The Falls Township board of supervisors advanced renovation efforts for its 60,000-square-foot municipal building with the hiring of an architectural firm. They voted 3-0 to hire Philadelphia-based IEI Architects for the design phase. Supervisors Jeff Boraski and Brian Galloway were absent.
IEI Architects came highly recommended from construction management company Grace Construction project manager James Gates. The board named the company its project construction manager in February. As a first order of business, Grace Construction oversaw the bidding process for architectural services.
“Throughout the RFP process, IEI exceeded expectations from proposal detail, preparation for their presentation, and delivery of materials during their interview,” Gates said. “IEI commented that they wanted the renovation of your building to be community-focused, which I believe is exactly what the township is looking for with this project.”
Township Manager Matthew Takita said two other firms were interviewed in addition to IEI.
“IEI exceeded the other firms in scope and enthusiasm,” said Takita, an architect himself. “All the references came back with glowing remarks.”
The building project committee, which includes supervisors John Palmer and Erin Mullen, recommended IEI also. Palmer said he liked the company’s “energy” and added, “They were ahead of everybody else.”
IEI anticipates programming completion in early July, with schematic design concluding by mid-August. From there, design development is anticipated to finish by Sept. 9, with construction documents being finalized by Oct. 1. The construction phase is expected to go out for bid on Jan. 1 with IEI overseeing construction administration from Feb. 1, 2023, through Feb. 1, 2024.
The municipal project entails a complete updating of the existing building and integrating functions. Upgrades will include improvements to administration, code enforcement and the fire marshal, finance, parks and recreation, police, clerks, tax collector and public works, as well as a transition from a public meeting room to a community room, which could be used by residents and local groups.
Once updated, the municipal building will also feature shared, flexible conference rooms, incubator space for start-up businesses, plus additional support and amenity spaces. IEI will work to help departments that have either aged out of their space, outgrown their area, or are functioning in spaces that are not feasible for municipal purposes.
Jones Engineering Associates, the township’s engineer, will address a second access and exit point from the site as part of their design. All municipal functions will be situated on the first floor for easier access among elderly and handicapped visitors. When possible, IEI’s design will incorporate cost-effective green design and construction practices, as well as strategies to reduce water and energy use.
In the company’s 30-year history, IEI has worked on the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission’s administration building, various projects for the City of Philadelphia and the design of Bordentown Township, New Jersey’s municipal building, among other projects.
The supervisors approved IEI’s five-phase proposal in the amount of $1,364,402. The board also authorized fee reimbursements in an amount not to exceed $33,000.
The supervisors had considered constructing a new and expanded municipal complex in 2017, but shelved the project due to the hefty price tag.
