The city, which has occupied two different buildings in the last 13 years, is currently leasing 26,000 sf of net office space for its administrative offices in a building located about four miles away from the construction site. The city council first considered a proposal for a permanent site back in January 1999. Then, in an election held last March, the voters of Mission Viejo approved the project.
The location for the new 52,000-sf building was chosen for a couple of reasons, says deputy city manager Rick Howard. For one, the site at the corner of La Paz Road and Marguerite Parkway is the geographic center of town. Second, the city already owns the land, which is adjacent to the public library. Included in the city hall project will be a 14,700-sf expansion of the existing 27,000-sf library building.
"Basically, in terms of design, the projects will look similar to each other," Howard says. "Also, they will be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and business communities. It will be a place where the public can do one-stop shopping."
When completed, the city hall building will house the city's more than 100 employees. Additionally, the building will contain a 2,000 sf Emergency Operations Center that will allow the city to continue to operate and respond to any declared emergency situation.
Just last month the city council approved the issuance of up to $18 million in bonds and $4.6 million in cash to finance both projects. Construction contracts valued at $11.5 million have already been awarded, according to published reports.
The city is taking on general contractor responsibilities on the project, while Douglas E. Barnhart of San Diego handles construction manager duties. LPA Architects of Irvine, who designed the library, is the project architect.
Construction has already begun on the site. The city has set an expected move-in date of late February or early March 2002, Howard says.
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