The location is set, but other details, including cost estimates, timetables and more, are still being fleshed out as the City of Hartford works to develop a new city hall.
As KVOE News reported earlier this month, the City Council has chosen to build the new structure in the same lot as the previous building, which was demolished late last month after suffering significant damage from a wind storm in July. At this time, that appears to be the only item set in stone, according to an update from Mayor Kenny Hamman Tuesday, as plans remain in development at this time.
That said, Hamman stated he is “hopeful” the project could begin by the late fall.
As for the price of the new facility, again, Hamman says that is not set at this time; however, the city does have just over $500,000 in money through its insurance company to handle the project.
Should the final scope of the project exceed the available funds, Hamman says they will likely scale the project down rather than search for additional funding sources.
The update follows the annual Harvest Days festival in Hartford and Neosho Rapids this past weekend. Hamman says the turnout and atmosphere, despite the rain showers throughout the early half of the day, were fantastic.
As mentioned, this year’s festival highlighted both Hartford and Neosho Rapids, which Hamman says was an obvious choice, noting the deep connections between the two, saying they may have different names, but they are truly one community.
With development still underway on the new city hall building, city business is taking place in temporary space just west of the Community Center. A handicapped-accessible ramp may well be installed over the next week.
A windstorm on July 4 partially peeled off the building’s roof and caused other structural damage, especially near the roof. The city quickly deemed the building, constructed in the early 1880s, beyond repair. Leiser Excavating finished its demolition work this past Friday after nearly a week’s worth of work.
