The Mercer County Improvement Authority has awarded the Hamilton Township Municipal Complex project’s construction contract to Epic Management, Inc., of Piscataway.
MCIA began advertising for Phase 2, construction of the project, earlier this summer. The bid process was competitive, and the lowest bid came in 15% under estimate. The MCIA Board voted to award a $49.24 million contract to Epic Management to construct the complex at its meeting on Aug. 13.
A total of five companies bid on the project, with Epic being the lowest. Other bids ranged from $49.27 million to $63.47 million.
“Hamilton has explored a new municipal building for the township since the 1980s under then-Mayor Rafferty,” said Mayor Jeff Martin. “To update two facilities — the township building, built in 1929, and the school district building, built in 1898, into one centrally located facility is a long time coming. To do it under budget and with the school district for the betterment of our residents makes it even better.”
In late 2020, Hamilton Township acquired the long-vacant property at 1750 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road. The property, known to have been the former home of a ShopRite supermarket, had been vacant for more than 15 years.
Looking to redevelop the property for public use, the township had requested the community to provide input for the site. While residents offered many ideas, the suggestion of a joint municipal complex stood out.
“The plan for a municipal complex would continue to foster decades of shared services to further the concept that the township and school district serve to benefit the Township and school communities and each other,” said a township news release.
In May 2022, the township entered into an interlocal services agreement with the MICA to manage and supervise the design and construction of the project.
In July 2023, demolition began on the property. Following demolition, Hamilton Township Municipal Government, Hamilton Township School District, MCIA, and Spiezle Architectural Group held a public forum to provide an update on the design progress of the new municipal complex and seek input on what the new site should include.
In January 2024, these same organizations presented the draft design including renderings of the interior and maps of all three levels of the municipal complex, as well as cost estimates and a financing plan to limit the impact on Hamilton Township taxpayers.
Spiezle Architectural Group gave the public an understanding of the layout, sustainable design choices of the complex, and a schedule for when the building would be ready for occupancy.
Construction on the complex will begin this Fall, with the project expected to be completed and ready for occupancy in the Fall of 2026.
To follow the progress of the project, visit HamiltonNJ.com/NewMunicipalBuilding.
An conceptual rendering of the planned Hamilton Township municipal complex.,
