photo by: Journal-World FIle Photo

The west side of Riverfront Plaza is pictured in this file photo from 2012.

A portion of the Riverfront Plaza building is set for a makeover, enabling the city of Lawrence to move some services into the former outlet mall.

As part of its consent agenda Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will consider a contract to renovate a portion of the Riverfront Plaza’s third floor for city use. City staff is recommending a bid from Loyd Builders for the interior renovation of the space, in the amount of $762,700, according to a city staff memo to the commission.

The renovation is the next step in the city’s plans to move into the approximately 21,400-square-foot space, which was previously occupied by Midco communications company. In March, the commission voted unanimously to lease the western part of the building’s third floor for its Planning and Development Department and Municipal Court, which are both currently housed in leased space.

The court is located on New Hampshire Street, and the development division is housed in leased space elsewhere in Riverfront. The move would bring the planning and development divisions of the department into the same space. City staff previously told the commission that the new arrangement would provide about 40 percent more space for planning and development and the court.

The city already owns the land the Riverfront building sits on, and the building itself is owned by the Simons family, the former owners of the Journal-World. The 10-year lease includes a right of first refusal for the city to purchase the building.

The city officially took possession of the leased space on July 1, according to the memo. The city’s bid request for the renovation includes maintenance or replacement of flooring, walls and ceilings, and finishing the area to meet the needs of the city.

The City Commission will convene at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 6 E. Sixth St.