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The city of Portland is seeking a construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC) for construction of new council chambers and at least 12 new offices to suit the expanded council coming in January 2025.

Portland voters in November 2022 approved Measure 26-228, which includes a package of reforms. Over the next two years, the city will phase out its commission form of government and establish a city council with 12 members (three each in four geographic districts).

To accommodate the new council, Facilities Services (within the Office of Management and Finance) is seeking either a renovation of the Portland Building鈥檚 Leah Hing Room or current council chambers. Also, Portland City Hall鈥檚 first and second floors will be renovated to provide offices for the 12 councilors.

When the $6.2 million project (approximately $3.97 million for construction) is complete, the council chambers will serve the 12 councilors, mayor, city administrator, and support staff.

The space needs to be fully operational prior to Jan. 1, 2025.

An ordinance passed by Portland City Council on Wednesday allows Facilities Services to conduct the CM/GC process rather than use the traditional design-bid-build model. Officials will issue a request for proposals (RFP) in May.

Use of a CM/GC will allow the team to get general approval for a funding amount at the beginning of the process as well as facilitate communication between the owner (the city), the designer and the CM/GC. During the design phase, the CM/GC will be able to provide input on construction packaging and sequencing, timely procurement of certain items, and how to avoid high future maintenance costs.

鈥淭his item does not outline a plan for construction,鈥� Mayor Ted Wheeler stated during the meeting Wednesday. 鈥淐ouncil will have the opportunity to interact with Facilities and the charter transition team in the near future to provide feedback on specific design plans.鈥�

The project鈥檚 predesign phase is completed. The design phase will begin in May or June.

For design development through construction administration, an RFP has been issued for architectural and engineering on-call services, OMF public information officer Carrie Belding stated in an email. Proposals are due before 4 p.m. on April 25. City officials expect to select the design firm by May 29.

Financing for the improvements is under review, with a final decision to be included in the adopted budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Options include using one-time cash and either internal or external debt.

Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2024.