MEDC authorizes conceptual design work for community center; downtown streetscape bids eyed for June
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Summary
MEDC authorized up to $4,000 for conceptual community center designs and heard a downtown streetscape update that aims to solicit bids by April and recommend awards in June, with construction targeted July–October.
The Montgomery Economic Development Corporation on Jan. 20 authorized the city administrator to pursue conceptual design and pricing for a proposed community center and related downtown improvements at a cost not to exceed $4,000.
Staff proposed hiring local designer Tracy Boulware and associates to run a design workshop to explore options that preserve historic facades (retaining street-facing elements while adding an enclosed program space behind) and provide public restrooms, a catering area and flexible assembly space. The design package is intended to produce visuals and conceptual pricing that would inform a future funding decision. A board motion to authorize the city administrator to pursue conceptual design and pricing not to exceed $4,000 was made, seconded and passed by voice vote.
Consultant briefings also outlined the downtown streetscape and McGowan Street project work. The consultant said design documents were obtained, that a geotechnical report is needed, and that landscaping and lighting scopes are scheduled to be complete by March. Staff expects bids for the Phase 1 streetscape work to be prepared by early April, with MEDC consideration of a recommendation to award at its June meeting and council action to follow that month; construction could begin in July and run roughly four months, with an estimated completion near October.
Board members asked for stakeholder representation on the design subcommittee, including historical society members and downtown property owners; staff will schedule a stakeholder workshop and bring back conceptual designs, cost estimates and a recommended procurement timeline.
