Drilling to test soil for new Whitefish City Hall

Contractors for the city of Whitefish today will begin drilling test holes behind City Hall to check the depth of bedrock and soil composition in preparation for the construction of a new City Hall and parking garage.

Two drilling rigs will be set up behind City Hall and parking will be closed off in much of that area throughout the weeklong project, according to Whitefish City Manager Chuck Stearns. Test holes to 75 feet and 150 feet will be completed to investigate the soil.

The drilling will continue through Tuesday, Nov. 18 — including the weekend — with work beginning at 8 a.m. each day and ending at 6 p.m.

Whitefish plans to build an office and parking structure that may cost up to $14.6 million if all of the options are selected, including a full basement, a third floor and space for retail shops on the perimeter of the parking structure.

Last month City Council members indicated they want to construct a full basement as part of the building. However, most council members said they needed more information before making a final decision on including a third floor, which likely would house a staff break room and a community room. 

The council seemed to favor including retail space as part of the parking garage.

In addition, the council said it wanted more vetting of preliminary designs for the interior layout. The City Hall committee is working through that process.