Richmond City Hall is partially wrapped in construction packaging – this is because two renovation and upgrade projects are underway, costing $3.3 million.
The HVAC system and the roof over council chambers are both being replaced.
The mechanical ventilation system in the 20-year-old building is being replaced as it has exceeded its life expectancy, explained city spokesperson Clay Adams. The west side of the building – which currently has scaffolding - is where this work is being done.
City council approved the $1.7 million project in 2020, and it entails replacing the air conditioning unit in the main electrical room and replacing the fan coils in council chambers and control valves through city hall.
The green roof over council chambers – the round portion on the southeast side of the building – and a portion of city hall is made of bamboo, but this has been deteriorating and leaking in some areas, Adams noted.
“The bamboo on the roof is being replaced with less aggressive Japanese black pine and the landscape architect involved with the building of city hall is involved to make sure the original design intent is not lost,” he added.
The roof replacement is budgeted at $1.6 million and is expected to be completed by the fall.
The HVAC upgrades are expected to be done in early 2023.
Adams noted both projects at city hall, located on No. 3 Road at Granville Avenue, are expected to come under budget.
