City manager outlines Phase 5 City Hall remodel, including accessible counters and vault‑to‑conference conversion

City Manager Chris told the Laguna Woods City Council on Feb. 24 that Phase 5 of the City Hall refurbishment is a mainly first‑floor tenant‑improvement project that will reconfigure the front counter for accessible, seated service, expand staff workspaces, upgrade HVAC where needed and convert an existing bank vault into a 9‑seat conference room with teleconferencing capability.

Chris said the city occupies the building since 2001 and acquired it in 2011; the building has varied ceiling heights and limited expansion opportunities, so staff focused the current phase on the downstairs footprint. The project is planned as a general‑fund expense and is already partially budgeted, with about $1.65 million set aside for Phase 5 in existing capital allocations.

“We anticipate that this project will require a total budget of just under $3,200,000,” City Manager Chris said, emphasizing the figure is subject to change pending bids and market conditions. He said the city’s unassigned general fund balance (funds in excess of reserves) provides capacity to cover the remaining amount if required.

Design details discussed included lowering a portion of the front counter to desk height for seated transactions; creating three service windows (one dedicated to senior mobility program enrollments); expanded storage; restroom access that can be locked off for after‑hours use; and a proposed roll‑down metal door to separate the lobby when restrooms are available for outside events. Council members offered aesthetic feedback (arched reception, light fixtures and material choices) and asked for accessibility considerations for features such as water fountains and walking surfaces.

Timeline and next steps: Chris said staff anticipates receiving building plan‑check approval shortly, soliciting construction bids in April, returning with a recommended construction contract in June if timelines hold, and a six‑month construction window that would likely start in August. During construction staff expects to temporarily relocate some downstairs functions and council meetings, and to keep staff largely together on one site while work proceeds.

No formal council action was required; council provided design feedback and support for staff to proceed to bidding when plan check and funding adjustments are complete.