Contact:
Joi Bergman
Communications Director
(319) 892-5118
joi.bergman@linncounty.org

Linn County West Feasibility Study Complete

(CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – September 28, 2009) — Howard R. Green Company presented the results of the Linn County West feasibility study this morning to the Linn County Board of Supervisors. The study examined what would be necessary to renovate Linn County West (the former Steve & Barry’s building at Westdale Mall) into permanent offices for Linn County government and the associated cost. According to the study, the preliminary construction cost of converting Linn County West into permanent office space would be $15,289,000, excluding the purchase price.

The presentation was informational only. The Board of Supervisors did not take action on the study or the results.

“We will work with the architects and our finance staff to provide as much of an apples to apples comparison as possible,” said Linn County Supervisor Linda Langston, referring to the cost to renovate Linn County West and the Administrative Office Building at 930 1st St. SW in Cedar Rapids.

The results of the feasibility study will be part of an upcoming public input process regarding the permanent location of Linn County administrative offices.

The public input process will include open-house style public input meetings, focus groups and a web-based component. The dates and locations of the meetings have not been determined yet.

The public will have the opportunity to learn more about and provide input on the following location options for Linn County administrative offices and the associated funding options for each location:

• Return to the Administrative Office Building as it was pre-flood
• Renovate, improve and expand the Administrative Office Building
• Linn County West
• The former Econofoods East building
• Co-location with the City of Cedar Rapids

At the conclusion of the public input process, the facilitator will analyze the input received and present a final report to the Board of Supervisors.

Linn County issued an RFQ (Request for Quotes) last week and expects to select a professional services firm to facilitate the public input process regarding the permanent location of Linn County administrative offices in early October.

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