A number of “unforeseen” issues, including hollow cinder blocks and steel and oil contamination have contributed to delays with the Falls Township Municipal Complex construction project.
Despite the unexpected setbacks, the renovated and expanded building is expected to be completed by spring, according to Grace Construction Project Manager James Gates.
Gates in speaking to the Falls Township Board of Supervisors Monday night, said that the major items that have caused the bulk of the delays were related to the exterior of the building. Once the walls were opened up, hollow cinder block was discovered all the way down to the footings, which required redesigning, re-engineering and a rebuild. Hollow steel construction on the east end required reconstruction as well, Gates said.
The Department of Environmental Protection got involved once oil contamination was found, which, according to Gates resulted in a “long, drawn out process, lots of testing and retesting and searching for the source of contamination and removing it.”
Since oil contamination was found “in the heart of the building,” it dramatically slowed down the pace of construction, he said.
Supervisor Brian Galloway noted that the ground itself was “full of trash.”
Gates said that most of the site that roads were built on top of consisted of clay, debris, and trash throughout. To remedy the situation, Gates said an engineer oversaw construction of the roadways, as well as the excavation of bad material and ensuring that there is a stable base.
Originally planned for a December 2024 completion, the municipal complex is now on target for a spring completion and furniture installation thereafter, he said.
The existing 60,000-square-foot space will be rebuilt from the ground up with several new building additions. The total project is estimated to cost $41 million, Gates said.
Among the highlights is a community meeting room that residents and local organizations can use. The newly renovated building will offer a welcoming feeling, be open, light and inviting and feature a better layout and use of space. In addition, it will be more easily accessible with proper signage and identification to help guide visitors to their desired location.
The remodeled and expanded space will be something that residents can be proud of with building designs intended to subtly reflect Falls Township’s history.
The existing building was not intended for municipal use and in fact had been used for a variety of other purposes previously. The building’s elevator, roof and atrium have always been an issue, and the building did not have a true front entrance.
Departments, including the police and administration, were short on space. During storms, the building was prone to flooding. Ceilings above employees’ desks frequently leaked after heavy rain.
The new and improved municipal building is being reconstructed with brand-new mechanical systems, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. High-efficiency equipment and LED light fixtures are being installed throughout, which will result in energy savings. EV charging stations are also planned, although Gates said they may not be installed in tandem with the building’s completion this spring.
The municipal project entails a complete updating of the existing building and integrating functions. Upgrades will include improvements to administration, code enforcement and the fire marshal, finance, parks and recreation, police, clerks, tax collector, and public works.
