Alief Independent School District officials presented an update Tuesday on planning for renovation of the Nest Natatorium, saying the district has set aside $7 million for the project and has re-engaged AutoArch architects to develop design and permit documents.

The project is intended to modernize the 37,000-square-foot facility so it meets current Americans with Disabilities Act standards for locker rooms and restrooms, improves mechanical and aquatic equipment and adds building upgrades that would make the natatorium more usable for students and the community.

Why this matters: Trustees and staff described the project as both a student-activity investment and an opportunity to create shared community recreation space. Administrators emphasized the plan to involve Alief Super Neighborhood representatives on the project advisory team so community needs can be considered during design.

Project status and scope details
- Budget: The board packet contains a corrected allotment of $7,000,000 for the Natatorium renovation; staff explained a prior board note mistakenly referenced $10,000,000 and that budget adjustments tied to other projects required the $7 million figure.
- Site and scope: The facility is approximately 37,000 square feet. Planned work focuses on ADA-compliant restrooms and locker rooms, roof and structural repairs as needed, mechanical-electrical-plumbing (MEP) upgrades, and potential dehumidification system installation. Staff said aquatic equipment will be evaluated and replaced if required.
- Schedule: Staff described a planning and design timeline of about 16 to 18 months to complete design, permitting and bid documents, with construction estimated at six to eight months once work begins. Staff noted permitting timelines can be extended by city permitting reviews.
- Project team and outreach: AutoArch (architect) has been re-engaged and contracts are in legal review. The district will form a superintendent'level project advisory team that will include representatives from Alief Super Neighborhoods and the facilities/construction staff.

Funding and community access
- Staff said the district previously pursued a precinct-level grant and other partner funding for ancillary site improvements and trails but did not receive the award; trustees and staff said they will continue to seek county or partner support so the complex can better serve the broader neighborhood in evenings and weekends.

Staffing and program management
- During the presentation the district introduced Summer Najir as a new project manager on the capital projects team; staff said she will monitor the bond program manager and coordinate project deliverables.

Clarifying details
- Contract status: auto-architect engagement is in process; the draft contract was under attorney review at the time of the report.
- Parking and site constraints: staff noted removal of portable buildings and reconfiguration of parking and pedestrian access may be part of a larger site solution; these items will be refined during design.

Ending
Officials said they will hold initial advisory-team meetings and proceed with schematic and design phases while continuing to pursue partnership funding for expanded site amenities and community access.