FPRA approves $22,500 concept design for Sunrise Center fourth-floor event venue after questions about next steps

The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency approved a $22,500 authorization for Architects Design Collaborative LLC to prepare a concept plan to convert the fourth floor of the Sunrise Center into a meeting and event venue.

Why it matters: The authorization (consent-agenda item B) was approved after discussion that centered on the limits of a concept plan. Commissioner John Broderick characterized the requested fee as payment for a conceptual floor plan and said it did not include construction-ready documents. He said he would not support moving forward with construction without detailed construction drawings and urged the FPRA to request a follow-up proposal from the same consultant for bid-ready documents before any construction funding decisions.

Cheyenne Harnage, FPRA staff, responded that the $22,500 contract is the first step in a multi-stage process; staff said the project had a budget line of roughly $200,000 and that the consultant is on the city—s continuing services contract and could be engaged to prepare construction drawings after the concept is approved.

The board voted to approve the consent agenda item B (and the broader consent agenda) by roll call; Commissioners Gaines, Taylor, Broderick and Chairwoman Hudson recorded yes votes.

Ending: The FPRA approved the concept-phase design work; commissioners directed staff to return with a follow-up proposal for construction drawings and a clearer scope and cost estimate before authorizing construction spending.