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Committee advances $5 million “light touch” plan for Community Complex and seeks architects
Summary
The Building and Grounds Committee voted to begin a qualifications process for architects after Lose Designs proposed a $5 million ‘light touch’ plan that could add a 50,000 sq ft covered arena and a 13,000 sq ft event space; public commenters and event organizers said expanded, covered space would boost attendance and county revenue.
The Cumberland County Building and Grounds Committee voted May 11 to seek qualifications for architectural services to advance a roughly $5 million “light touch” renovation of the Community Complex that could include a 50,000-square-foot covered arena and a 13,000-square-foot event space.
The proposal came from Marc and Kiersten of Lose Designs, who presented options that prioritize modest structural upgrades while adding utilities and ventilation for a covered arena. The committee approved a motion to move forward with a request for qualifications after Sue made the motion and Karen seconded; no members opposed.
Public comments preceding the vote emphasized demand and economic benefit. Danny Smith, president of the Cumberland County Fair Board, urged the committee to move quickly and said upgrades would allow the fair to continue growing. Dave Kennedy of Crossville Cruisers told the panel a covered arena would make car shows usable in rainy weather. Bob Schwartz, who represents the Cumberland County Gun and Knife Show, said his event generates the most revenue of the Complex’s events and that a larger space would enable expansion. Gary Winningham, who organizes local truck and tractor pulls that benefit FFA chapters, said rain currently forces cancellations and that proceeds are donated to Cumberland County High School and Stone Memorial High School FFA programs. Angela Ludwig of Center Hill Events & Promotions said her events bring 10,000 to 15,000 guests and that expanded space would allow more vendors and lodging-related revenue for the county.
The committee’s action was procedural authorization to solicit architectural qualifications; it did not award a contract or set final design details. Committee members and presenters discussed the conceptual budget and features but did not adopt design-specific scope or a construction schedule during the meeting.
Votes at a glance
• Motion to seek qualifications for architecture services to advance Community Complex master plan: mover — Sue; second — Karen; outcome — approved with no opposition.
Provenance: The proposal and public comment appear in committee discussion recorded in the meeting transcript beginning with Lose Designs’ presentation and public comments in SEG 002.
Next steps: The committee authorized a qualifications solicitation; staff and the procurement process will determine the RFQ timeline and subsequent steps.
