Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms, left, and members of the Rock Island City Council get ready for a “First Swing of the Hammers and Wall Breaking” ceremony on Monday, March 25, to help usher in a $2.2 million renovation of the city hall at 1528 Third Ave. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms picked up a sledgehammer Monday afternoon, March 25, and said it was time to make some changes at Rock Island City Hall. The mayor then used the hammer to punch a few holes in a second floor interior wall. “This is the start of a better city hall. … It’s […]
Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms picked up a sledgehammer Monday afternoon, March 25, and said it was time to make some changes at Rock Island City Hall.The mayor then used the hammer to punch a few holes in a second floor interior wall. “This is the start of a better city hall. … It’s long overdue,” said Mr. Thoms.
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Members of the Rock Island City Council look over a wall before a “First Swing of the Hammers and Wall Breaking” ceremony Monday, March 25, to mark the start of a $2.2 million city hall renovation project. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms, left, and members of the Rock Island City Council put holes in a wall during a “First Swing of the Hammers and Wall Breaking” ceremony on Monday, March 25. The city is launching a $2.2 million renovation of its city hall facility at 1528 Third Ave. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
The Rock Island City Hall is undergoing a major renovation project. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
This rendering shows the updated Rock Island City Council Chambers. CREDIT CITY OF ROCK ISLAND
Members of the Rock Island City Council and Mayor Mike Thoms pose for a photo before a “First Swing of the Hammers and Wall Breaking” ceremony Monday, March 25, to mark the start of a $2.2 million city hall renovation project. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
The mayor’s sledgehammer work was part of a “First Swing of the Hammers and Wall Breaking” ceremony that helped usher in a $2.2 million renovation of the city hall, located at 1528 Third Ave. Mr. Thoms and five members of the Rock Island City Council used gold-painted sledgehammers to smash holes in a wall during the ceremonial kickoff to the project. The event attracted about 30 people from the city, the Rock Island-based contractor Valley Construction and Streamline Architects, the East Moline firm providing design services for the project. Renovation work is expected to begin this week and should be complete in July or August, said Randy Hurt, second ward alderman.“This has been a long time coming. … It’s going to give a facelift to city hall and create a more inviting space,” added Mr. Hurt, shortly before Monday’s “First Swing” ceremony.The project includes the redesign and reconstruction of city council chambers; work on the mayor’s office and administrative area; installation of a primary service counter for the mayor and city manager’s offices; redesign of the service counter for the Economic Development Department; and the conversion of a first-floor bathroom into an ADA accessible restroom.Beginning Monday, March 25, council meetings have been moved to the Rock Island County Office Building; the city’s permits and inspections service counter have been moved to the third floor of city hall; and the city clerk’s, mayor’s and city manager’s offices have been moved to the east side of the building and can be accessed through the 16th Street entrance during the duration on the renovations.The new design will maintain the historic character of city hall while making it more inviting and accessible to residents, thus improving overall customer service. The proposed renovation for city council chambers also will provide a much more comfortable, flexible and accessible experience for the community, according to information from the city.City officials added that this project is the first major renovation of city hall since its construction in 1940.Funding for the $2.2 million renovations will come from: $1.8 million in unrestricted American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money, $225,000 in restricted ARPA funds, and $250,000 from a surplus in the city of Rock Island’s general fund.City officials outlined these projects costs of the renovation:
$1.6 million for construction.
$250,000 for audio and visual equipment.
$200,000 for furniture and fixtures.
$69,000 in contingency costs.
$68,000 for design services.
$47,000 for asbestos abatement.
The city hall renovation project has been discussed for years. City officials said that during that time they have heard from many members of the public in support of the project.“We’ve been getting some good, positive responses. … People know it needs to be done,” Mr. Thoms said.
