Commissioners to meet with architects for new county offices

Geauga County leaders are inching closer to a plan for new county offices.

Commissioners scheduled a work session for March 19 to meet with potential architects for the project.

Those in the running are ThenDesign Architecture of Willoughby, Cleveland-based Richard L. Bowen & Associates and GPD Group, also based in Cleveland.

“Once a decision is made, we want to move forward as quickly as possible with the project,” County Administrator Gerry Morgan said, noting

that there are some standards and basic design elements that need to be addressed before a design can start. “These elements are not determinant of where the buildings are located.

“Additionally, we will most likely be having a building project involving (Job and Family Services) and Department on Aging in the area by the hospital.”

Commissioners have been exploring whether to build all new offices on county land on South Street at the southern end of the city or to divide new buildings between South and property on Ravenwood Drive in Claridon Township.

Officials desire to vacate county offices at 470 Center Place, and in the courthouse Annex and Opera House on the square.

A study by Bowen determined that renovating existing offices would be cost-prohibitive. Certain offices must remain in Chardon — the county seat — per the Ohio Revised Code.

County representatives cite problems on the square, such as limited parking, traffic congestion, security issues in existing buildings — including the county courthouse — and historic preservation hurdles, should they attempt to renovate.

Chardon officials have expressed concern about a potential domino effect if the county offices relocate from the square. In December, the city presented a proposal to pay half the cost to have Bowen investigate building the new offices on the square and to provide its architectural services.

The city hired Bowen at a cost of $8,400 to study potential options for the

relocation of offices and courts on the square, and renovating the existing courthouse.

“The study is currently being finalized and is anticipated to be presented to City Council on March 26,” City Manager Randy Sharpe said.

Keeping the courthouse a courthouse was among the top priorities Chardon officials presented commissioners in December. It can only be a courthouse, meeting room or school house, according to deed restrictions.

Morgan said the county is awaiting word from the city on results of the study before finalizing plans.

“The possibility is still on the table until we can evaluate the proposal from Chardon with the other options,” he said.

The county building project is anticipated to be completed within three years and without raising taxes.