CBJ- The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) posted a solicitation for bids to perform construction work on the first two floors of the Michael J. Burns building. The project will accommodate an accessible Assembly Chambers, central public service counter and office space for 147 personnel. The cost-based bid solicitation materials include a summary of work, site layout and list of project alternates should budget allow. The solicitation period closes on July 13.
The primary scope of work addresses critical updates to the building’s mechanical and electrical systems which are out of code and at risk of needing constant repairs if not updated. There will also be limited renovations to the first floor to provide an Assembly Chambers and public service counter. Some office spaces will receive minor renovations, including moving partitions to accommodate CBJ departments. At this time, the current budget does not include paint and flooring updates for staff spaces, however, should bids come in below budget, these items are included among several items that could be added as project alternates.
“We took a very frugal approach to this project,” explains CBJ City Architect Liam Knecht who has been leading the project. “The end result may not include updated paint or flooring, but this scope will get us to a safe, consolidated, and cost-effective workspace for municipal employees.”
The current City Hall houses about 40% of CBJ office staff and faces major renovation and repair costs estimated at nearly $10 million for immediate health and safety repairs. Approximately $45 million is required to complete all needed health, safety, mechanical and structural repairs to the building. Additional CBJ offices are spread throughout the city in private commercial buildings and are subject to increasing lease costs and needed repairs. In the current arrangement, annual operating costs–including for maintenance, utilities and lease–total approximately $1.3 million. Annual operating costs for municipal services to operate out of the Burns Building will be approximately half that at $650,000 and include utilities, maintenance, and capital reinvestment costs.
In September 2025, the Juneau Assembly formally approved the purchase of two floors of the Burns Building (801 W. 10th Street) for use as the new CBJ Municipal facility. The plan structures the arrangement as a condominium association, with CBJ purchasing the first two floors while the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation retains the top floor. The building plans prioritize public accessibility and services, with the new Assembly Chambers being 3,530 square feet (versus 1,929 in the current City Hall) and a larger public counter to better receive and direct inquiries for all departments. The space will function as a one-stop shop for residents to interface with city government.
The total budget to move and consolidate CBJ offices in the Burns Building is $20.5 million. This total cost includes the purchase of 46,000 square feet of commercial office space for $9.3 million and an upfront capital investment fund contribution of $2.7 million (similar to a deferred maintenance fund, to save for future capital project needs).
Interested contractors can find the solicitation and instructions on the CBJ Public Purchase website.
