Background/Purpose of Request:
In April of 2017 a detailed space needs assessment study was completed for the courthouse. The study indicated that the net building area needed for all courthouse functions and programs is 64,886 SF and the current net area is 58,779 SF. Currently 47.2% of the building square footage is used for structural, mechanical, restrooms, exit stairs, elevators, entry rotunda, hallways, and corridors. Industry standard for these non-program areas is recommended at 40%. The study also recommended improved security for the courthouse. Due to the current usage of the courthouse the approach must be to construct an addition to the existing building which, once in service, will allow for staff relocation which will facilitate the remodeling phase of the existing structure.
In September a Request for Qualifications for Architectural Services was advertised. Four firms submitted proposals. Sawyer Sherwood & Associate was the first choice of the review committee for this project. Staff has negotiated a professional services contract with Sawyer Sherwood for $975,800 that includes reimbursable costs and also the fee for their civil, mechanical, plumbing, fire, electrical, and security sub-consultants. The building addition and renovation project will be delivered using the traditional design - bid - build method using the American Institute of Architects (AIA) methodology. Services to be provided are:
* Schematic Design with presentation and budget opinion
* Design Development
* Construction Documents with revised budget opinion at midpoint
* Bid phase to include assistance with bidder prequalification
* Construction Phase Administration
* Security consultant work including review of current security process
and design, specify, inspect, and commission security systems
The project budget opinion in the space needs assessment included a line item for administrative costs. This budget item includes funds needed for items to be handled by the Owner and are not included in the design team fee. For a major building project these items are:
* Site Survey
* Site Geotechnical Report
* 3rd Party Quality Control - soil and concrete testing
* 3rd Party Special Inspections - required by N. C. Building Code
* Commissioning of the various building systems
The space needs study estimated these Owner administrative costs at approximately $200,000 ( 2% of estimated addition and renovation cost).
The county has a fully designed plan for a new courthouse parking lot with Stormwater Control Measure and lighting directly across from the existing courthouse. New parking will be required as existing courthouse parking will be lost with the building addition. This new parking lot design can be incorporated into the courthouse addition and renovation project. The addition and renovation budget opinion in the space needs assessment did not include the construction cost of a new parking lot and stormwater control measure.
Staff recommends that the Board of Commissioners approve an architectural services contract with Sawyer Sherwood & Associate for design, permitting, and construction administration for the courthouse addition and renovation in the amount of $975,800.00.
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