The Falls Township Supervisors gathered with its engineers and construction representatives overseeing the massive municipal complex construction project to hold a ceremonial groundbreaking the week of October 23rd.
Construction is underway and will continue for the next 14 months, according to Township Manager Matthew Takita. Township staff relocated to a temporary office space at 430-450 Lincoln Highway several months ago and will be back in the building by the end of 2024, Takita said.
From the outside, the building shows minor changes other than dumpsters situated throughout the parking lot and rubble where the rear parking lot was once intact. However, inside, upgrades are being undertaken on approximately 80% of the existing 60,000-square-foot building.
“The building is being torn down to its shell and will be expanded to accommodate the current and future needs of the Township,” Grace Construction Project Manager James Gates said. “Some of the design aspects were incorporated to pay homage to the Township’s history.”
The building will be reconstructed with brand-new mechanical systems, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. 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, public works, as well as a transition from a public meeting room to a community room, which could be used by residents and local groups.
Once updated, the municipal building will also feature shared, flexible conference rooms, incubator space for start-up businesses, as well as additional support and amenity spaces.
“Our professionals are working tirelessly to provide the municipal complex that Falls residents deserve,” Supervisor Chairman Jeff Dence said. “Our board is excited for the day we can reopen the doors and welcome our staff and residents back into the building.”
In addition to the improvements throughout the majority of the building, the renovation project includes about 20% more space for the police department, as well as state-of-the-art technological advancements.
Beyond typical renovations, Falls Township’s newly reimagined municipal building will be more welcoming and easier to navigate with a new front vestibule and better signage.
PHOTO CAP: Falls Supervisors Erin Mullen, Supervisors Chairman Jeff Dence, Supervisors Vice Chairman Jeff Boraski and Supervisor John Palmer participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Falls Township municipal complex project.