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 Approves Samet Corporation for Town Hall Redevelopment

The Shallotte Board of Aldermen has reached a significant decision on July 1 by selecting Samet Corporation as the construction manager at risk (CMAR) for the long-awaited town hall redevelopment project. This choice was made during a meeting where all board members voted unanimously in favor of moving forward with this important undertaking.

The current town hall, located at 110 Cheers Street, has become increasingly inadequate as the population of Shallotte continues to grow. In fact, the existing municipal complex comprises four separate buildings, which include the town hall, police department, fire station, and council chambers—making it challenging for the local government to efficiently serve its residents and manage operations.

Master Plan for Town Enhancement

This redevelopment initiative is part of a larger master plan known as the Conceptual Design Shallotte Riverfront Feasibility Study. This ambitious plan aims to introduce a mix of commercial and retail spaces, enhancing the overall development of the area and providing better services to the community.

To ensure the best choice for this project, the town had previously reviewed proposals from two competing firms: Samet Corporation and Edifice. Ultimately, Samet Corporation was awarded the position after careful consideration of their proposal against the other submitted by Edifice.

Design Plans and Cost Analysis

The architectural design firm Creech and Associates was originally tasked with evaluating options between renovation and new construction. After thorough discussions, the Board settled on building a new municipal complex rather than revamping the existing structures.

During the meeting, the Board analyzed three revised cost options for the proposed new complex: $20.1 million, $16.8 million, and $13.9 million. The latter option was ultimately favored due to its cost-effectiveness, despite the higher estimates being ruled out due to their exorbitant nature for the town’s size.

Interestingly, the $20.1 million option was viewed as too taxing on the town’s financial resources, prompting the board to seek out revised proposals that significantly reduced potential costs for the project.

Features and Concerns of the New Complex

The design for the new town hall plans to feature a three-story building that will accommodate various town departments, council chambers, conference rooms, and offices—all under one roof. However, some features deemed important, such as a Sally port for the police, were omitted from the most economically favorable option of $13.9 million. This option will also be significantly 5,000 square feet smaller than its pricier counterparts.

To fund the development of this new complex, the town plans to utilize financing organized through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), with an expected fixed interest rate of 4%. This approach mirrors prior funding initiatives that were successfully executed for the town’s fire and police departments.

Future Considerations

While optimism surrounds the progress of this project, some concerns have been raised about the reduced size of the new complex and whether it will adequately cater to the future needs of Shallotte as it continues to grow. Alderman Jimmy Bellamy has specifically voiced worries about the implications of scaling down the project.

Looking ahead, the board must still finalize a contract with Samet Corporation, pending a legal review conducted by Town Attorney Laura Thompson. This step is crucial before construction services can officially commence, marking a new chapter in the development of Shallotte’s essential public facilities.

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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