Since then, the building has provided office space for various City departments in addition to serving as a public meeting space.
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Media contact: Communication Coordinator Kristen Milam at 573-819-3713 or [email protected].