WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
St. Joseph County has reached uncharted territory regarding its plan to refurbish the 50-year-old courts building at the county courthouse complex.
During Tuesday’s monthly board of commissioners meeting, the seven-member panel approved a plan to move the process from schematic-design phase to design-development phase.
While the step is one of several before actual renovation starts, it marks the furthest St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners has led the oft-delayed project.
Curt Penny, principal for Kalamazoo-based architect Eckert Wordell, shared with commissioners some basic details about the impending, $10.5 million project. He said two additional steps – design development and construction documents – must occur before the proposed project can go out for bid.
He said it would be realistic to see work starting in late spring.
Of the projected $10.5 million cost, Penny said $8.6 million is earmarked to cover construction, professional fees, insurance, and furniture, fixtures and equipment. Capital items he identified include brick tuck-pointing, elevator maintenance, reconstruction of the west parking lot and an upgraded electrical system.
Penny said work would be done one floor at a time.
