Prospect Hts. city hall cost put at $2.8 million

The new Prospect Heights City Hall will likely cost approximately $2.8 million, and construction could begin as early as July 24.

The information was provided Monday at a special meeting of the council.

That evening, the city council awarded around $500,000 in contracts for work connected with the project. The council's action was designed to meet time constraints for items not likely to change.

The items in the bids consisted of elevator, concrete, structural steel and plumbing work.

"I can't stress enough that time is of the essence," said Senior Project Manager Steve Wasilewski.

City Director of Building and Zoning Steve Skiber said it took longer than anticipated to reach an insurance settlement, and, "Now we're really fighting a calendar issue," noting it is important to get work done before the weather turns.

The remainder of the bids could be approved at the July 23 meeting. During that meeting, the council will consider granting a zoning variance for the project related to street setbacks.

Acting City Administrator Pam Arrigoni said that by her calculations, the total covered by insurance for the fire that destroyed the former City Hall will amount to nearly $2.5 million. That does not include code upgrades estimated at $230,000.

Arrigoni said insurance has already paid more than $1.8 million.

Alderman Dolly Vole cast the only dissenting vote, saying that she was not satisfied with the number of bids or the amounts bid.

Architect Ron Kostus, who was at the meeting, said the new hall will be similar to the old one, but better.

"The building essentially has the same look overall, but it's highly modified in that it is updated to a 2007-2010 standard. Materials are much more modern, much more durable, much more energy efficient," he said.