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Oak Park releases RFP for community center construction manager; Event Hub and park projects proceed
Summary
City staff issued an RFP for a construction manager for the new community center and reported steady progress on Event Hub, Shepherd Park, Tyler Park and 11 Mile parking-lot work; council approved related final and interim pay requests.
Oak Park city staff told the council Sept. 15 they have issued a request for proposals for construction-manager services on the planned indoor community center and expect construction manager selection in early November, with design work beginning in early 2026.
Deputy City Manager and Director of Municipal Services Dave DeCoster said, “Today, we sent out an RFP for construction manager services on that project.” He told council the city plans to onboard a construction manager in early November, then issue an RFP for architectural and engineering services, move into a roughly one-year design period in early 2026 and aim to have construction documents ready for bid in early 2027.
Council and staff also received project updates and approved several related pay applications during the meeting. Public Works staff reported the Event Hub project is roughly 15% complete, with structural steel erected and welding ongoing. “The hub is approximately 15% complete,” DeCoster said. The council approved pay application No. 3 and change order No. 1 for the Event Hub — $630,516.86 and $41,008.33, respectively — as presented by staff.
Staff said the steel for the band shell is expected to be erected in early- to mid-October and that contractors are working to enclose the Event Hub by winter so interior finishes can proceed under climate control. The masonry and structural trades continue work as material deliveries allow.
Other projects: Shepherd Park construction is progressing (roofing and utilities in place; play equipment deliveries slated later in the year), and work on Tyler Park remains on schedule for a spring 2026 start. Staff said the Western 11 Mile parking lot pavement work is underway and the overall parking-lot program is expected to be substantially complete by early–mid December; the planned mural has been postponed until spring to avoid construction dirt and weather impacts.
The council also approved final pay application No. 8 and a balancing change order for the AMEL Boulevard booster station rehabilitation project: final payment of $16,020 and a negative change order of $6,480, which staff described as a contract balancing item.
Why it matters: The projects — the community center, Event Hub, park improvements and parking-lot work — are key elements of Oak Park’s capital program and are funded through previously approved capital sources. City officials said the schedule aims to deliver year-round recreation (an indoor pool and track) and more usable event space at the Event Hub.
What’s next: Staff will review construction-manager proposals in October and expects to return to council with a recommendation in early November. Event Hub and park contractors continue site work; staff said residents should expect more visible activity on 11 Mile in the coming weeks.
