Hibbing council approves $1.93 million window replacement for historic City Hall

Hibbing's City Council voted Feb. 20 to approve a guaranteed maximum price of $1,933,458 for a window replacement project at the city's historic City Hall, advancing what officials described as a major preservation and maintenance effort for the landmark municipal building. Construction is expected to begin this spring, with substantial completion targeted for Nov. 1.

City Services Director Nick Arola presented the guaranteed maximum price to council members during the meeting and the project was described in council materials as a sizable preservation and maintenance effort for the historic building. Funding for the work will come from previously budgeted city dollars, a Minnesota Historical Society grant and other local sources, though the council packet did not list dollar amounts tied to each source.

The window approval was one item on a broader consent agenda that passed unanimously. The consent agenda included accounts payable and payroll claims totaling $3,249,338.39; the renewal of the city's workers' compensation insurance policy, which reflected savings due to an improved modification factor; transfer of proceeds from the sale of 111 E. Seventh Ave. into the land acquisition fund; allocation of $166,989.56 in 2024 EMS aid payments for debt service on the North Star Ambulance; and authorization to hire full-time and lead equipment operators.

Council members also approved an extension of a purchase agreement with the Hibbing Housing and Redevelopment Authority tied to the Mahoning Manor Project, part of the broader Greenhaven Apartments redevelopment initiative. The extension gives the HRA additional time to complete financing, bidding and closing for Phase 2, a planned 48-unit workforce housing development. The city is contributing the project site and has committed to necessary road and utility improvements as well as environmental remediation, and officials said the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board has contributed significantly to both phases.

Community Development Director Betsy Olivanti placed the Greenhaven effort in larger context, saying "the total replacement of deteriorating Greenhaven Apartments, including the Cobb Cook Place development, is approximately $52 million." City materials also note that groundbreaking for Phase 1 is anticipated in spring 2026.

With the GMP approved and funding sources identified, Hibbing officials have set a timetable that positions City Hall window work to start this spring and aim for completion by Nov. 1, while parallel planning and financing continue on the multi‑phase Greenhaven replacement and Mahoning Manor workforce housing project.