Bid accepted to transform former Wells Fargo building into new Watertown City Hall

WATERTOWN — The City of Watertown is proud to announce the acceptance of a bid for thetransformation of the former Wells Fargo Building into a new City Hall.

The remodeling of the building encompasses 17,230 square feet and costs $4,214,470. This decision marks a significant step forward in revitalizing our community's infrastructure and enhancing public services.

Following an exhaustive evaluation process, the bid submitted by Huff Construction of Aberdeen has beenconfirmed as the low bidder and recommended by City staff. The proposed project will breathe new life intothis structure, repurposing it to better serve the evolving needs of our residents.

"The acceptance of this bid allows us to harness the potential of an existing asset and better our community,"City Manager Amanda Mack stated. "We are excited to partner with Huff Construction to create a space thatwill benefit our staff, residents, guests, and elected officials for generations to come."

The revitalized building will serve as the new City Hall while adding new Council Chambers, providing essentialresources and services to the community. Its strategic location and expansive square footage will enable theCity of Watertown to effectively accommodate the growing needs of our constituents.

"By repurposing this space, we’re not just creating a new home for City Hall,” Assistant City Manager and Public Works Director Heath VonEye said. "We are economically accomplishing a needed public facility upgrade that was identified by the City Council as a priority nearly a decade ago."

Before remodeling an asbestos abatement is necessary. Prairie Environmental Services of Sioux Falls has beenawarded the approved bid for $31,850 and will begin the process soon.

Construction is targeted to break ground later this spring with completion in the spring of 2025. The City ofWatertown is committed to initiatives that improve residents' lives and strengthen our community.

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This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: Bid accepted to transform former Wells Fargo building into new Watertown City Hall