Staff Writer
JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville City Council members chose Randall Scott Architects, of Dallas, to build the city’s new municipal building.
The decision on Tuesday was unanimous.
“I was on the Municipal Facility Committee and every member scored Randall Scott the highest,” said Councilman Kenneth Melvin.
Melvin and Councilwoman Phyllis Wilburn both served on the committee, which was made up of members from throughout the community.
The committee heard presentations from five architectural firms earlier this year and selected BWR/JML Architects and Randall Scott Architects as the two finalists to build the 20,000-square-foot building that will house a municipal court and City Council chambers.
BWR/JML gave a 45-minute presentation to city council members on Nov. 29, promising state-of-the-art technology and personalized services if selected.
The council ultimately went with Randall Scott, which was allowed 45 minutes on Dec. 3 to present their plans to the city. Randall Scott, the firm’s founder and president, gave the presentation himself. He promised a seasoned team of architects who would work on the project hand-in-hand with city leaders and employees. Scott also estimated the total project time to be complete by July 2009, the council’s target date.
“It was consistent. Their brochure was impressive as was their presentation,” Melvin said. “I believe this is a wise decision.”
Mayor Robert Haberle has said the current facilities don’t support the city’s needs, citing the size and age as presenting numerous problems. He also said the current location — in downtown Jacksonville — is bad for the economy.
“Retail revitalizes downtown, not a city hall,” he said at last month’s city council meeting.
Haberle said the City Council set aside $400,000 in its budget last year to go toward construction of the new City Hall. The council estimates a final cost of roughly $2.2 million, which will be paid for through certificates of obligation.
Haberle thanked committee members for their service before dismissing them from any further duties.
“I appreciate them, and I think we got good work out of a lot of people,” Haberle said. “I think this will be a benefit to the citizens of Jacksonville and to the city employees.”
