Citizen committee presents adaptive‑reuse Civic Center plan, urges G.O. bond

A citizen advisory committee on April 29 presented a conceptual Civic Center plan that would adaptively reuse the Town’s historic 1927 building, consolidate municipal functions into a single two‑story facility and leave room in the site plan for a future fire station if operations can be funded.

Committee chair Jeff Kuhn described the team’s process and said the group unanimously supports the proposal and will assist community outreach if the Council decides to pursue a bond measure. The design team proposed mass‑timber options, improved accessibility, and pursuing LEED Platinum certification to reduce long‑term operating impacts. The committee recommended issuing an RFP in May to select a schematic architect and owner’s representative and conducting a site survey and selective investigations before firm costing.

The committee estimated the project at $22.7 million—about $1,680 per square foot—based on contractor input and an adaptive‑reuse strategy it said reduces demolition and site regrading compared with a prior 2023 concept. The committee presented a preliminary schedule intended to validate costs and, if timing allows, support a November 2026 G.O. bond placement; the group also said a later ballot would be acceptable if schedule or permitting needs require it.

Council members broadly praised the concept but repeatedly pressed staff and the committee for more detailed schematic design, geotechnical work, historic‑preservation coordination, and a clear public‑education plan on what a bond would (and would not) fund. Mayor McMillan said staff should lead contracting and compliance steps while keeping the committee involved in outreach and technical review. The Council did not take final action on amending the Facilities Master Plan; staff and the committee were directed to continue work toward schematic design and cost validation.