Summit County, Utah, is set to undergo a significant transformation with the renovation of the former Skullcandy building located in Kimball Junction. The Summit County Council has unanimously approved a contract valued at $4.2 million for the renovation of the bottom floor of the 45,000-square-foot structure, which will serve as a new hub for several county services. This decision marks a pivotal step in the county's efforts to enhance the accessibility and quality of public services for its residents. The contract was awarded to Zwick Construction after a thorough bidding process that saw submissions from eight competing companies. County Deputy Manager Janna Young emphasized the economic viability of Zwick's proposal, highlighting their commitment to providing a clear and efficient plan for the project. "(The price) was based on the contractor already negotiating with subcontractors and getting that price, so they’re more or less confident in what they’ve presented to us," she stated. Young also addressed concerns regarding potential cost increases due to market fluctuations, assuring the public that the county has included a health contingency to manage unexpected expenses. The renovations will primarily focus on the first floor, which is set to house the Summit County Library and the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Both departments will occupy a substantial portion of the updated space, which is designed to include conference rooms and a dedicated meeting area for the County Council. The construction is expected to last approximately six months, during which time the county aims to create an environment that meets the needs of its employees and the public. Summit County purchased the Skullcandy building for $17.5 million during the summer, intending to establish a modern government facility. Initially, there were discussions about sharing the space with Skullcandy, but the audio technology company opted to relocate across the street to the Redstone Shopping Center. With this acquisition, the county is poised to utilize the entire property, especially as plans are in place for the demolition of the Sheldon Richins Building next year, which currently hosts various county services. To enhance public accessibility, the first floor will primarily feature services that residents frequently use. The library is planned to occupy most of the western half of the building, with designated areas for children and teenagers, ensuring that educational resources are readily available to younger audiences. Meanwhile, the DMV will be located on the eastern side, alongside facilities such as conference rooms, restrooms, and employee break rooms. A large multipurpose room is also planned for County Council meetings, providing a suitable venue for public engagement and governance once the Richins building is demolished. The second floor of the building will be dedicated entirely to employee offices. Young indicated that several departments currently housed in the Richins building, including building inspectors, Lands and Natural Resources, and behavioral health workers, will be relocated to the new facility. Other departments, including the county's communications team, housing authority, information technology, facilities management, and an emergency operations center, are also expected to move in. In previous discussions, Young noted the potential for additional administrative and non-clinical teams from the Health Department to occupy the Skullcandy building. This move would free up space at the Quinn’s Junction facility, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring compliance with health regulations, particularly concerning HIPAA. As the project moves forward, Summit County Council Vice Chair Canice Harte expressed enthusiasm about the new facilities. "I’m excited that we’re at this point. The employees of Summit County deserve these new digs and the new facilities, and I think the people of Summit County are going to really appreciate what this new DMV experience, what this new library experience is going to be," he stated. With the renovations set to commence soon, this project represents a significant investment in the county's infrastructure and a commitment to improving the quality of public services. The completion of these renovations is anticipated to provide residents with a streamlined, modern experience in accessing essential services, while also offering county employees an upgraded work environment that supports productivity and collaboration. In summary, the Summit County government is taking a proactive approach to enhance public service facilities, ensuring that both residents and employees benefit from a state-of-the-art environment that promotes efficiency and accessibility. The outcome of this project will be closely monitored as the county prepares for the future needs of its community.