City Hall getting facelift after rock falls

A problem at Maricopa City Hall has become more and more noticeable in the past few weeks.

The rock face of the building, one of its most distinguishing physical features, has been peeling off in pieces because it was improperly installed. A blood-red surface has been showing through the exterior where the rock has fallen.

Staff members have recounted having to watch their step around the walls. Now a repair project is underway.

“The repairs will be covered under the building warranty so there will be no additional cost to the city,” Assistant to the City Manager Jennifer Brown said.

The project is expected to take 10-12 weeks. A temporary, protected walkway will be up to allow access to the building.

“During this project business at City Hall will be conducted as usual,” said Public Works Director Bill Fay. “We have scheduled the noisy portions of the work during non business hours to ensure the public can have full access to City services.”

The building in the plaza on White and Park Road has been in use since September 2013. Oakland Construction was the primary contractor for the $15 million building.

The stone sheets used for its unique exterior were installed without consideration for expansion and retraction. As a result, they became destabilized over time and temperature changes.

The new project will include quarter-inch expansion joints between the stone sheets on the 45,000-square-foot building.