Primary Department: County Engineer
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Milton Rahman, PhD, P.E., PMP, CFM, ENV SP, County Engineer
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official: Not applicable
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Public Necessity
Project ID (if applicable): 24035MF36Q01
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Any applicable landowner and/or property interest holder
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): Not applicable
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): Not applicable
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Not applicable
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request for approval of a certain project, decreeing the project to be a public necessity and convenience, directing the Harris County Real Property Division to acquire, one (1) fee simple tract for the public project known as Riverside Health and Safety Complex - New Construction - 2023, for the purpose of construction of an administrative building and new parking center for Public Health, UPIN 24035MF36Q01, Precinct 1.
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Background and Discussion:
On March 13, 2018, Commissioners Court authorized the purchase of Riverside General Hospital located at 3204 Ennis Street, Houston, Texas 77004. The project is backed by grant funding from Houston Endowment for the purchase of the original Riverside General Hospital historic site with three buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. If this project is approved to go forward as requested, it is anticipated that the site will be the new headquarters for Harris County Public Health (HCPH) and the ACCESS Harris initiative that will bring valuable preventative care and wrap-around services to the Third Ward community. On August 10th, 2021, Commissioners Court approved Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Investigations Unit to be included in the permanent design for a new facility at the Riverside Campus. Previous projects include (Phase 1) the abatement of all existing buildings and demolition of non-historic buildings, (Phase 2) the restoration of the historic Riverside General Hospital building to operate the ACCESS Harris initiative, (Phase 2) the renovation of the historic Nursing School and Utility Building to be community engagement centers, and (Phase 3) the design and construction of a new building and parking garage to be the new headquarters for Public Health. Phase 1 was completed in 2019. Phase 2 is in progress and expects to advertise for bid in Q1 of 2024. This Investment memo is for Phase 3a which includes professional services for the design of the new headquarters complex. Phase 3b will include Construction and will be submitted in a future FIM.
Expected Impact:
Complementary to our vision for progress is our tribute to our community’s past. As HCPH develops its long-term plans to relocate its main office to this campus in Houston’s historic Third Ward, it seeks to create an environment that combines a forward-thinking vision with the neighborhood’s extensive history. By providing new buildings which are compatible with the original Hospital’s historic architecture and celebrating its history, and the Third Ward community, we will unify our past, present, and future achievements into one rich tapestry. The success of the project will be measured through:
-Preserving the cultural significance of this campus by providing much needed HCPH accommodation which is compatible with the restored historical structures and revitalizing the site with a major employer.
-Long term reduction of health inequity and disparities associated with increased community engagement and direct service activities.
-Lowering long-term costs by consolidating the core of HCPH administration in one location.
Alternative Options:
If this request for purchase is not approved, the County will be unable to move forward with this new campus for Public Health, Public Health’s comprehensive care model partners, and HCSO Investigations Unit. HCPH administrative office will remain in different locations. There will not be additional clinics which provide important preventive care medical services to being deployed in the Third Ward community. A location for HCSO Investigations Unit will have to be identified and constructed.
Maintaining administrative services at 1111 Fannin Building and developing a mobile services platform for the Riverside community is another alternative, but this would include the purchase or lease of mobile unit vehicles, a facility to store the vehicles, and additional resources to accomplish. Community partnerships would be at a disadvantage in this model due to a lack of office space and direct access to the community. 1111 Fannin Building by nature is a secure building and does not lend itself to public interface activities, limiting public outreach, community engagement, and direct community service delivery.
County Strategic Plan Goal: 4. Improve physical and mental health outcomes across all communities.
County Strategic Plan Objective: S: Equitably reduce the health, economic, and other impacts of climate change and disasters.
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): N/A
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): N/A
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): N/A
Health Initiative (Goal 4): O3: Increase utilization of health-related public benefits.
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): N/A
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): U2: Undergo planning process for fast-tracking capability.
Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:
Prior Court Action (if any):
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Date |
Agenda Item # |
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Action Taken |
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3/13/2018 |
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Request for authorization to work with the Office of the County Engineer to investigate the feasibility of a joint Riverside General Hospital project with Houston Endowment. |
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11/10/2020 |
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Public Necessity |
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8/10/2021 |
21-4129 |
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Request for approval that the Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division be included in the permanent design for a new facility at the Riverside Campus. |
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11/30/2021 |
21-4655 |
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Public Necessity |
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10/31/2023 |
74 |
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Public Necessity |
Location:
Address (if applicable): 3217 Delano St., Houston, TX 77004
Precinct(s): Precinct 1
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Anticipated Court Date: 11/13/2025
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): Click or tap to enter a date.
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Dr. F. Mike Etienne, Chief of Planning and Development Services, Office of the County Engineer
Attachments (if applicable): Findings and Declarations; Survey Map