Project Manager Wayne Kohlrust, right, with the architect from NCA Architects in Albuquerque briefed Council this evening on the Teen Center final design concept and Community Building upgrades project and requested a budget increase to install public restrooms for Ashley Pond Park. Screen Shot/LAC

Staff Report:

Council unanamously approved the Teen Center final design concept and Community Building upgrades and a budget revision of $200,000 to construct a public restroom addition to support Ashley Pond Park activities.  This $200,000 revision increases the total Teen Center project to $4.2 million. This revision increases the expenditure budget in the CIP Fund-Teen Center Project and decreases fund balance in that fund.

In March 2013, Council approved the Teen Center Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project to be located in the existing Community Building at 475 20th St. on the east side of Ashley Pond. Prior to this approval, the Teen Center CIP Project Phase 1 study proposed a much larger facility adjacent to the Smart House on the south side of Trinity Dr. Due to Council direction reducing the scope of all proposed CIP projects in early 2012, in May 2012 Council approved a revised Teen Center Project – $4 million total project budget and utilizing lease space at Central Park Square.

Ultimately lease negotiations were not successful leading to the Community Building as the final approved location. The project budget remains $4 million for the construction portion of the budget. The proposed restroom addition is estimated to be an additional $200,000.

NMSU Cooperative Extension and the Forest Service have moved to temporary quarters in the abated areas of the building and will remain there until Spring 2015. LA Cares has completed its move to the lower level.

Project Manager Wayne Kohlrust told Council that the plan is to award the project in January, begin construction in March and finish the project by August.