Shallotte Board Selects Samet Corporation for Town Hall Redevelopment

News Summary

The Shallotte Board of Aldermen has chosen Samet Corporation as the construction manager for the town hall redevelopment project. This decision aims to consolidate municipal facilities into a single, functional building that meets the needs of the growing community. The project is part of a larger initiative focusing on enhancing public access and economic growth along the Shallotte River. The board evaluated costs, with a total of $13.9 million favored, and is moving forward with plans despite concerns about size adequacy for future growth.

Shallotte Board of Aldermen Selects Construction Manager for Town Hall Redevelopment

In a recent meeting on July 1, the Shallotte Board of Aldermen made significant strides toward future municipal improvements by unanimously selecting Samet Corporation as the construction manager at risk (CMAR) for the long-awaited town hall redevelopment project. This decision comes in response to the increasing demands on the town’s facilities amidst an ongoing population surge.

Current Facilities Struggle to Keep Up

The existing town hall, located at 110 Cheers Street, is part of a municipal complex that has become outdated. This complex currently houses the town hall, police department, fire station, and council chambers, all spread out across four separate buildings. The increasing number of residents in Shallotte has made it clear that a more effective solution is needed to consolidate these facilities and accommodate future needs.

Initiatives Guided by Strategic Planning

The redevelopment of the town hall is not just an isolated project; it is part of a broader planning initiative labeled as the Conceptual Design Shallotte Riverfront Feasibility Study. This comprehensive plan aims to revitalize the town’s infrastructure by introducing various commercial and retail spaces, fostering economic growth and community engagement.

Choosing the Right Partner

As part of the CMAR selection process, the town board reviewed proposals from two competing firms, namely Samet Corporation and Edifice. The board ultimately favored Samet Corporation due to its compelling proposal and experience in similar projects. The architectural design firm Creech and Associates had previously been contracted to explore options for either renovation or new construction for the town hall. After careful deliberation, the board decided to move forward with a new complex.

Cost Considerations and Designs

The board evaluated three revised proposals for the new town hall complex, with costs ranging from $13.9 million to $20.1 million. The latter was considered excessively high for the town’s scale, prompting the board to seek more feasible options. Ultimately, the $13.9 million option was selected for its cost-effectiveness, although it is important to note that this option is 5,000 square feet smaller than the higher-cost alternatives, sparking discussions about its future adequacy.

Key Features and Omissions

The finalized design for the new town hall includes a modern three-story building that will house various town departments, council chambers, conference rooms, and offices. However, some key features were omitted in the most cost-effective redesign, including the Sally port for the police department. This has raised concerns among board members about whether the chosen design will adequately serve the town’s needs in the long term.

Financial Backing and Future Steps

Financing for the project will be secured through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), with an anticipated fixed interest rate of 4%. This funding approach mirrors previous financial strategies employed for enhancing the town’s fire and police departments, ensuring that fiscal responsibility is maintained while pursuing necessary improvements.

Next Steps for Approval

Moving forward, the Shallotte Board of Aldermen will need to approve a contract with Samet Corporation for the construction services required for the project. This contract will undergo legal review and scrutiny by Town Attorney Laura Thompson to affirm its compliance with applicable regulations.

Conclusion

The unanimous decision to select Samet Corporation marks a pivotal step in addressing the growing needs of Shallotte’s government facilities. As the board navigates the complexities of finalizing contracts and managing community expectations, the town gears up for a transformative redevelopment that promises improved functionality and enhanced services for its residents.

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Additional Resources

• Brunswick Beacon: Shallotte Selects Construction Manager for Town Hall Project
• WECT: First Ever Shuttle Service Coming to Shallotte
• Star News Online: Shallotte NC is Growing as Abandoned Development Gets New Plans
• Wikipedia: Shallotte, North Carolina
• WWAY TV3: Town of Shallotte Declines Donation of Little Church