Fridley public works was designed as an addition and renovation to the existing facility:

This project includes an expansion of the administration and staff areas, along with upgrades to the fire suppression system, electrical systems, mechanical systems, and exterior facade.  Construction progressed through the winter of 2002 and was staged and pre-planned in order to keep the public works department in continuous operation during the construction activities.

The existing facility was built in the 1960's and 1970's, and was dated for a municipal building.  A goal of the design team was to use easily maintained materials, but also give the facility a new, more interesting appearance.

Due to budget constraints, the rest of the building only received new paint.  Typical of our design process, semi-monthly meetings with key staff were arranged to discuss the program, schematic design and details of the building as it developed.  This was very helpful in gaining necessary information and meeting the owner's needs.

Perhaps the most significant change from the old space to new was the amount of daylight and views of the site.  The previous offices, staff areas and entrance were dark and gloomy.  The new spaces, added during construction, are filled with natural light and ample views of the site.