The Minot City Council took a decisive step on public safety infrastructure last week, voting unanimously to open the bidding process for the first phase of a $5 million remodel of the former city hall building, which now houses the Minot Police Department.
Scope of the project
The remodel will focus primarily on the second floor of the historic structure, where the police department plans to relocate its investigations unit. A modest addition on the south side of the building will allow crews to remove a large central stairwell, creating additional usable space for investigators.
Contractors will be asked to price the roof replacement of the former fire‑station portion of the building separately from the interior work. This approach gives council members a clear view of the roof cost and lets them decide how it fits within the overall $5 million budget.
Council priorities
Alderman Mike Blessum explained that if the roof bids come in near the budgeted amount, the council will likely prioritize the roof before any upgrades to the training room. “If we’re right around that number, I’m going to really want to see the roof taken care of before we, you know, outfit a training room,” Blessum said.
Police department response
Police Captain Justin Sundheim welcomed the move toward bidding, calling it a milestone for department staff. “This has been several years in the making, going back to the initial space studies several years ago when City Hall moved out. So to know that we’re at least approaching a time where there’s going to be some movement on it, I think will be good for our staff,” he said.
Sundheim added that most of the work will be performed indoors, allowing crews to begin construction this winter if the council awards a contract promptly.
Timeline
The city plans to open bids on December 8. Once the bids are received, the council will evaluate them and determine how much work can be included in the first phase of the project. The timeline suggests that, should a contractor be selected quickly, interior work could start before the end of the year.
By addressing both the structural integrity of the roof and the functional needs of the investigations unit, the council aims to preserve a historic building while modernizing the police department’s facilities. The unanimous vote reflects broad community support for investing in safe, effective public‑safety spaces.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
