The City of Tonganoxie enlisted BG Consultants to provide architectural services, interior design, and structural and civil engineering services for their new Public Works facility. The former building was less than 5,000 square feet and inadequate for employee workspace and storage. The new building complex is divided into three distinct areas: a 14,500 square foot maintenance shop, 1,930 square foot canopied storage for salt/sand spreaders, and a 4,000 square foot office building. The new facility provides the needed room for the Public Works’ large mechanical equipment and allows the city to store equipment all in one building. It also allows for more efficient employee production because there is more room to work in.

Masonry and metal form the basis for the structure, and a natural earth palette was selected for the exterior and interior. Interior spaces include training, locker, meter, and welding rooms, offices, and storage. The interior features stained concrete floors in a rich brown tone. The new facility provides the space needed to store all of the City’s large mechanical equipment and vehicles in one building. Vehicle bays feature proper drainage for vehicles after being out in precipitation, an overhead water pump to fill vehicles and fire trucks, and infrared heating to keep the vehicles from freezing in winter. Cover-all for sand was designed on site as well.

Because the facility is located near the entry gate to the City Wastewater Treatment plant, construction phasing was required to keep access open to the rest of the site at all times. BG conducted period construction coordination meetings to keep all parties aware of the construction activities taking place. Additional coordination with the City was important throughout the length of the project.