MEETING DATE:
February 24, 2026
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-9548 - CONTRACT FOR PRELIMINARY CONCEPTUAL CITY HALL COMMON AREA DRAWINGS
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
ADOPT a resolution awarding a contract for preliminary conceptual architectural drawings related to common area improvements at 1 Civic Center Drive (City Hall) and delegating authority to the City Manager to negotiate, finalize, and execute the contract with Safdie Rabines Architects.
Body
Board or Commission Action
Not Applicable
Relevant Council Strategic Theme
Good Governance
Relevant Department Goal
Not Applicable
Executive Summary
The City of San Marcos owns and operates the Civic Center complex, including the City Hall Building (addressed as 1 Civic Center Drive), of which more than half of the interior square footage is leased to commercial tenants. To address aging infrastructure and accessibility concerns, maintain the building's Class A office status, and improve wayfinding in the common areas, updates to tenant common areas are required. These areas include the lobby, public restrooms, shared break area and patio on the third floor, hallways, and elevator lobbies.
Staff recommends awarding a contract to Safdie Rabines Architects in an amount not-to-exceed $310,000 to prepare preliminary conceptual drawings for the above-referenced work. The costs associated with this contract are included in the FY 2025-26 budget in fund 605, and award of the contract results in no change to the budget.
Discussion
The City operates a real estate portfolio as part of the fulfillment of Section 203 of the San Marcos Charter, which emphasizes enterprise activities designed to produce non-tax revenue sources. The City leases out portions of floors 1 and 2, and the entirety of floors 3 and 4 of the City Hall building, the proceeds from which contributes revenue towards the City's General Fund each year. As a commercial real estate owner, the City is required to maintain the ...
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