On October 15, 2003, the Manistee City Council made the decision to move forward with the renovation of City Hall. The main focus of the renovation will include making all floors ADA accessible through an elevator; and significant remodeling of the Police and Clerk/Finance Departments. The Council Chambers will be relocated into what is now the attic.
Brief History
City Hall was built in 1905 by the Federal Government as the Manistee Post Office. In 1965 the City of Manistee purchased the building from the Federal Government and relocated City Hall to this building that same year. In the 38 years the City has owned this majestic building we have done very little to improve it. Windows have been replaced and a new roof was put on, but this is basically it.
Necessary Upgrades
Certain upgrades are essential for this facility to continue to operate as Manistee’s City Hall. These essential upgrades include the need to make the entire facility handicap accessible with an elevator, a complete new roof, Maple Street step reconstruction, and wiring, heating and plumbing upgrades. These basic upgrades are estimated to cost approximately 1.0 million dollars. This amount does nothing for making improvements to the Police and Clerk/Finance Departments and the Council Chambers. All are in desperate need of improvement.
Project Cost
Total project costs are estimated to be 2.6 million dollars. Bonds for financing the project are being let at 2.95 million dollars. The increased cost is to accommodate any unforeseen overruns in renovating this century old building. No millage increase will be assessed for this project. All funds will be budgeted out of existing revenue.
Project Time Line
With the belief that this project was moving forward, the City hired Lakewood Construction as the Project Construction Manager. Actual demolition and renovations to City Hall will commence in the spring of 2004, with an estimated project completion in the spring/summer of 2005. Prior to the actual renovations starting, asbestos will need to be removed in the winter of 2003/2004.
How will this affect the Community?
First, it is the City of Manistee’s primary goal to minimize the impact / inconveniences to the public. All functions of City Hall (Police, Assessing, Community Development, Clerk/Finance and City Manager’s Office) will completely vacate City Hall during construction. All offices will relocate operations into the old Manistee Middle School on the first floor. This primary move will take place between December 15 - 19, 2003. City Hall will only provide limited service during the move.
Starting Monday, December 22, 2003, City Hall will be located at the old Middle School. All inquiries or payments will need to be made at this new location starting December 22, not at 70 Maple Street. Our Post Office will remain the same so mail should continue to be addressed to our Post Office Box 358. Phone numbers should also remain the same, although a brief interruption of service is anticipated during the transition from one building to the other. We are currently anticipating conducting City Council meetings in the Library of the new Middle School.
Conclusion
The current City Hall is a phenomenal historical building that once renovated will serve the community for another century. There will be inconveniences which we will diligently attempt to minimize. Please bear with us as we spend the next month packing up and moving to our new home. The reward for your patience will be a City Hall that will be able to provide a higher level of service to all residents.
CITY OF MANISTEE
Mitchell D. Deisch, City Manager