Kent: Municipal Relocation Program
The City of Kent is embarking on a comprehensive, multi-phase Municipal Relocation Program designed to modernize and consolidate its key facilities, ultimately strengthening civic identity and creating a unified civic campus. This deliberate, phased approach ensures the continuity of municipal operations and minimizes service disruptions throughout the construction period, while also providing adaptable spaces ready for the community’s future growth.
This modernization effort is expected to deliver significant benefits to both citizens and staff. The new facilities will enhance the delivery of citizen services, provide modern and efficient workspaces tailored to departmental needs, and dramatically upgrade overall safety and security. Furthermore, the incorporation of energy-efficient systems will result in reduced long-term maintenance costs, contributing to a cohesive and sustainable civic environment for decades to come.
The project is defined by four core components. The existing Administrative Services Building (ASB) will undergo a full interior renovation, transforming it into a welcoming and efficient hub for various City departments, complete with shared areas to foster collaboration. A new Council Chambers is planned to serve as a modern, secure venue for Council meetings, official offices, and community gatherings, featuring a flexible design that encourages broader civic engagement. Crucially, the project includes the construction of a New Kent Police Department Headquarters, a dedicated and secure facility that will also house the City Clerk. This new headquarters will feature upgraded safety systems, modernized evidence storage, and specialized spaces critical for supporting efficient police operations and community protection. Finally, the program culminates with the demolition of the current City Hall, which will be replaced by a vibrant civic plaza. This plaza is specifically designed for public events and gatherings, creating a secure, connected, and integrated space within the new civic campus.
To manage this complex effort, the City has partnered with several expert firms. Skanska USA Building Inc. was officially awarded the General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM) contract on August 19, 2025, marking a major milestone as pre-construction activities commence. ARC Architects is the Architectural and Engineering firm, actively working to finalize preliminary test fits and layout developments for the ASB, the new Police Headquarters, and the Council Chambers. The planning, communications, and delivery of the entire program are supported by Athenian Group, which provides program management and advisory services. Current project updates indicate strong progress, with layout development advancing collaboratively with ARC Architects to ensure all designs fully incorporate departmental operational needs and specific security requirements.