TSP designed the existing 1980s building that housed offices for both the City of Rapid City and Rapid City Area Schools. In 2015, we began a space-programming study to reimagine how the entire structure could best be used as City Hall. Adjacencies and the customer service experience emerged as key priorities. The multiphase project kept most operations in familiar locations but improved flow throughout the building. The work involved nearly every room, with changes ranging from finish and furniture updates to removing or adding interior walls. The third floor, previously occupied by the school district, now brings together the mayor’s office, city attorneys, and human resources ― all of which had been located on separate levels.

The team enhanced wayfinding with a unified color scheme and finish selections that help group like spaces together. Previously, the existing public/private staging throughout the building was unclear. Visitors often walked right past service counters and into nearby departmental work areas, creating logistical and security concerns. The second-floor waiting area now is framed by casework, with semi-private staff workstations out of sight as residents walk the corridor to access a reception/transaction counter. New and more comfortable seating, lighter paint colors, and brighter lighting greet citizens in the enlarged waiting room.

Our engineers made targeted, budget-conscious updates to the HVAC system, cleaning up ductwork pathways and relocating thermostats to improve comfort and adjust for turned-down minimum occupancy. We also helped minimize the budget by re-using all of the existing electrical distribution, changing only circuiting where needed. We replaced all light fixtures with LED versions and added occupancy-sensing controls. The lighting system in the Council Chambers was completely overhauled, with user-friendly controls for quick changes during presentations and public meetings.

TSP’s work on the multiphase project later continued with the successful construction of HVAC and plumbing upgrades.