Design-build team, county commission sign contract on $18M Justice Center

Cape Girardeau County's Justice Center project is moving forward after action at Thursday's regular county commission meeting.

The county commission and design-build team Penzel Construction Co. and architectural firm Treanor HL signed a contract Thursday, after the team was awarded the project Sept. 14.

On Sept. 14, in a special session, the commissioners opened sealed bids from Penzel/Treanor and a second team, River City Construction of Benton, Illinois, and St. Louis architectural firm HOK.

The bids were scored according to set criteria, and Penzel/Treanor emerged as the winner.

Commissioner Charlie Herbst said at the meeting, "We do have a final contract and agreement with Penzel and Treanor HL to design and build courthouse facilities for Cape County for the lump sum amount of $18 million."

According to earlier reporting by the Southeast Missourian, Penzel/Treanor's plan for the Justice Center is for an 82,000-square-feet facility with an underground parking area and six courtrooms, at the corner of North Missouri and West Washington streets -- adjacent to the existing Sheriff's Department and county jail.

Commissioner Paul Koeper said the contract had been set forward and approved by the county's attorney prior to its being signed. "Now it's just filling in the blanks and moving on," Koeper said. "I think we're ready to get started."

Commissioners also voted unanimously to modify services with Navigate Building Solutions for Phase II of the Justice Center project.

As part of the design-build process, the county is required to hire a design-build criteria consultant for the first phase of the process, Herbst said. That phase ended with the signing of the agreement with the design-build team.

Originally, Navigate Building Solutions had an option to provide construction management services, Herbst said, but "I don't believe we will need construction management-type services from Navigate for the whole of Phase II."

The modified agreement will cover Navigate's services to help with post-design and contract work through Oct. 31, Herbst said -- to tie up any loose ends.

After the meeting, Koeper said a future use for the present county courthouse in Jackson has not been fully determined, and that decision process likely will continue throughout the Justice Center's construction period.

The Justice Center is slated for completion by March 2020.

In other action:

• The speed limit on County Road 346 and 347 near Capital Sand Proppants in Millersville was increased from 20 to 35 miles per hour. Koeper cited improvements to the roadways, including added lights and shoulders, and better pavement, since construction began in March 2015. The ordinance passed unanimously.
• Cape Girardeau County will observe Fire Prevention Week Oct. 7 through 13. Commissioners unanimously adopted a proclamation.

mniederkorn@semissourian.com

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