Hutchinson council approves next phase of city center remodel, hires architects and construction management

The Hutchinson City Council voted Feb. 10 to proceed with design services for the next phase of the city center remodel, approving a contract with HMA Architects and authorizing construction-management services to participate during design.

Staff said a space-needs study conducted last year showed the current city center has adequate room for long-term use. The recommendation brought forward was to begin a 7-to-8-month design phase with HMA Architects and a construction manager to identify cost-saving alternatives during design rather than adding construction management later.

Council members noted the studyonclusions that the building can be made to last 40 to 50 years and welcomed the approach of involving construction managers early to control materials and cost. Staff said funds for the work were included in the cityapital-improvement program and invited council members to sit in on design meetings.

The motion to approve design services and construction management was made and seconded and passed by voice vote. Staff will return with contract details and schedule as work proceeds.