RCSC receives Triarc design contract for Mountain View; board signals members, pilots and clubs will face disruptions

The Recreation Centers of Sun City Incorporated has received an initial design contract from Triarc to begin analysis and detailed design work for the Mountain View redevelopment, President Tom Foster said at the Exchange meeting. The board previously selected a member-driven alternative and the contract covers design work only; any decision to spend Property Improvement Fund (PIF) money on design or construction will come to the board for separate approval.

The design phase will analyze options that have been discussed publicly, including whether to keep a flat main floor or adopt slanted or mixed-floor designs. "Triarc will take all of that into consideration when they bring forth alternatives for the board," Foster said. Mike Whitbrood, director of facilities, and the properties committee — chaired by Director Burset and cochaired by Director Steve Collins — will participate in reviewing the documents and providing staff input.

Members at the Exchange pressed the board about how construction would affect activities at Mountain View. "You can do phased construction. It will extend the construction time and increase the cost," Foster said, summarizing the architect's response about staging options. Director Steve Collins cautioned that utility routing at the site could force broader shutdowns: "The power comes in over by the tennis courts. So, it'll be up to the contractor as to how they wanna do this because we can't make them jeopardize safety," Collins said.

Several community groups said they need clarity about timing and interim venues. Karen McAdam asked whether a phased reopening was possible and how long closures would last; board members said answers will come as Triarc develops the phasing options and that phasing remains under investigation. Local theater representatives said rehearsal schedules typically require three to six weeks of rehearsal space and urged the board to explore alternative venues; Tom Swinson and other performers discussed potential temporary sites such as the synagogue or taped-off RCSC spaces for smaller productions.

Board leaders reiterated that the current contract is for design work and that the board will need to review the statement of work and proposed costs carefully before authorizing any PIF expenditures. "Everybody on the management team and everybody on the board needs to be as familiar with these documents as possible so that we make sure the statement of work covers everything that we need," Foster said.

What's next: Triarc will produce alternatives and pros/cons for the Mountain View site; the board and management will review those documents and then the board will consider a vote on design and construction spending. Members were directed to upcoming town halls and opportunities to provide input to the architects.

Provenance: Introduced at 00:06:45 and discussed through public comments on construction phasing and impacts beginning at 00:31:29.