County approves architect agreement for Auto Title renovations, including bullet‑resistant glazing

The Richland County Board of Commissioners approved an architect agreement to design and permit renovations at the Auto Title office on Mulberry.

Brad Bauer of Ad Studio described the scope: replacement of countertops, installation of transaction windows with slip trays and bullet‑resistant glazing for the public‑facing counter, and some repair of damaged surfaces. He estimated roughly $69,000 for the construction portion; drawings were expected within about a month and construction in one to two months after design completion.

Speakers noted the work affects the office’s public interaction area and that temporary swing space accommodations might be needed during construction. The Clerk of Courts’ office has laid out programmatic needs, and Brad Bauer said Ad Studio would help plan swing-space logistics. Unidentified Speaker 3 moved to approve the architect agreement; the motion was seconded and commissioners voted in favor.

The approval allows staff to finalize permit drawings and proceed to bid or construction planning, with the Clerk of Courts coordinating public‑facing accommodations during work.