Background/Discussion
The Entertainment District located between 23rd Avenue and I-80/29 and from 24th Street to 35th Street is a premier destination location within the City of Council Bluffs. The area includes the Mid-American Center, Horseshoe Casino, Bass Pro Shop store, and several hotels and restaurants. The recent construction of the Field House and another hotel are adding to the amenities offered in the area.
The parking lots that surround the Mid-American Center are owned by the City. The paving has degraded to the point where maintenance is difficult and there are safety concerns because of the poor condition.
A study was performed in 2011 and updated in 2015 which recommended the replacement of the parking lots. The conceptual plan suggested that the work could be performed in multiple phases over a few years. Proceeding with replacement is now necessary and three phases have been programmed in the CIP.
The first task for the engineer will be to evaluate the existing conditions, including the changes associated with recent development activity, and develop a priority list for the lots to be replaced. The costs will also be updated to reflect current bid prices. This effort will identify the Phase 1 project limits.
This project was included in the FY19 CIP with a budget of $1,000,000 from the General Fund.
The Engineer was selected from the pre-qualified list of engineers because of their previous involvement with the project site and their successful project history. It is fully expected that the knowledge already gained during the planning phase will benefit the rehab projects. It is appropriate for HGM to continue their role as project engineer.