The front entrance to Allen City Hall is temporarily closed as construction began on a roughly $631,000 renovation project Dec. 17, according to a city news release.
The scope of the project includes replacing the original front steps, adding a ramp for accessibility and updating the surrounding landscaping, per city documents.
“A significant improvement is being proposed to ensure reliable access for all constituents and visitors to this community,” Director of Engineering Chris Flanigan said.
Signs are posted in the parking lot and along sidewalks to direct residents to the temporary public entrance near the back of the building.
A closer look
The original front steps to City Hall were built in 2000 and have significant damage, Flanigan said.
“We’re fighting continual cracking, tripping hazards and broken concrete, which represents both a practical as well as an aesthetic issue,” Flanigan said.
In addition, individuals with mobility issues were using a ramp that went around the building, and although this was Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant, it created a barrier to those individuals, Flanigan said.
“The accessible path would be blended within the actual steps on approach to the front door and not redirect some members of the public around to the back,” Flanigan said.
The cost
The project will cost a total of $631,239.33, according to city documents. Allen City Council approved a contract with North Rock Construction & Associates for nearly $568,000 during a Dec. 9 meeting.
The remaining roughly $63,400 will come from the city’s facilities maintenance fund, city documents state.
Flanigan said the city’s engineering department received bids from several companies and evaluated them on cost, number of days estimated to complete the project and each company’s history with the city.
Looking ahead
The project is estimated to be completed in the spring, per a city news release.
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