Redlands City Council approves $16.1 million in contracts for new City Hall

REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands City Council unanimously approved more than $16.1 million in construction and professional service agreements Tuesday night to move forward with renovations that will transform the former Citrus Center at 300 E. State St. into the city’s new City Hall.

Why it matters: City officials say the project represents a long-term investment in modernizing city operations and creating a more accessible and transparent seat of local government. The current City Hall, which the city moved into in the late 1980s, has been deemed in need of tens of millions of dollars in repairs and upgrades.

By renovating the State Street property—which was acquired at a below-market price—the city aims to avoid those costs while creating a facility designed for public engagement, modern technology and long-term efficiency.

Details: The city acquired the Citrus Center property in 2021 and has spent the past several years planning the conversion while allowing existing tenants time to relocate. Miller Architectural Corporation was awarded the design contract in 2023, and Tilden-Coil Constructors was hired in 2024 to provide construction management services.

Assistant City Manager Chris Boatman told the council the project reflects years of coordination among staff, architects and contractors to develop a financially responsible plan that can serve the city for decades.

“A lot of people have put a lot of time into trying to create a good plan, a plan that made good financial sense for the city and would be a good home for us for years to come,” Boatman said.

The approved funding covers three major components:

• Construction contracts: The largest share—$15.43 million—covers 15 construction trade packages, including concrete, steel, electrical, HVAC, plumbing and interior finishes. The total includes a 10% contingency allowance of approximately $1.4 million. Several contracts were awarded to Redlands-based companies.
• Council chambers audio/visual system: The city approved a contract with Western Audio Visual & Security for up to $533,315.95 to install modern audio, video and broadcasting technology in the new council chambers. About $334,000 of that cost will be covered by restricted Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) funds, which are designated for civic access and transparency infrastructure.
• Special inspection services: Hilltop Geotechnical, Inc. was awarded a contract not to exceed $180,000 to provide required inspection and testing services during construction.

City staff said 80 bids were received across construction packages, averaging more than five bids per trade, which helped drive competition and pricing.

Design highlights: Architect Gary Miller presented updated renderings and plans, emphasizing a more welcoming and open City Hall design. 

Key features include: 

• A redesigned plaza with seating, landscaping and direct pedestrian access from State Street
• A new council chambers with large glass walls, skylighting and modern voting and broadcasting systems
• Improved wayfinding and public access to development services and administrative offices
• ADA-accessible entrances and upgraded elevators

Miller described the design as a physical expression of transparent government.

Moving forward: Construction is expected to begin in February 2026. According to Tilden-Coil Constructors, office renovations are scheduled for completion in September 2026, with plaza and exterior work finishing in October. Council chambers and first-floor public spaces are expected to reach substantial completion by April 2027.

Additional contracts for furniture purchases and moving services will be brought to the council closer to project completion.