Construction bidding for the new parking garage, a key component of the $150 million Legislative Hall renovation project in Dover, is scheduled to begin in early 2025.

The ongoing Legislative Hall renovation and expansion project has already seen over $40 million invested, with much more needed to complete the ambitious plans. The project still requires an additional $110 million to fully fund the 350-car parking garage, which will feature an underground tunnel for legislator access, as well as four large meeting spaces.

Philip Conte, Principal in Charge at Studio JAED, the firm overseeing the project, indicated that the parking garage construction bidding will open in the first quarter of 2025. However, he pointed out that the process will differ from the construction for the new addition. “We think the project will start with site work because there is some utility relocation and site work for the garage starting in July of 2025, and at that time, following the close of session, the DelOne Credit Union lot will be closed,” he explained.

This lot will remain closed throughout the project, which is expected to be completed by December 2026.

Construction on the Legislative Hall addition is slated to begin in July 2026, with a projected completion date of July 2028. Due to the project's complexity, Conte plans to employ a construction manager. He also noted that the programming meetings for the project are ongoing to ensure the renovation aligns with the building’s needs. “The additions and renovations will increase public space by 60%. There's about a 30% increase in what we call private space, but the most was in operations and infrastructures, over 70% increase in that space,” he stated.

While the project progresses, Delaware Coalition for Open Government Spokesperson John Flaherty has raised concerns about the project's cost. He questioned whether the expense is justified, particularly considering how infrequently the building is used and the availability of virtual meeting options. Flaherty was the sole speaker during the Legislative Building Committee’s public comment period, voicing his concerns over the financial burden of the project.