Senior/recreation center project inches forward
By Grace Lovins
Progress on Birmingham’s new Next/recreation center inched forward at Monday, October 28, after the city commission voted to release a RFP (request for proposals) for a new building design at 400 E. Lincoln, and directed staff to negotiate lease agreements with both the YMCA and Next senior services.
In the works for the last year and a half, city staff and commissioners have been slowly making progress toward establishing Next’s new home that will incorporate programming from the Birmingham YMCA. Monday night’s discussion included a review of the RFP draft language, a further look at the space analysis and funding options, and a public hearing for the rezoning of the property to PP (public property).
Commissioners previously saw the draft RFP during the Monday, October 7, commission meeting during which they provided feedback they wished to see added into the RFP before releasing it for bids. These updates were explained to the commission during a workshop session before the start of Monday’s regular meeting.
Brian Deming, vice president of Kramer Management Group, who is serving as the city’s owner’s representative, said the new draft of the RFP was updated to reflect the commission’s suggestions. The RFP includes parameters for a new building at a maximum cost of $32 million, with a $24 million construction cost, that ranges from 44,500 square feet to 53,000 square feet, including a pool, and has space for Next, the YMCA and the city of Birmingham.
The discussion bounced around, starting off with commissioner Brad Host having concerns over having a special election in May 2025 for a bond related to the development. Much of the discussion, though, focused on the details of the building itself when it comes to space designated to Next and the YMCA.
Cris Braun, director of Next, and Parrish Underwood, president and CEO of YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, told the commission that they are comfortable with the size of the building being between 40,000 and 45,000 square feet. Underwood also said in regards to the pool that they are looking to maintain the size that is in the building currently, which is a 25-meter, five-lane pool at approximately 4,500 square feet.
Throughout the discussion, commissioners emphasized the concern over the financial impact of the development. Commissioners Clinton Baller and Andrew Haig reiterated that the commission should be given the information on Next’s and the YMCA’s operating costs so they will have an idea of what the cost estimates will be for rental and maintenance of a new facility. Baller and Haig asked Kramer Management to provide the information at the next discussion.
While several commissioners agreed that there is still more discussion to be had about the details of the building and its operation, the RFP needs to advance for the project to stay on course.
“I understand the impulse for some to delay, but we are still looking at … a deadline. It’s 11 months later than it was, thank goodness, but it’s still a deadline, and we still need to do something about Next, and there is the opportunity cost from waiting,” said commissioner Therese Longe.
Commissioners ultimately voted 5-1 to adopt a resolution directing city staff to issue the RFP for a final design for a new building and for staff to negotiate leader agreements with Next and the YMCA. Host voted against the motion citing his disapproval of holding a special election for a bond. Mayor Elaine McLain was absent from the meeting, and mayor pro tem Schafer served as interim mayor.
