State building addition goes before city planners

State public works officials will present plans for the expansion of the Department of Information Technology building to the Carson City Planning Commission on Wednesday.

The project is an 11,000-square-foot addition to the existing technology building on Third Street just north of the intersection of Stewart and Fifth streets. Department officials told lawmakers they are badly crowded in their existing facility, which houses the state's central information technology facilities.

The $5.1 million project will also pay to remodel and renovate the existing building -- including removal of some asbestos. The proposal presented to city planners says the purpose is to provide more space for the computing center, which is expanding its total work force, but a more modern and technologically advanced building.

Deputy Public Works Board Manager Gus Nuñez said once Carson City approves the special use permit, they hope to complete design in May and advertise for bids in July.

He said construction should start in September at latest.

Lundahl & Associates are the architects for the project, which will also include a 60-space parking lot.

Carson City Community Development staff has recommended approval of the special use permit, saying it doesn't conflict with any engineering master plans for streets or storm drainage.

All of the land needed for the expansion and parking is owned by the state.