The Public Safety Building is approximately 31,000 square feet and was completed in 2009. The building is located at 30 JC Long Boulevard and serves as the headquarters of the Police and Fire Departments.
The existing structure is not considered structurally deficient but shows significant signs of deterioration. The engineering assessment was completed in January 2014 and concluded that elements of the building’s apparatus bay doors, parking garage doors, envelope, diesel fuel line, HVAC system and roof have been compromised by construction deficiencies. Since that time, additional issues with the building have also been identified as needing corrective action.
After a competitive procurement process, the City hired Trident Construction and Coast Architects as the Design Build Team to design and construct the neccesary repairs to the building.
Updates
Change Orders Approved
On August 18th 2020 Ways and Means Committee first heard two change orders for the Public Safety Building. Both of these change orders were paid for out of the contingency fund previously approved for the PSB Rehabilitation project. That contingency of 15% of the total project cost amounts to $788,424. The first was a change order not to exceed $30,000 for the purchase and installation of a flood resistant door for the Public Safety Building. Given that we are on a barrier island subject to hurricanes and other flooding risks, City Council saw fit to approve this change order.
The second was a change order in the amount of $20,537 for required seismic bracing on existing sprinkler system at the Public Safety Building. This also came out of the 15% contingency fund. It is necessary due to the Charleston region's historical relationship with earthquakes.
Project Kickoff Meeting
On Thursday, March 5, 2020 the City of Isle of Palms hosted a project kickoff meeting with City staff, Trident Construction, Coast Architects, and Insight Group, the City's representative. The meeting consisted of an introduction of all team members, roles and responsibilities, goals and expectations of the project and detailed timeline of the project timeline and plans for construction.
COVID-19 Delay on Occupying Temporary Housing for Firefighters
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City temporarily delayed the relocation of the Fire Department sleeping quarters located on the third floor of the Public Safety Building to their temporary housing to be used for the during of the project.
It is expected that the Fire Department crews will be moved into the temporary housing as of May 30th, 2020.