$41 Million Dollar Falls Twp. Municipal Complex Renovation Faces Delays

A series of unexpected construction issues have delayed the renovation and expansion project at the Falls Township Municipal Complex.

James Gates, the project manager for Grace Construction, reported to the Falls Township Board of Supervisors last month that challenges had arisen primarily from the building’s exterior.

Once construction workers opened the walls, they found hollow cinder blocks down to the footings and hollow steel construction on the east end. Both of issues required extensive rebuilding, Gates explained.

The discovery of oil contamination further complicated the project and led to involvement from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The oil discovery turned into a “long, drawn out process, lots of testing and retesting and searching for the source of contamination and removing it,” Gates said.

The site’s soil also posed problems, which were described by Supervisor Brian Galloway as being “full of trash.”

Gates added that the underlying soil consisted mostly of clay mixed with debris and trash, which required engineered oversight for the road construction and ensuring a stable base.

Despite these setbacks, Gates confirmed that the project, which was initially set for completion in December 2024, is now targeting a spring finish.

The 60,000-square-foot facility was not originally intended for municipal use.

The township’s building is undergoing a complete rebuild along with several new additions. The work began last year.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $41 million, which is higher than the more than $30 million price tag originally announced.

The renovated complex will feature a community meeting room available for residents and local organizations, improved accessibility with clear signage, and a design reflecting the township’s history.

The building will include new areas for administration, code enforcement, finance, parks and recreation, police, clerks, tax collector, and public works departments.

Gates stated that the new building will have a more efficient layout and will include high-efficiency mechanical systems, LED lighting, and potential EV charging stations, but they may be added after the building’s completion.

While the township continues to operate from a temporary office along Lincoln Highway, the new and improved municipal building promises to address previous issues such as flooding, roof leaks, and inadequate space for the police and administrative departments.

Advertisement

Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies