The first of a two-part series exploring county space issues and the possible move of administrative offices. A look at opponents' concerns and county commissioners' opinions will follow in Thursday's paper.

By KALEY LYON

klyon@dailynews.net

Space needs long have been a hot topic on Ellis County Commission agendas, and the option of relocating administrative facilities has been on the table for several years.

"The space needs have grown, especially because of the jail, the security, the court system and also the treasurer," Commissioner Vernon Berens said. "There are needs that absolutely need to be addressed, and it's not going to get any better."

In December, following much discussion and a public input session, commissioners unanimously voted to pursue purchasing the 35,000 square-foot Hadley Center at an acquisition price of $1 million. No opposition was voiced at the time.

Since then, the commission has formed a Public Building Commission with the intent of seeking bonds to fund the acquisition and remodel project.

Some Ellis County residents, however, have voiced concern at the proposed project, which also includes an optional fixed remodel cost of $4 million.

Last month commissioners, who also are the PBC, opted to solicit bids from architects and explore the renovation process independent of the Hadley Center's offer.

If this option is pursued, it is not yet known how much the remodel cost would be, in addition to the $1 million acquisition price.

If the administrative offices are relocated, the current courthouse facility would be occupied by court services, local law enforcement and emergency management offices.

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Commissioners have been discussing the possibility of an administrative relocation for years, and the Hadley Center's north wing has been a key prospect for some time.

"We've been working with the county for at least five years," said owner Dave Van Doren.

The offer, however, can't wait forever, and neither can the fixed renovation cost of $4 million. As time goes by, the cost of construction and necessary materials will continue to increase, he said.

"They can't afford to drag their feet too much longer," he said. "We're going to do something with it."

Furthermore, if the county's decision to explore architectural services on their own delays the project, the business might have to explore other options, Van Doren said.

"If it drags out too long, we'll have to look at other options," he said. "We've got some other opportunities."

The Hadley Center's north wing, under the initial $4 million renovation proposal, would be gutted and essentially made into a new building, Van Doren said.

Van Doren also has been working with local architectural firm Woods & Starr for the past several years to draft schematic plans for the proposed remodel. County department heads have been included in this process, and the plans have been revised several times at Hadley Center's expense, he said.

Van Doren said he believes it's important for the county offices to remain in the downtown vicinity, and for commissioners to choose a location that offers room to grow.

"It provides room for future growth," he said. "The current facility has served the county for 70 years -- it's outdated. This would allow for more efficient use of space and allow some room for future growth."

The option also includes room for more than 70 potential parking places. The James Building, however, which is located in the Hadley Center's north lot and houses American Red Cross blood services and the Senior Center, would have to be removed.

Van Doren said the American Red Cross has been offered space on the ground level of the Hadley Center, which would foot the bill for any necessary remodel.

It is not yet known where the Senior Center would be located, but county officials have been exploring possible options.

"Between the city and the county, we're not going to let the senior citizen center set," commissioner Dennis Pfannenstiel said. "We will find a place for them."