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Renton committee hears progress update on Don Pearson Senior Activity Center renovation
Summary
City staff told the committee that senior programs have continued at the Renton Community Center while construction proceeds, that a Buy America waiver has delayed some work, and that the project budget remains about $3.4 million with roughly $1.1 million unspent.
The committee heard an update on the Don Pearson Renton Senior Activity Center renovation and how staff have maintained services during construction. Alex Lee of Parks and Recreation said staff moved programs—including fitness classes and the lunch/Meals on Wheels partnership with Sound Generations—to the Renton Community Center and relocated the bridal program to the Kennydale Lions Park building so seniors could continue to access programming.
"Rather than pause operations during the project we've adapted our programming," Lee said, adding that senior center staff and guest services are now based at the community center so seniors see familiar faces. Lee reported that, comparing May 1 to July 21 of 2025 and 2026, program titles remained steady while fitness registrations increased and coffee-bar participation rose.
Alicia Smothers provided the construction and budget update, saying the project was bid in March 2026, notice to proceed issued April 16, 2026, and construction began in April. Staff now anticipate in-construction work through January 2027 with final closeout in February 2027; Smothers said the schedule lengthening is primarily tied to a federal Buy America/Build America waiver request. She summarized the budget as roughly $3.4 million total, about $2.3 million expended or encumbered and approximately $1.1 million remaining, and noted about $1.2 million came from a HUD grant.
The committee asked about outreach and cost impacts. Staff said the city updated its website and sent letters to seniors, plans a senior-advisory-board presentation and a community Q&A, and that expedited mechanical fees have already added "at least about $100,000" to date. No formal motions or votes were taken.
