RML Architects selected for design and engineering work

The City Council for the City of Sioux City last week approved awarding a contract to RML Architects for design and engineering work for the new model railroad/civil engineering exhibit building and the rehabilitation of the machine shop building. The scope of work involves the design of the new building that will be constructed for the displaying of the Nebraska Centeral Railway exhibit and related civil engineering artifacts. RML Architects will sketch out the construction documents and blueprints that will govern the historic preservation work on the machine shop building. This building will undergo a complete rehabilitation to the building envelope that includes the reconstruction of the roof, windows, and doors. Other historic preservation work will center on tuckpointing the brick masonry. A ground breaking for this next phase of historic preservation work is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.

RML Architects has previously performed design and engineering work on the roundhouse building and wood sand tower. The firm has also helped with the development of the overall site redevelopment plan. The City of Sioux City serves as the project's public sponsor and fiscal agent.

Major funding for the historic preservation work and new building construction is provided by competitive grants awarded through the Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program administered by the Iowa Department of Transportation; Vision Iowa Community Attractions and Tourism Program administered by the Iowa Department of Economic Development; State Historic Sites Preservation Grant Program administered by the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Economic Development Grant Program administered by the Loess Hills Alliance. Other funding is provided by individual and corporate contributions, as well as special grants awarded by the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors and the City of Sioux City.