Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture presented to Tumwater City Council on Tuesday, Jan. 28, early programming and layout plans for a proposed community center.
City staff has narrowed their choices for the facility’s location to three sites: an airport property off Tumwater Boulevard, which they are calling as the “airport site,” the old brewery site, and the former Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) office on Capitol Boulevard.
The city previously considered supporting YMCA for a similar facility at the proposed Salish Landing development by Bar Holdings LLC on Old Highway 99, but council members commented that the site was too far.
For each of the three locations, Corey Wilkerson, a project manager from the firm, showed at least three layout plans depending on how much the city would want to spend on the facility.
An 115,211-square-foot version of the community was estimated to cost $67 million, a 74,014-square-foot facility would cost $45 million, while a 40,750-square-foot community center would cost $25 million.
Wilkerson noted the cost estimates do not include land acquisition expenses nor leasing, as well as mitigation and demolition work because the brewery and WSDOT sites were used for industrial purposes.
All three versions propose space for an administration office, lobby and support space, a locker space, universal change rooms, as well as expansion space for a future swimming pool.
Both the large and medium versions would have the following:
The primary difference between the large and medium versions is that the large setup would have seven to eight high school basketball courts depending on the location, while the medium setup would have three courts.
The smallest setup would have two courts and an elevated walk or jogging track in terms of the available fitness facilities. The size of the classroom and events hall would also be reduced, while a child watch and an outdoor patio would not be included.
The amenities were chosen based on a survey that asked what people wanted from the community center, as well as discussions with city staff and a steering committee.
The firm will meet again with city staff and the steering committee in February and April to continue the discussions about the programming of the facility.
Of the three potential sites, Wilkerson said that the WSDOT site “takes the top spot,” followed by the airport site, and then the brewery site.
Wilkerson noted they haven’t selected a site to formally proceed with as they are still considering their options. He mentioned they have a list of criteria, but did not elaborate as to why the WSDOT site was the top pick.
During a different portion of the presentation where Wilkerson discussed factors that would affect the project’s cost, Wilkerson noted the WSDOT site already has nearby utility connections.
Mayor Debbie Sullivan added that the site has the best access to public transit services among the three sites.
The disadvantage of choosing the site is it would need to be mitigated for industrial use, while the building needs to be demolished. The construction of roadway improvements is another factor due to the traffic volume in that part of Capital Boulevard.
As for the airport site, the biggest challenge is that the city would first need to complete its habitat conservation plan before it could develop the area.
The brewery site has the most cost factors to consider. It would need utility connections, flood protection measures, mitigation work, demolition and road access that may involve the construction of viaducts.
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Bigjules
That old brewery site could be addressed in phases.
The first to tear down, then clean up then rebuild.
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