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Design firm’s concepts, $750,000 estimate and demolition option fuel debate over Depot in Berkshire Park
Summary
Consultants’ three concept plans for Berkshire Park prompted committee members to press the city for the contract scope, cost estimates and clarity on whether preservation is a priority. A consultant estimate to refurbish the Depot Building was cited at about $750,000; the design team also listed raising or replacing the building as an option.
Members of the Woodland Park Historic Preservation Committee pressed city staff and the consultant team to disclose the scope of work, procurement documents and cost assumptions after seeing three conceptual drawings for Berkshire Park produced by Logan Simpson.
Committee members said Logan Simpson provided three preliminary concepts intended to stimulate public feedback rather than to be final designs. Members expressed concern that the alternatives presented included a modern approach and an option that would remove the existing Depot Building rather than retain or rehabilitate it.
At the advisory discussion, members reported hearing a preliminary price estimate of about $750,000 to refurbish the existing Depot Building. Committee members said that estimate included programming elements such as a potential police substation in earlier concepts and that removing building‑specific program requirements could materially change the cost. Members repeatedly urged staff to provide the Logan Simpson scope of work and the contract/fee amount so the advisory committee could see what deliverables were expected.
Committee members raised site‑specific issues identified by the consultant team—poor drainage around the building and persistent snow accumulation on the north side caused by plowing from the highway—as items that could affect retrofit cost. Several participants framed the issue as a “math” problem: what does it cost to bring the 1980s‑era structure up to code and to meet program needs versus building a new structure that provides a historical tribute.
Public engagement milestones noted during the meeting include an online comment window through June 14 and an open‑house community meeting at the Youth House Cultural Center on June 25 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The committee encouraged members of the public to attend the June 25 open house and to submit comments during the comment window. No formal decision or city appropriation was made during the committee meeting.
Committee members also requested more transparency from city staff about consultant selection and contract administration and asked staff to share the RFP or contract documentation with the advisory committee.
