Charles City City Hall Makeover Could Take Next Step Tuesday (09.03), Next Steps with Main Street Bridge Uncertain

A makeover of City Hall in Charles City, including renovation of the police department, could take another step forward Tuesday (09.03) night.

On the agenda for their 6 pm meeting, the City Council will consider approval of a contract for services to design improvements and upgrades for the facility. The project itself is estimated at around $5 million and also includes improvements to the ped mall between City Hall and the Charles City Public Library.

While that project is on the front burner, the City has another pricey project that still requires more research to address: what to do about the aging Main Street Bridge, an issue that rose in importance when the Cedar River flooded in late June.

City Administrator Steve Diers says the Charles City Historic Society would like to preserve as much of the almost 115-year-old structure as possible.

Diers says their approach to the bridge will also have some say from the State.

Diers adds that the dam could also factor into the equation.

Diers notes that estimates to replace the current Main Street Bridge with a new prestressed concrete bridge come in around $11 million.