City Hall demolition underway

Demolition on the site of Whitefish City Hall began Monday.

Crews are initially targeting the Coldwell Banker building, then the fire hall and finally will begin work later this month on the main City Hall building.

Excavation and preparation of the site is expected soon after, according to Mike Cronquist, the city’s owners representative for the new City Hall and parking structure project.

Work this fall will primarily consist of excavation and grading in preparation for placement of concrete foundations. Above ground concrete work is targeted to begin late in December.

Whitefish is constructing a $14.95 million City Hall building and downtown parking structure planned to have 212 parking spaces. The project is expected to take 18 months to two years to complete.

Work of dismantling the old buildings began Sept. 8 with asbestos removal.

In early spring, the new buildings are expected to begin taking shape as structural steel and concrete columns are erected. Framing and installing of exterior siding will follow.

First Street from Baker Avenue to the alley between Baker and Central Avenue will be closed at least through demolition and concrete construction.

A covered walkway along the sidewalk on Second Street is in place. However, the walkway will have temporary closures for safety reasons during demolition and new construction. The walkway will be closed in front of the old City Hall while the demolition of the south walls of the existing buildings are in progress.

The sidewalk on the east side of Baker will remain closed for the duration of the project. Pedestrians are asked to use the sidewalk on the west side of Baker.

Temporary closures of the alley between First and Second streets may occur as utility and construction crews use the alley to gain access to the site.

Every effort will be made to advise adjacent business owners of the timing and duration of such closures, according to Cronquist.

Martel Construction of Bigfork is the general contractor and construction manager for the project.

Martel is proceeding with the selection of subcontractors for the project. Bids are being evaluated for excavation and site preparation. Bids are also being solicited for subcontractors for building erection, mechanical, electrical and plumbing installation, and exterior finishes.

The architectural renderings and design details for City Hall and the parking structure can be viewed on the city’s website at www.cityofwhitefish.org.