Weatherford commission selects GSB Architects to advance proposed community center

The City of Weatherford approved hiring GSB Architects to provide architecture and engineering services for a proposed Weatherford Community Center that would include a YMCA-managed aquatic complex.

Mayor Mike Brown described the selection as a cost-saving measure: staff presented GSB's A&E proposal, which they said would be roughly $1 million to $2 million less than other proposals because much preliminary work was already available from partner projects. Brown said the YMCA has launched a fundraising campaign and that the project currently has an estimated funding shortfall.

Commissioners pressed staff for financial and operational details before the project advances to bid. Commissioner Warren Goldman asked for regular progress reports and requested information about expected YMCA payroll, building maintenance costs and utility projections so commissioners can evaluate long-term fiscal exposure. Brown said staff will return with updates and that the city expects to be roughly 80% funded before entering full procurement and bidding.

A timeline provided in the presentation estimated three to four months to finalize design documents before bidding and about 18 months for construction; Brown said his hope is for completion before 2027 but noted procurement and construction timelines are estimates.

What happens next: City staff will report periodic updates to the commission, provide clearer cost and operating projections from the YMCA, and return (before bidding) with funding status and any recommended appropriations.