The City of Seldovia is looking to revamp its community building and is soliciting proposals from firms who want to help them do it. The stated goal of the project is to improve the quality of life for “low and moderate-income residents” in the community by preventing and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to bid documents, the centrally located multipurpose building was built in 1979 to support the Seldovia Public Library. Multiple additions have since been made to the building, including a multipurpose room used for city council meetings, the city’s Senior Meals Program and other community events, bid documents say.

The same building also houses Seldovia’s volunteer fire and emergency services team, the Seldovia Police Station and holding cells, and a group of affordable office spaces reserved for local businesses under the city’s “Seldovia Space” building. All of the services offered within the building, bid documents say, were disrupted during the pandemic.

“The building is a critical component of the community, supporting the community’s elders, library patrons, local economic development/entrepreneurship efforts of small businesses, and first responder/emergency services,” bid documents say.

In revamping the building, documents say, the city hopes to demonstrate Seldovia’s resilience and ability to turn COVID challenges into opportunities to positively impact the community.

Work the city needs done at the building includes replacing inoperable windows, improving plumbing, installing touchless features in public restrooms, installing restroom exhaust fans and upgrading thermostats.

Seldovia is soliciting proposals for the project through 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 17. More information can be found on the city’s website at cityofseldovia.com.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.