Helena Outlines Shelby County City Hall Project Timeline

Helena City Hall Project Nears Completion Amidst Promotions and Board Appointments

HELENA, AL – July 28, 2024 – The Helena City Council received a meaningful update on the ongoing Helena City Hall construction project during their recent work session, with project manager Bob Morgan of Volkert, Inc. reporting that the progress is approximately 70% complete. The projected completion date is now October 22nd, a revised timeline attributed to unforeseen challenges including structural steel issues, unsuitable soil conditions, permitting delays, and contractor site turnover.

this update comes as the city also celebrated a key promotion within its police department. Lt. Charles Hudson, a respected veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the jasper Police Department before joining Helena PD in 2008, was elevated to the rank of Captain.The ceremony was attended by his family, Police Chief Mike Wood, and a substantial portion of the Helena Police Department, underscoring the esteem in which Hudson is held. Chief Wood highlighted Hudson’s exemplary dedication, particularly noting his recent assumption of responsibilities for both administrative and patrol lieutenant duties, making his promotion a natural and well-deserved progression.

In other business,the council approved two new board appointments: stephanie Gottlieb to the Diversity and Inclusion Board and Macie Fredrick to the TAG Board.Additionally,the council officially declared certain property belonging to the Helena Fire Department as surplus and gave the final plat approval for the Wiltshire at Hillsboro development.The Helena City Council’s next meeting is scheduled for monday,august 11th,commencing with a work session at 5 p.m. followed by the regular council meeting at 6 p.m. at Helena city Hall.

Evergreen Insight: Effective project management, even when facing unexpected hurdles, is crucial for civic development. Timely communication of progress and challenges, as demonstrated in the Helena City Hall update, builds public trust and understanding. Furthermore, recognizing and rewarding dedicated public servants, like Captain Hudson, is vital for maintaining morale and ensuring the continued quality of essential city services. The appointment of individuals to civic boards also signifies a commitment to community engagement and the development of inclusive governance.

What potential impacts could supply chain disruptions have on teh project’s completion date, and how will proactive procurement strategies mitigate these risks?

Project Overview: A New Hub for shelby County

The City of Helena, Alabama, has unveiled a detailed timeline for the construction of it’s new City Hall, a project anticipated to revitalize the downtown area and improve civic engagement. this aspiring undertaking, budgeted at approximately $12 million, aims to consolidate city services under one roof, offering enhanced accessibility for residents. The new facility will replace the current, outdated City Hall, addressing long-standing concerns about space limitations and operational efficiency.Key stakeholders include the Helena City Council, local construction firm Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC), and residents of Shelby County.

Phase 1: Site Preparation & Foundation (August – October 2025)

This initial phase focuses on preparing the chosen site – located at the former site of the Helena library – for construction.

Demolition & Clearing (August 1-31, 2025): Removal of existing structures and debris. Environmental assessments will be ongoing to ensure responsible disposal of materials.

Grading & Excavation (September 1-30, 2025): Leveling the building site and excavating for the foundation.Soil testing will be crucial during this stage to guarantee structural integrity.

Foundation Pouring (october 1-31, 2025): Laying the concrete foundation, a critical step for the building’s long-term stability. Inspections by Shelby County building officials will be conducted throughout.

Phase 2: Structural Framework & Exterior (November 2025 – March 2026)

With the foundation in place, the project moves towards building the physical structure of the new City Hall.

Steel Erection (November 1-30, 2025): Constructing the steel framework of the building. This phase requires specialized equipment and skilled labor.

Exterior Walls & Roofing (December 2025 – February 2026): Installation of exterior walls, windows, and roofing materials. Weatherproofing will be a priority during the winter months.

Building Enclosure (March 1-31, 2026): Completing the building’s exterior shell, making it weather-tight and secure.

Phase 3: interior Build-Out & Systems Installation (April – September 2026)

This phase focuses on transforming the structural framework into a functional City Hall.

HVAC & Plumbing Installation (April – May 2026): Installing heating,ventilation,air conditioning,and plumbing systems. Energy efficiency is a key consideration in system selection.

Electrical Wiring & IT Infrastructure (June – July 2026): Running electrical wiring and installing the IT infrastructure, including network cabling and security systems.

Interior Walls, Flooring & Finishes (August – September 2026): Constructing interior walls, installing flooring, and applying finishes such as paint and trim. Accessibility features, compliant with ADA standards, will be integrated throughout.

Phase 4: Final Touches & occupancy (October – November 2026)

The final stage involves completing the remaining details and preparing the building for occupancy.

Fixtures & Furniture Installation (October 1-15, 2026): Installing fixtures, furniture, and equipment.

landscaping & Site Improvements (October 16-31,2026): Completing landscaping and making othre site improvements,such as sidewalks and parking areas.

Final inspections & Certificate of Occupancy (November 1-15,2026): Obtaining final inspections and a Certificate of Occupancy from Shelby County.

City Hall Move-In (November 16-30, 2026): Transitioning city services to the new facility.

Project Funding & Economic Impact

The $12 million project is being funded through a combination of city funds and a bond issue approved by the Helena City Council. The new City Hall is expected to have a meaningful positive economic impact on the area, attracting new businesses and creating jobs. the improved facilities will also enhance the quality of life for Helena residents.

Community Engagement & Updates

The City of Helena is committed to keeping the community informed about the progress of the City Hall project. Regular updates will be provided through the city’s website (https://www.cityofhelena.com/), social media channels, and public meetings. Residents are encouraged to participate in the process and provide feedback.

Potential Challenges & Mitigation Strategies

Several potential challenges could impact the project timeline and budget. These include:

Supply Chain Disruptions: Delays in the delivery of materials. Mitigation: Proactive procurement and diversification of suppliers.

Weather Delays: Inclement weather conditions. Mitigation: Contingency planning and flexible scheduling.

Labor Shortages: Difficulty finding qualified construction workers. Mitigation: Competitive wages and recruitment efforts.

* Unexpected Site Conditions: Finding of unforeseen