Commission and architect spar over fairgrounds master plan scope, cost and siting

The Torrance County Commission and Studio Southwest Architects clashed Aug. 14 over a draft master plan for the county fairgrounds after commissioners said the plan did not match the on-site concept they previously discussed.

Grants Administrator Amanda Lujan presented an overview of funding available for fairgrounds improvements totaling several appropriations across fiscal years. Architect Laurie Anderson described the draft layout, noting it was prepared before a full geotechnical survey and detailed topographic information were available. "This is a draft. We wanted to be able to present this and have some further discussion," Anderson said, adding that the firm had waited for surveys and geotechnical reports that arrived recently.

Commissioners said the draft diverged from the L-shaped, multiuse-arena concept they had laid out during an on-site meeting. "This doesn't even resemble what was discussed," Commissioner Kevin McCall said. Chairman Ryan Schwebach asked the firm to rework the scheme using the Commission’s on-site GPS marks and produce revised sketches in short order. The architect agreed to deliver a corrected sketch by the end of the week and to continue schematic work under the existing $41,070 design contract.

Commissioners emphasized phasing: build a core multiuse building that could be expanded and preserve or re-purpose existing barns rather than wholesale demolition. Grants staff said multi-year appropriations totaling several million are tied to the county's Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan and that the project will be advanced in phases as funding is available.