The Neighborhood and Community Development Standing Committee voted June 30 to extend a land-bank option agreement for the Dominique Experience, a nonprofit proposing a community center on 11-plus acres at 5211 Parallel Parkway formerly occupied by the segregated Wyandotte Swim Club.

Commissioner Townsend moved the extension and Commissioner Hill seconded; the roll call recorded Commissioners Hill, Ramirez, Townsend and Chair Andrew Davis voting aye. The motion carried.

Speakers for the project described the site and timeline. Debbie Jennings, founder and chair of the Dominique Experience, said the group plans a phased capital campaign and to revive the site's aquatic legacy: "Our plans are to revitalize the land and bring the dream back to life," she said, noting the site's historic role hosting AAU tournaments and Olympic-sized pools.

Janaan Brown, co-founder and vice chair, said the nonprofit seeks to establish a multigenerational center focused on education, wellness and economic mobility. The presentation listed partner organizations and early fundraising: more than $469,000 in in-kind donations to date, a 2024 gala that raised $26,000, architectural renderings produced by Burns & McDonnell, and completed Phase I and II environmental assessments by KDHE and the Unified Government that staff said cleared the 11-plus acres for buildable use.

Project phasing and estimated costs were described to the committee. The presenters outlined an initial capacity-building phase (Phase 1) with an estimated cost of $130,000 to $150,000 and a site-activation/early-development Phase 2 of $150,000 to $500,000; combined Phase 1 and 2 costs were presented as $280,000 to $650,000. A later core construction phase (Phase 3) was presented with an estimated $15million to $25million price tag and a Phase 4 expansion of another $15million to $25million, producing a total project estimate of approximately $30million to $50million.

Stacy Tullavaz of Keller Consulting described a layered fundraising approach that blends public and private grants, earned revenue and corporate sponsorships; she said the group has applied for local grants including the Hollywood Casino community-grant program and noted partnerships with local health and education organizations and with IFF, a nonprofit finance and real-estate adviser.

Committee members praised the proposal's historical and community significance and encouraged continued grant applications and capacity building. Commissioners and staff noted the land-bank policy permits staff discretion to grant up to a two-year extension; the applicants requested a minimum two-year extension. The committee approved the maximum two-year option extension under the land-bank policy.

Why it matters: The project aims to convert a historically segregated recreational site into a multiuse community center with childcare, a gym, aquatic facilities and workforce programming; the extension keeps fundraising and early site work moving while the nonprofit secures additional capital.

Formal action: Motion to extend the land-bank option agreement for two years; motion passed by roll call (Hillaye; Ramirezaye; Townsendaye; Davisaye).