City Hall Renovation Project

Renovation Updates

• February 17, 2025: Construction begins on Phase I

Timeline

• Start Date: February 2025
• Expected Completion: End of 2025
• Phased Work Plan:
  1. Phase 1: 
     • Second Floor 
     • Garden Floor (Basement) 
  2. Phase 2: First Floor 

Budget

The City Hall renovation project is estimated to cost $4.43 million:

• Construction Costs: 
  • Base Bid: $3,039,000
  • A/V Equipment and Devices: $169,000
  • Total Construction Costs: $3,208,000
• Project Support Expenses:
  • Architectural/Engineering Phase 2 Fees: $490,856
  • Low-Voltage Technology and Security Design Services: $9,000
  • A/V Design Services: $19,000
  • Furnishings and Equipment: $345,050
  • Owner’s Construction Contingency (10%): $320,800
  • Other Allowances: $40,508
  • Total Project Support Expenses: $1,225,214

Funding

Funding comes primarily from a $5 million bond allocated in the 2025 Capital Improvement Budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility while covering all necessary expenses.

• Architect: SFS Architecture
• Engineer: Henderson Engineers
• Contractor: Icon Structures

Documents and Resources

• City Council Meetings
  • September 5^th, 2023: 
    • Agenda Item: Consider City Hall Renovation Project
  • November 2^nd, 2023: 
    • Agenda Item: Consider Options for City Hall Renovation from SFS Architecture
    • Live Stream
  • June 6^th, 2024: 
    • Agenda Item: Discuss City Hall Renovation Design
    • Live Stream
  • December 19th, 2024: 
    • Agenda Item: Consider Bids & Contract for City Hall Renovation Project
    • Agenda Item: Consider Contract Amendment with SFS Architecture for City Hall Renovation Project
    • Live Stream

The City Hall renovation respects the building’s origins as a historic schoolhouse, preserving its unique character while modernizing for future needs. Key elements of this preservation include:

• Plaster and wood trim restoration where possible
• Incorporation of chalkboard-themed inspiration into final design
• Architectural elements that compliment original construction (i.e. windows, doors, trim, light fixtures, etc.)

History of the City Hall Building

Early Years as a School

• 1918 – De Soto Rural High School District was established; Governor Arthur Capper laid the cornerstone.
• 1919 – The school opened with a gym, auditorium, and 10 classrooms and was completed at a cost of $60,000. The first class (of four people) graduated that May.
• 1945 – Construction began on an east addition due to population growth from the Sunflower Ordnance Works, but it was halted following the end of World War II.
• 1952 – The east addition was completed -- housing woodworking, metal shop, and commerce classrooms -- at a cost of $70,000 (paid for by the federal government).
• 1955 – A new gymnasium on the west side of the building was added, seating 1,000 people, along with locker rooms, a stage, and classrooms. It was the only school building project built without federal aid, with a cost of approximately $295,000.
• 1955 (Summer) – The entire central part of the original 1918 building was revamped.  The original gym was divided horizontally, creating a library in the upper portion and a civil defense shelter below.  The auditorium was converted to classrooms and entered from the top floor via doors that had previously accessed the balcony; this area now serves as City Council Chambers. The main floor was remodeled creating locker space, restrooms, and classrooms.  Federal Aid once again paid $32,000 of the $45,000 expansion costs.  
• 1967 – The cafeteria was added to the south of the main building, which now serves as the De Soto Senior Center and a public meeting space.
• 1968 – The building transitioned from a high school to a junior high (7th-9th grade).
• 1972 – Peak enrollment reached 520 students.
• 1980 – The former school bus parking garage on the northwest corner of the building was converted into vocal and instrumental music rooms. The space now houses the De Soto Chamber of Commerce.

Transition to City Hall

• 1995 – The City of De Soto purchased the building from the school district for $10 to use as an annex to the existing City Hall.
• 1999-2001 – Major renovations created 7,500 sq. ft. of office space on the main/first floor, new floors and ceilings, wall finishes, roof, elevator, windows -- and updated ADA-compliant restrooms. This was paid for through the issuance of general obligation bonds eventually totaling $1,265,000.
• 2001-2002 – A Community Development Block Grant funded additional renovations, including gym improvements, office space conversions, and accessibility upgrades.
• 2006 – The City reopened the former lower-level library for various City-sponsored aerobics and yoga classes for the community.
• 2013 –  The City Council granted the De Soto Arts Council permission to move into the lower floor space that was the former home economics classroom.
• 2013 –  The City Council granted GreatLife Golf & Fitness the use of the gymnasium stage to utilize as a membership-based workout and fitness facility; the front of the stage has been sectioned off with plexiglass.