Allen commissioners discuss details of new building

Jun. 12—LIMA — The Allen County commissioners are close to finalizing plans for the county's new administration building.

The commissioners met with consultants to discuss ceilings, flooring, walls, stairways and doors in the plans in a meeting Wednesday afternoon.

"We're a month or so from being able to post bid specs," Commissioner Beth Seibert said after the meeting.

Commissioners gave details on the $16.9 million project at a February Rotary meeting.

"Every year, what we do is look at the buildings overall and the infrastructure that is in Allen County as far as buildings and properties," Commissioner Brian Winegardner said at the time. "So we have a plan in place to address those, but recently we've discovered that the courthouse needs some work. It is not very user-friendly, not just for the employers but also for the general public."

Commissioners looked at the possibility of installing glass doors and tile or carpet flooring during Wednesday's meeting and weighed the potential cost of each idea with the projected budget, which will be funded by cash provided by the American Rescue Plan Act, avoiding new debt for the county.

Consultants said they can now put together a schedule to talk with door consultants and submit plans to the City of Lima and its zoning committee.

The coming 30,000-square-foot, three-story building will sit at the site of the former Hofeller, Hiatt and Clark clothing shop at the corner of Main and North streets in downtown Lima and will house all county agencies.

The county expects to see the project completed by spring 2026 after demolition begins this spring and the new building is constructed.

Architectural firm WCD Group is designing the plans.

Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.