Shallotte Board Selects Samet Corporation for Town Hall Redevelopment

News Summary

The Shallotte Board of Aldermen has chosen Samet Corporation as the construction manager for the town hall redevelopment project. This decision aims to consolidate municipal facilities into a single, functional building that meets the needs of the growing community. The project is part of a larger initiative focusing on enhancing public access and economic growth along the Shallotte River. The board evaluated costs, with a total of $13.9 million favored, and is moving forward with plans despite concerns about size adequacy for future growth.

Shallotte Board of Aldermen Selects Samet Corporation for Town Hall Redevelopment Project

In a significant development for the growing community of Shallotte, the Shallotte Board of Aldermen has unanimously chosen Samet Corporation as the construction manager at risk (CMAR) for the much-anticipated town hall redevelopment project. This decision was made during a board meeting held on July 1, marking a crucial step in addressing the town’s infrastructure needs.

The current town hall, situated at 110 Cheers Street, has been deemed inadequate to meet the demands of Shallotte’s increasing population. The existing municipal complex comprises the town hall, police department, fire station, and council chambers scattered across four separate buildings. This sprawling layout has raised concerns regarding efficiency and accessibility for both employees and residents.

The redevelopment of the town hall is part of a larger initiative known as the Conceptual Design Shallotte Riverfront Feasibility Study. This ambitious plan seeks to not only improve municipal facilities but also introduce – to the town’s riverfront – a variety of commercial and retail spaces aimed at enhancing the local economy and community engagement.

As the project moved forward, the town evaluated proposals from two firms, with Samet Corporation and Edifice vying for the crucial CMAR role. Ultimately, it was Samet that emerged as the favored choice to lead the project. The architectural aspect of the redevelopment is being managed by Creech and Associates, who were initially contracted to explore options for both renovation and complete new construction. After careful consideration, the board opted for a new complex design, believing it to be the optimal solution.

During the decision-making process, the board reviewed three revised cost options for the new town hall complex. These estimates came in at $20.1 million, $16.8 million, and a preferred option at $13.9 million. The higher price tag of $20.1 million was quickly dismissed by the board as unsuitable for a town of Shallotte’s size, leading to a focus on more cost-effective proposals that still meet the community’s needs.

The finalized plans entail a three-story building that will house various town departments, council chambers, conference rooms, and offices. However, it’s important to note that key features, such as a sally port for the police department, were excluded from the least expensive $13.9 million option. This chosen design is also approximately 5,000 square feet smaller than the more expensive alternatives, which has sparked discussions regarding its adequacy for future needs.

Funding for the redevelopment project is set to be sourced from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is anticipated to provide a fixed interest rate of 4%. This funding structure is similar to that of previous financing arrangements made for the town’s fire and police departments, ensuring a sustainable investment in public infrastructure.

Despite moving forward, some concerns have been raised by members of the board. Alderman Jimmy Bellamy expressed reservations about the reduced size of the complex and whether it would sufficiently accommodate the town’s future expansion and its increasing demands. It’s clear that while the redevelopment is seen as a step in the right direction, ensuring that the new building is equipped to handle future growth will be critical.

Before Samet Corporation can commence construction, the board is still required to finalize and approve a contract for services once the legal review by Town Attorney Laura Thompson concludes. As the project progresses, the focus will remain not just on the immediate benefits, but on paving the way for a more functional and comprehensive town facility equipped to match the evolving needs of Shallotte’s residents.

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Additional Resources

• Brunswick Beacon: Shallotte Selects Construction Manager for Town Hall Project
• WECT: First Ever Shuttle Service Coming to Shallotte
• Star News Online: Shallotte NC is Growing as Abandoned Development Gets New Plans
• Wikipedia: Shallotte, North Carolina
• WWAY TV3: Town of Shallotte Declines Donation of Little Church