The renovations to turn the basement and first floor of the Central Ohio Technical College building on South Main Street are estimated at $850,000 with 95% of the planning completed, City Engineer Brian Ball told the Mount Vernon City Council at its Jan. 27 meeting.
"One of the things we've worked really hard on, and as a group, the whole city staff, is trying to think about the building and doing the lightest touch possible," Ball said in a meeting video. He explained that efforts are being made to preserve existing kitchens and break rooms due to their high renovation costs.
Ball mentioned that the project architect requested an 8.7% contingency for price escalation, which would increase the budget to slightly over $1 million. Safety Service Director Tanner Salyers noted that the city council's reimbursement resolution for the project stands at $1.5 million.
The primary goal is relocating employees from the Plaza Building to the municipal center, including cemetery employees currently based there. Ball emphasized a minimalistic approach to renovations, such as creating offices within existing classrooms and addressing restroom installations in the basement.
City Council chambers will accommodate 60 people on the first floor, with additional space available in the basement. The engineering department will utilize part of the basement previously used for COTC's hydraulics lab.
Salyers also highlighted parking arrangements in a shared back lot between visitor space, city space, and COTC space. COTC has been informed not to schedule classes that could conflict with meetings attracting more city visitors needing parking.
