In a move that Mercer Island’s City Manager Jessi Bon said is timely, efficient and financially prudent, the city is planning to acquire a commercial office building near the shuttered city hall through eminent domain to address critical facility and operational needs.

The 22,000-square-foot building is located at 9655 SE 36th St. and shares a parcel with the building occupied by Mercer Island Pediatrics, according to a press release. The city has proposed acquiring the building — which was constructed in 1998 — for $9.06 million. Eminent domain is a legal process necessary to facilitate the creation of two distinct parcels.

“Combined with the new Public Safety & Maintenance Facility, currently under design, these buildings will serve as the new home for the departments currently housed in the aging Public Works Building and other departments displaced due to the permanent closure of city hall,” the city said in the release.

According to the city, it will only acquire the 9655 building — located on the southern portion of the parcel — while the northern building will remain with Mercer Island Pediatrics and other businesses. Both parties are cooperating to facilitate the eminent domain process with the property, which is currently owned by EPE 2 LLC. The city added that pending approval of the acquisition, its expects to take ownership of the property by this fall.

The purchase will be funded primarily through existing city reserves, supplemented by limited external financing. The city said these resources reflect years of responsible budgeting, careful revenue forecasting, and prudent spending, meaning no additional taxes or revenue increases are required.

“This purchase ensures we have the necessary space to continue delivering the vital services our community depends on,” said Bon. “This building’s convenient location, functional layout, and long-term potential make it a smart investment for the city’s future.”

Mercer Island City Council will consider the eminent domain ordinance during its July 1 regular meeting.

“This isn’t just about purchasing office space. It’s about reinvesting strategically in our community to ensure we can deliver the level of service residents expect,” said Mayor Salim Nice.

Mercer Island’s city staff anticipated that the first reading of a bond ordinance regarding the financing of a new Public Safety & Maintenance Facility would occur at city council’s June 17 regular meeting, according to city documents.

Council is considering if a bond measure will be placed on the Nov. 4 general election ballot.

The facility, which is planned to be situated on the current city hall campus at 9611 SE 36th St., will replace the existing Public Works Building and provide a new combined home for the city’s Public Works teams — including the maintenance facilities and the maintenance yard — police department, Emergency Operations Center, IT and GIS team and customer service, according to city documents.

“Upon approval of the (facility’s) schematic design and the bond ordinance, project work will shift this summer to focus on preparing for the demolition of city hall, completing the rezone work, and completing the evaluation and recommendation on alternative construction delivery for this project,” the city said.