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Doral approves architectural and construction management contracts for Central Park parking garage and recreation building
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Summary
Council approved awards for architectural/engineering services and construction management at‑risk for a proposed three‑level, ~532‑space parking garage and adjacent ~24,000 sq ft recreation building at Doral Central Park, with projected design, permitting and construction timelines and initial revenue estimates presented.
The Doral City Council voted Feb. 18 to advance design and construction for a proposed Central Park parking garage and adjacent recreation/entertainment building, actions that clear the way for the city to complete design work and later return with construction pricing.
City staff and the capital improvements division presented a concept plan for a three‑level parking structure that would provide roughly 532 spaces, two vehicle access points, reversible traffic flow for events and a dedicated drop‑off for the city trolley. The concept includes nine rooftop pickleball courts and a two‑level, approximately 24,000‑square‑foot recreation and event building. Lazaro, the city’s capital projects division chief, said the design assumes precast concrete construction to speed assembly.
Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Fernando Casamayor presented preliminary financial projections showing an estimated $2.4 million in annual parking revenue at 65% average occupancy and an estimated $2.0 million a year in debt service under current interest assumptions. Casamayor said the city expects an operating deficit in the first operating year but projected net positive cash flow thereafter, with long‑term net revenue over decades.
Council discussed funding approaches, with staff explaining the city would issue a special obligation debt (not a general‑obligation bond that would require a voter referendum) and may pledge parking and/or general‑fund revenues. Council members pressed for careful oversight of design and construction to avoid the delays seen in prior projects; one councilmember voted against the motion to award design services, and one voted against the construction management award, while both motions carried.
What happens next: The city will negotiate agreements with the selected architectural firm (top‑ranked Kimberly Horn and Associates) and the top construction management firm (Kaufman Link Construction) and proceed with design. Pricing for construction will return to council after the design is complete and bidding/GM P development occurs.
