Wednesday, Aug. 06, 2008

Escalon advances Civic Center plan to unite most staff

Single site for services on McHenry expected to open doors in spring

ESCALON -- Consolidation is often a troubling word during a time of job cuts and business closures, but City Manager Greg Greeson said bringing the city's services to one location should be a positive for folks in Escalon.

"We'll have everyone but Public Works in one location, which should make it more convenient for people to use," Greeson said.

Escalon's City Hall is in an aging downtown building, far from the city's Planning, Engineering and Police departments. By spring, Greeson said, those 40 to 45 city employees will come together at the new Civic Center.

The City Council agreed Monday to a $195,200 pact with SKW & Associates of Modesto to design the new city hall. The architectural firm drew conceptual plans -- the city spent $36,800 on that first phase -- but this deal is for exact building plans.

The city owns three parcels totaling 2.67 acres at McHenry and Ullrey avenues in south Escalon.

There are two 10,000-square-foot buildings -- each with exterior walls and a roof, but no interior walls or other improvements -- to house all the city's employees except Public Works.

The current City Hall has about 7,500 square feet, Greeson said.

Escalon purchased the parcels for $2.975 million, with the two buildings in place. The third piece of land has a concrete pad and is ready for a building, Greeson said.

SKW is going to design the interiors of both buildings, with construction expected to begin in October and be finished by March.

The City Council has agreed to spend $2.6 million to $3.2 million completing the two buildings.

"We had a desire to stay downtown, but we were limited by the lack of building space," said Greeson, who said 40 to 45 workers will be at the Civic Center.

The city will retain its downtown property in hopes of parlaying it into a commercial, senior or mixed-use project, he added.

"Our downtown offices will be vacant while we look around for the right project," said Greeson. "With downtown parcels, we'll be in position to take advantage of an opportunity if it arrives."

Bee staff writer Richard T. Estrada can be reached at restrada@modbee.com or 578-2304.