Commission approves Option 2 design for Gadsden County Boys & Girls Club, directs fast-track schedule

The Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to pursue "Option 2" for the new Boys & Girls Club facility, clearing the way for expedited design work aimed at meeting a tight construction timetable.

The decision followed a presentation by Brett Hammond of Hammond Design Group, who summarized committee site visits, two building footprints (a primary ~6,000-square-foot program building and a phased ~10,000-square-foot gym option) and recommended the corner-oriented Option 2. Hammond said consultants were prepared to compress design work and requested a firm direction so construction documents could be issued on an accelerated schedule.

Commissioners asked for clarification about property control and deadlines. Staff explained the parcel is subject to an interlocal agreement with the school board that in practice gives the county operational control while the property remains subject to a limited reversion if no recreational use continues. Hammond said he expected construction documents in mid-to-late March if consultants work overtime, with advertising and contract award planned shortly afterward and potential site work in late June.

Commissioner Alonzetta Simpkins moved to approve Option 2; Commissioner Holt seconded. The motion carried in a roll-call-style vote noted in the record as 5–0.

Why it matters: Approving a design direction lets architects and engineers immediately advance construction documents and permitting. The board acknowledged the schedule’s demands and the likelihood of premium consultant charges to meet compressed deadlines.

What’s next: Staff and the architect said they would meet with consultants and local planners the following morning to finalize the schedule and will return updates to the board as milestones are reached. The architect said he would coordinate any required presentations to the school board if the board’s paperwork requires additional action.