SEQUIM –– A barn-style design said inspired by the bunchgrasses of the Sequim prairie was selected unanimously as the new civic center by the City Council on Monday night.

“It’s a great Christmas present to the city,” Councilman Ted Miller said.

Integrus Architecture and Lydig Construction teamed up on the design of an $11.85 million building that will bring City Hall and the police department for the first time in anyone’s memory.

“I think it’s really the first real police station we’ve ever had,” Mayor Ken Hays said.

The council chose the Integrus/Lydig design over a grey concrete brick design from architects Miller Hull Partnership and contractor BNBuilders.

City Manager Steve Burkett will now finalize a contract with the Integrus/Lydig team. He expected Monday night to bring the council a contract for final approval at a meeting Jan. 6 of next year, but said the deal could be done sooner.

“Our intent is to get a contract worked out this week,” Burkett said.

Lydig intends to begin demolition early in 2014 with an estimated completion date of April 29, 2015.

City offices were moved out of the current City Hall over the weekend.

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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Joe Smillie can be reached at 360-681-2390, ext. 5052, or at jsmillie@peninsuladailynews.com.