Facilities Needs Study

Background

In 2014, the City of Ankeny commissioned OPN Architects to conduct a comprehensive facilities needs study to assess the condition, economic feasibility and present/future capacity needs of its civic buildings. Two critical facilities are currently leased, with the leases expiring in the near future. With the pending expirations of these two leases, the City was presented with an opportunity to possibly relocate the five departments to alternative location(s). The main purpose of the facilities study was to generate options and a recommendation concerning these two leased buildings.

OPN Architects worked with City staff to evaluate all city-owned and leased buildings. They developed options for improving city facilities with combinations of remodeling existing buildings, repurposing existing buildings and constructing new buildings. In late September, the Council was presented with 10 options for improved facilities and conceptual costs for each option.

Facilities Needs Study Presentation

OPN Architects presented the findings of the Civic Facilities Needs Study to City Council on Monday, Sept. 28, 2015.

View the Facilities Needs Study Presentation (PDF).

Note: Evaluations of the facilities are of a general architectural nature. Detailed examinations of mechanical, electrical, and structural systems are beyond the scope of this report. Likewise, financial evaluations of property values and leases are not part of this report.

Approval of Resolution

On Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, the Ankeny City Council approved a resolution allowing city management to move forward with the construction of a new civic building that will house a new public library and City Council Chambers in Prairie Trail

View the Signed Resolution (PDF).

The plan also calls for repurposing the Kirkendall Public Library into an office building for the Public Works, Planning and Building, and Parks and Recreation departments.

Option 6

The City Council selected Option 6 as the most feasible choice. The City plans to maximize the use of the new building by allowing the Council Chambers and conference rooms to be used by the public. The plan is also sustainable as it repurposes the Kirkendall library to serve as office space for employees who are now located in leased buildings. The estimated cost for Option 6 is $15.5 - $16.8 million.

Option 6 includes:

  • Relocating the Parks and Recreation staff to the Public Services Building - this will terminate the expiring lease for the Parks & Recreation office on Ankeny Boulevard
  • Construction of a new civic building in Prairie Trail that will house a new public library and City Council Chambers
  • Renovation of the Kirkendall Public Library into an office building for the Public Works, Planning and Building, and Parks and Recreation departments
  • Remodeling of the City Hall council chambers into office space as needed

Next Steps

The next steps include the formulation of specific financing sources and construction timelines by city management, which will precede a public bond referendum. Funding for the project will likely be made available through at least three sources, including Bond proceeds, the Civic Trust Fund, and the Capital Projects Reserve Fund.

Contact Us

For more information, email David Jones, City Manager, or call 515-965-6407.