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Anonymous donor pledges $100,000 to new Edgerton City Hall project

Photo

Eppstein Uhen Architects

An artist’s preliminary drawing shows what the new Edgerton City Hall could look like.Voters approved spending $1.2 million in June for a new City Hall on the site of a parking lot next to the existing building at 12 Albion St.

EDGERTON — Thanks to an anonymous donor, the $1.2 million Edgerton City Hall project just got bumped up to $1.3 million.

The donor has pledged $100,000 for the project with the condition that the money be used for improvements not included in the project.

At the donor’s request, the donation will pay for energy-saving improvements such as solar panels and a geothermal heat pump.

City Administrator Ramona Flanigan said that could trigger new grants and other energy incentive programs.

“We’ve got some great people who know all the programs well, and we’ll be taking a long look at other opportunities,” Flanigan said.

Edgerton’s existing City Hall is more than 100 years old, and the city installed wooden beams last winter to support walls that were deteriorating from water damage.

Last June, residents approved a referendum to spend up to $1.2 million on a new City Hall.

Design work is continuing, and construction could start in May.

Flanigan said the new elements will join other energy-reducing technologies to give the building a minimal carbon footprint. It’s possible the new building could produce as much electricity as it consumes.

In addition to reduced operating costs and emissions, the new building could be a model for others interested in energy sustainability.

Renewable materials and energy-conserving features will be highlighted throughout the building, conveying to visitors and potential investors that the community believes in its future by supporting responsible long-term investments, Flanigan said.

“This is wonderful news for the city,” said Casey Burns, chairman of the city hall design committee. “It’s very nice that people have come forward to do this and help our community.”