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Commission approves 95% design for Henderson Gym; budget questions remain
Summary
The City Commission approved the 95% design for the Henderson community gym. Designers said retractable bleachers and court layout were refined; commissioners warned construction costs exceed available budget and asked staff for options before construction starts.
The Albany City Commission voted to approve the 95% design for the Henderson Park gymnasium on Monday, advancing the project from design to procurement planning.
The presentation described retractable five‑row bleachers on three sides of the court, a fixed bench area on the fourth side and a minor court shift to maximize usable space. Melissa Crosby, project designer, explained the footprint and seating strategy and said the layouts had been revised to maximize spectator seating without forcing foot traffic across the court.
Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said the project will deliver a community gym but warned the full build is likely to exceed the current budget. Commissioner comments at the meeting asked staff to prepare options — value engineering, alternate materials or phased construction — that would allow the city to build core elements while deferring optional features if necessary.
Vote and follow-up: The commission approved the 95% design. Staff said the design milestone allows the city to obtain firm construction cost estimates; once those estimates are in hand, the commission will decide what features to fund and when construction should begin.
Community context: Commissioners also discussed recognition and naming for community leaders in conjunction with the facility; they asked staff to draft plaque and recognition language for later approval.
Next steps: Staff will return with updated cost estimates and proposed funding or phasing options before authorizing construction.
