Somerset County's new Social Services Building features the latest technology, open space, a drop-in center for children and a huge waiting area.
SOMERVILLE -- Nearly everyday for the past two years, Somerset County Freeholder Director Patricia Walsh has monitored the construction of the Senator Walter J. Kavanaugh Social Services Building on High Street in the borough.
Two weeks ago, curiosity finally got the best of her. She had to take a tour.
"I couldn't stand it anymore," said Walsh. "I'm back there watching it and watching it go up. I just had to see it. I met with our County Engineer, Matt Loper, and told him he had to take me on a tour. He did. It's a really nice building.
"It's pretty much done. All the furniture is in. It'll be so nice to get our employees and our clients out of that old, horrible building they're in now. I can't wait for people to get into the building and see it. It's been a long time coming."
In October, 2013, a groundbreaking ceremony was held. Construction didn't begin until 2014. It was expected to take 18 months, barring any major delays, officials said at the time.
Loper said employees are scheduled to begin moving into the new building at the beginning of June. Once everybody has relocated to the new building, the old building will be torn down and converted into a parking area and green space.
"Our staff is definitely very excited," said Dominic Crisall, Somerset County social services director. "Out anticipation level is very high and our clients are looking forward to it as well. Not being in this old building will be a joy. The environment will be much more conducive to us working efficiently."
Crisall said Verizon still hasn't completed its work but he expects everything to be finished in time for the move.
The Somerset County Improvement Authority awarded a nearly $10.3 million contract to Ocean Township-based Benjamin R. Harvey Company, Inc. for construction of the building and demolition of the old building. The winning bid was slightly under budget, said Loper.
The overall cost of the project is projected to be approximately $20 million, which includes architectural expenses and the purchase of properties to build the project, said Loper. The total project appears to be on budget but Loper cautioned that the final bill hasn't been submitted yet.
The new three-story, 42,440-square-foot building has been built on the vacant lot adjacent to the existing five-story, 35,000-square-foot headquarters, a more than 40-year-old structure where the elevators and air conditioning system frequently broke down and the waiting area quickly filled up.
The new state-of-the-art facility has a breath-taking lobby design and includes the latest technology, said Crisall. There is greater work space for employees, more open space and light throughout the building, a larger waiting area, a drop-in center for children while their parents attend training activities and additional private meeting rooms for clients.
Crisall, who said his office has more than 45,000 visitors annually, added that the new building has been fitted with the infrastructure to accommodate new technology as it is developed.
"It's a fantastic building," said Loper. "It's a major improvement on what existed for social services employees and the clients who used the old facility. It's just really exciting that we're almost to that point of completion."
The Somerset County Board of Social Services, which has offices in Somerville, Franklin and North Plainfield, administers public assistance programs, including SNAP benefits (food stamps), general assistance and Medicaid. The agency also provides social services such as housing, case management, employment training, adult protective services and homemaker services.
The new building was named in honor Sen. Walter J. Kavanaugh, a former state legislator who died in 2008. He served in the Assembly from 1976 to 1997 and in the Senate from 1998 to 2008. He was an elected member of the Somerville Board of Education from 1962-1975.
"He did so did so much for Somerville," said Walsh. "He loved it. He was a very compassionate man. We thought naming the building after him would be a nice legacy for him."
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.