The City of Tacoma’s outdated landfill administration building and maintenance shop will receive a multi-million-dollar remodel beginning this fall, according to public works staff.

A request for bids published recently in the Tacoma Daily Index lists the project at $8 million. However, a presentation last month to Tacoma City Council’s environment and public works committee lists the project at $12.1 million: $1.4 million in City labor; $1.3 million in consultant services; and $9.4 million in construction.

Public Works engineer and project coordinator Terry Forslund told the committee during its May 26 meeting the new building will co-locate operations staff (truck drivers and route supervisors) and administrative staff (managers, clerical workers, and customer service representatives); improve efficiency, health, and safety for employees; provide increased capacity and future flexibility; and update the facility by creating an environmentally sustainable building.

“The original building was built in 1977 and was added onto in 1989,” explained Forslund. “Since then, all kinds of programs have been added.” Indeed, the number of services offered and staff on-stie have outgrown the building. Some employees are working out of a trailer in the parking lot. Forslund said the project will make the building compliant with Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act standards. The expansion consists of a two-story, 14,000 square-foot addition to the north wall of the existing administration building. The City hopes the project will achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating.

Public Works staff will again brief the environment and public works committee in July. City Council is expected to vote on a purchase resolution in August. If approved, construction would begin in October and conclude in August 2012. On June 17, the City will host a pre-bid meeting at 2 p.m. at the landfill administration building, located at 3510 South Mullen Street. Staff will be available to answer questions and conduct a site visit. Bids will be received until 11 a.m. Tues., July 13.

For more information, visit http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=14816 .