R’land City Hall to be finished this winter

RIDGELAND — Major capital projects taking place are on track for completion despite disruption caused from COVID-19, leaders announced last week.

Mayor Gene F. McGee said the $15.9 million Ridgeland City Center remains on schedule to open in December of this year. The 30,000 square-foot building is currently under construction at the corner of Highway 51 and School Street.

"We are still on track for the building to be complete and moved into by December," McGee said. "We are moving forward. We are excited to be moving forward on schedule and look forward to increasing our ability to serve the city once we are settled into the new building."

Early on in the process, the city engaged Benchmark construction to go over the plans of the building with a fine-toothed comb to avoid expensive change orders or unforeseen setbacks in the construction phase of the building. McGee said that their efforts were among the money-saving measures they have employed in this project. He said the latest estimates say they have saved around $650,000 on the project.

"I know we are around at least half a million under budget," McGee said.

McGee said that the leftover funds are not currently earmarked, though various upgrades and additions have been discussed such as nicer desks for the building.

Specifically, the city saved $32,000 in late November by switching the type of surface used for the parking lot. Ward 3 Alderman Kevin Holder suggested the addition of electrical power sources in an outdoor green space that could accommodate a variety of use from outdoor events, demonstrations, vendors and Christmas decorations.

A proposed Veteran's Garden is set to be paid for by private donations managed by members of the Madison County Veterans Service and a board that includes Community Development Director Alan Hart and Public Works Director Mike McCollum.

The Veteran's Memory Park in Ridgeland is projected to cost $122,000 and was spearheaded by the late Dr. Tom Logue. Plans were approved by the city in April 2017.

The park will include benches and plaques commemorating the six branches of the military. The park also features a central walkway, "the Walk of Heroes," and a flagpole. The centerpiece would be a seven-foot bell tower.

McCollum said last week that donations for the park have slowed down since the COVID-19 lockdown, but they are still averaging daily inquiries.

McCollum said that the committee has raised about $42,000 of a $150,000 goal.

"If anyone has any questions I would encourage them to call the city and ask for me and I would be more than happy to help them out," McCollum said.