Farragut going ‘temp,’ as Town Hall operations move behind Comm Center
Anticipating the upcoming remodel of Farragut Town Hall this fall, Town staff, its Board and committees will be relocating to a temporary building behind Farragut Community Center.
During its Thursday, July 13, meeting, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a rental agreement for a temporary modular office space from Vesta Modular during the renovations. The Board expects that project to take about a year.
“We’ve been working on the contracts, bidding and architectural design for renovations we’ll be doing to Town Hall this fall,” Town administrator David Smoak said. “In order to get to that point, we need office space for staff to go to because everyone is going to be out of this building during the renovation process.
“To expedite the construction of the project, all staff will be relocated to office space within the existing community center or in a modular office space also located at the community center,” he added.
“Staff began reviewing options for temporary office space at the beginning of 2023. Unfortunately, there was no existing office or retail space available in Farragut that was either large enough, economical or a landlord willing to rent on a short-term basis.”
Next, “We began reviewing options for modular office space and also how we may use some existing space at the community center,” Smoak said. “After reviewing several companies that offer modular office space, staff recommended contracting with Vesta Modular as the most economical and responsive for the needs the Town has during this construction period.
“Vesta Modular is a registered and approved vendor through the BuyBoard cooperative purchasing program for which the Town of Farragut is authorized and able to buy directly from for this purpose,” he added
The terms with Vesta include a 12-month period for: delivery, set-up and takedown of a 36-foot-by-60-foot office space and 21 workstations, $60,045; monthly rental for office, workstations and Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible ramps, $5,975, for a total 12-month cost of $131,745.
“If the renovations of the Town Hall take longer than 12 months, the agreement would be extended on a month-to-month basis at $5,975 a month,” Smoak said. “The Town will be responsible for connecting water, sewer, power and IT/communications cabling to the building.
“The rental of the office space will allow for up to 25 employees to utilize that space, along with an additional 10 employees that will relocate to the community center,” he added.
Looking at a photo of the unit, Alderman Drew Burnette asked, “Is that the actual color?”
“I believe it is, yes,” Smoak answered.
“Any options to do anything less …?” Burnette asked.
“It’s orange, what are you complaining about?” Vice Mayor Louise Povlin asked and laughed.
“It is going to be behind the community center, so that is one positive for the facility,” Smoak said.
“It’s bright,” Burnette commented.
