Falls Township is getting closer to beginning construction on their new municipal complex.
On Tuesday evening, the Falls Board of Supervisors voted to authorize advertisement and seek bids for their 55,174-square-foot new municipal building that is planned for the site adjacent to the existing township building on Lincoln Highway. In addition, a 12,000-square-foot public works structure will be constructed on the same property.
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According to township officials, bids will open and must be received by the end of August. Contracts could potentially be awarded in September. From there, the project is expected to be completed within two years. The timeline includes opening the new buildings, constructing new parking lots and demolishing the current outdated building.
Board Chairman Bob Harvie said the township hopes the bids come in and match Falls’ budget, but he did not assigned a project cost on Tuesday evening.
Earlier this year, Falls officials said the new municipal complex would cost $18 million and would be paid for through the township’s long-term restricted savings account.
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The Board of Supervisors also approved a using project labor agreement with the aim of finding skilled labor for the work. The solicitor said the agreement will make sure Falls can secure the right workers and coordinate the various trades needed for the project.
Jonathan Trump of Kimmel Bogrette Architecture laid out that the plan that has been in the works for several years. He said the new building is designed to compare to the LEED silver standard and will take advantage of geothermal heating and cooling systems.
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In the new municipal building, police will take up about two-thirds of the room and the remaining one-third will house administration and community space. The police department, which is accredited, is currently in the cramped building. Their space is designed to include a secure sally port, new work spaces and a training area.
Trump explained that the administrative portion of the new building will include a large community room that can be used by local groups and even for parks and recreation activities.
In a statement, the township said the plans for the new building and demolishing the current structure will increase green space at the property by one half-acre.
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The township previously looked at options for renovating the current municipal building but opted for a new facility after learning the costs to update were similar if not more.
