WQIO Ohio's Super Station
The City of Mount Vernon is taking another step toward construction of its long-awaited Justice Center by beginning the search for a construction manager to oversee the project.
City Council recently authorized Safety-Service Director Tanner Salyers to solicit qualifications from firms interested in serving as the project’s construction manager at risk, a delivery method designed to bring a contractor into the planning process early to help control costs, identify potential issues and keep the project on schedule.
The construction manager will work alongside the city’s architects and engineers during the design phase before construction begins. Officials say involving a construction manager early allows the city to receive more accurate cost estimates, coordinate scheduling and identify opportunities to reduce expenses before work starts.
The new Justice Center is expected to replace the Mount Vernon Police Department’s current headquarters, which city officials have said no longer adequately meets the department’s operational needs. The existing facility has long been challenged by limited office space, outdated infrastructure and a lack of room for modern evidence storage, training and investigative operations.
The project has been years in the making, with city leaders identifying public safety infrastructure as one of Mount Vernon’s highest capital priorities. Once completed, the Justice Center will provide updated workspaces for officers and civilian staff while improving security, technology and public access.
Hiring a construction manager marks another milestone in the planning process as city leaders continue moving the project from design toward construction.
City officials have not yet announced a construction timeline but expect additional contracts and project updates to come before City Council in the coming months.
