FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
By: H+U Construction
Aired: July 8, 2020 04:13 pm
Link: See Press Release
NEWPORT, MINNESOTA, July 7, 2021 — The media and public are invited to join the City of Newport and project team as they break ground on the construction of a new combined City Hall, Fire Hall and Law Enforcement Center located at 2060 1st Avenue, Newport, Minnesota 55055 (on the southside of 21st Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues). The groundbreaking ceremony will take place at the project site on Thursday, July 15 at 3:30pm.
The Newport City Council has been considering the possibility of a new City Hall and Fire Station since the 1990’s. The new facility will include several operational improvements while enhancing public safety and response times for the growing community. This site was chosen to be the best fit for emergency services to respond to fire and police calls compared to other locations along Glen Road, Hastings Avenue, and 7th Avenue.
Project Details:
Fire Department improvements include: ability for future expansion on second floor, apparatus bays to accommodate the growing size of fire vehicles, clean and dirty sides to protect firefighters against the carcinogens produced during a fire response, proper office space, indoor training area, hose/training tower, and wellness facilities.
Law Enforcement improvements include: parking garage for police vehicles, private meeting area for investigations, functional office space, improved evidence lock-up, and 24-hour dispatch phone in the vestibule.
Administration improvements include: increase file storage, larger front counter, technology upgrades to aid citizens, exterior display board for public information, historical display case, conference/meeting rooms, and electronic bulletin boards.
City Council Chambers improvements include: modern dais, digital camera system, screen share capabilities, and remote accessibility for cablecaster.
Given the city’s growth, officials say the need is clear.
“We must invest in ourselves in order for others to invest in us,” commented Laurie Elliott, Mayor of Newport, MN. “A new building will maximize the City’s effectiveness of long-term financial planning. City Hall and both Fire Stations require several updates to protect the health and safety of firefighters and staff, come into ADA compliance, and resolve the maintenance costs associated with operating three buildings. The new building will also be energy efficient which keeps energy costs low and is environmentally friendly.”
The project team is led by the Brunton Architects and Engineers design team and H+U Construction who is serving as the Construction Manager. The new 26,000 square foot building is projected to be completed by spring 2022.
Project Background:
The Newport City Council has been considering the possibility of a new City Hall and Fire Station since the 1990’s. The last time the construction of a new City Hall was considered was in 1913. The Fire Department built Fire Station No. 1 in 1953 and Fire Station No. 2 in the 1970’s.
The City Council considered multiple options to include renovations to the current City Hall and Fire Stations. It was determined to be cost-prohibitive to renovate any of the City’s existing buildings compared to the cost of new construction for a building that will last for many decades.
Costs and Other Financial Information
The City Council approved a contract for construction with H+U Construction with a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $7,224,613 for the approved construction plans. The City Council approved a Bond Issuance of $10M for the construction which also includes refinancing current bonds for past street projects. The significant amount of residential and commercial developments over the past few years has enabled the City to move forward with construction with limited impact to the residents of Newport. The City has also received significant funds for the Park Dedication Fund which is used for the development and redevelopment of parks. The City plans to sell the current City Hall and Fire Station No. 2 site for redevelopment.
For updated project information, please visit: https://www.ci.newport.mn.us/CHPSB.php
Questions and/or Comments about the new building and groundbreaking ceremony can be directed to Newport City Hall by calling 651-459-5677.
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Press Inquiries:
Deb Hill, MCMC
City Administrator
596 7th Avenue
Newport, MN 55055
651-459-5677 city hall
651-556-4600 direct