Council debates RFP versus demolition for former Women’s Club on Lake Jackson

Councilors spent an extended discussion on April 7 weighing whether to issue an RFP to reuse the former Women’s Club building (purchased by the city in 2019) or to demolish the structure and expand parking at Lake Jackson.

Staff told council that demolition would cost far less than renovation and that the building would require substantial interior work, particularly restroom and accessibility upgrades. Council members noted heavy weekend parking demand around the lake and said any new business at the site would likely add pressure to parking and circulation. One councilor estimated a remodel could be “an easy three to 400,000” dollars and said demolition would be a fraction of that cost.

Public commenter Jeff Carlson urged the city to avoid creating curb cuts on U.S. 27 and to clarify how long staff’s capacity and service assurances in staff reports remain valid. The applicant/developer who joined remotely, Alex Guzme, said FDOT will review any requested driveway connections and issue an access permit only if spacing and safety requirements are met.

Council directed staff to take three steps: investigate a parking‑lot layout for the grass lot adjacent to the building, obtain an estimate for demolition costs, and determine whether an engineer/site plan is needed before issuing an RFP. Council agreed that if an RFP produces no acceptable proposals, the city will proceed to demolition and convert the parcel to parking. Staff estimated returning with findings in approximately 30 days.

Quotes from the meeting include a councilor’s remark that renovation would be costly: “It’s an easy three to 400,000,” and the direction to test market interest: “put out the RFP and see what we get.”