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Albert Lea council approves design work for proposed new senior center
Summary
The council authorized up to $14,000 for design work to develop a proposed senior center relocation, advancing plans that staff say are driven by accessibility problems, roof and plumbing issues at the current Skyline Plaza site and a lease that expires at year-end.
The Albert Lea City Council on April 13 voted to authorize design work for a proposed new senior center and directed that any city expenses for the design come from Fund 406 (building maintenance) if fundraising falls short. The resolution authorizes a design contract with Wold Architects and caps design spending at $14,000.
Kathy Malakowski, speaking for the recreation department and the senior center, told council members the current facility at Skyline Plaza is showing significant physical problems — nonworking automatic doors in the past, roof leaks that saturate ceiling tiles during storms, and sewer backups because the center sits at the end of a private sewer line. "Every time I see someone struggling with a walker or who's carrying an oxygen tank, I always think we need to do better by our senior citizens," Malakowski said.
Staff reviewed three proposals in response to an RFP. Staying at Skyline Plaza would avoid remodeling costs but leaves unresolved accessibility, parking and roof concerns and the city currently pays $4,150 a month under the existing lease. A space offered by the Albert Lea Healthcare Coalition would cost about $5,200 a month and likely require higher remodeling costs. The recommended site, a Jim and Dudes property on Southeast Broadway, offers about 6,000 square feet, accessible parking and the landlord has proposed fronting remodel costs to be repaid under a long-term lease; remodel estimates discussed ranged widely from roughly $200,000 to $540,000.
Malakowski said the design step is needed to produce reliable construction estimates and a financing plan, which could include the landlord payback approach, bonding, or grants. She noted the senior center has identified about $10,000 in pledged donations toward the design and that the center intends to engage in fundraising.
Councilor Herman moved to approve the resolution, Councilor Anderson seconded, and the motion passed by voice vote. City manager staff said the motion should document Fund 406 as the source for any city-paid portion of the design cost if needed. The council did not commit to a construction approach; staff will return with construction estimates and a recommended financing approach if the council authorizes moving forward after design completion.
Next steps: staff will execute the design contract, collect more precise construction estimates, and report back to council with financing recommendations before committing to construction.
