Johnstown’s planned Senior Center could undergo a significant redesign as the Town prepares for the possibility that Thompson Rivers Parks & Recreation District will withdraw from the project, which is now estimated to cost nearly $15.9 million. The issue is scheduled for discussion during the Johnstown Town Council meeting Monday, Aug. 17, as officials seek direction on how to proceed with the facility planned at Centennial Park. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.
According to the Town’s agenda packet, conversations with Thompson Rivers Parks & Recreation District, or TRPR, indicate the district is “more than likely” to formally terminate its memorandum of understanding with Johnstown. The TRPR board is expected to consider the matter at its own Aug. 17 meeting, occurring the same evening as the Town Council meeting. The Town’s packet does not state that TRPR has formally withdrawn.
The potential change comes as Johnstown also faces a significant increase in the projected cost of the facility. Fransen Pittman, the construction manager/general contractor selected for the project, submitted an initial guaranteed maximum price of approximately $15.05 million for onsite construction and improvements, while an independent estimate commissioned by the Town placed that work at approximately $14.47 million. The difference between the two estimates is about $586,000, or 3.96%.
When off-site improvements such as roadway work, a road east of the project site and utility infrastructure are included, Fransen Pittman’s current total project estimate rises to $15,897,161. The Town originally budgeted $10 million for the project, placing the current estimate nearly $5.9 million above that amount.
TRPR’s Departure Could Change Building Design
The existing design includes a Senior Center in the west wing, space for TRPR in the east wing and a multipurpose activity facility. With Town staff anticipating that TRPR could leave the partnership, officials have developed several options for modifying the building.
One alternative would remove approximately 915 square feet from the east wing while adding roughly 1,000 square feet to the Senior Center side, primarily for additional lounge, gathering and storage space. Town staff estimates those changes could delay the project by about 60 days because they would require a site development plan amendment, additional design and engineering work and an updated construction price.
Another option would preserve the Senior Center’s existing configuration while removing approximately 915 square feet from the east wing. Staff says that approach could be incorporated into the construction drawings without delaying the project. Under each option, staff recommends installing plumbing in the remaining east wing to allow for future restrooms and a breakroom while leaving most of that area unfinished for future Town needs; some walls would still be constructed because they are load-bearing.
Staff Recommends Keeping Senior Center Layout
Town staff is recommending that Council keep the Senior Center portion of the building in its current configuration, eliminate approximately 915 square feet from the east wing and leave the remainder of that wing unfinished. If TRPR formally terminates the memorandum of understanding, the district would be responsible for project design costs incurred to date under the agreement, according to the Town.
Council’s direction Monday would allow staff to complete the construction agreement and continue advancing the project, with Town officials anticipating a construction award could return to Council at a future meeting in September. Monday’s agenda item is not the final construction award; Council is being asked to decide how the building should be configured as the Town prepares for the possibility that TRPR will no longer participate in the project.
