Linn County seek bids to convert Westdale space to permanent office

CEDAR RAPIDS - The day after the state turned down their request for aid to rebuild the flood-damaged Administrative Office Building, Linn County supervisors moved ahead with Plan B.

Supervisors voted to seek bids from firms to conduct an architectural and engineering study of the former Steve & Barry's store at Westdale Mall for permanent conversion to office space. The space, officially Linn County West, has housed several county departments, including the supervisors' offices, since the June 2008 flood overran the AOB at 930 First St. SW.

On Wednesday, supervisors learned the proposed AOB repairs won't be getting $8.8 million they'd requested from the state's I-JOBS program. Thursday's move is the first step toward a good estimate of the cost of remodeling the Westdale space to house the county services there now. They also plan to ask IJOBS' board to reconsider their request to rehabilitate the AOB and to re-engage the public on the issue.

The supervisors' action came as seepage from heavy rains overnight soaked carpets in the building's lower level, forcing supervisors and other county workers to temporarily vacate some offices.