Millbrae Community Center rebuild plans taking shape

The survey is part of a larger community outreach campaign launched by an architectural firm hired to lead to lead the rebuilding effort, which Mayor Reuben Holober said is beginning to gain momentum.

“I’m pleased by the participation and how the plans are starting to come together and the designs are starting to come together,” he said.

Online survey takers are offered three design alternatives ranging in size from 25,000 square feet to 40,000 square feet offering a baseline package of services such as a community room and kitchen, preschool classroom, conference room, lounge and more.

Holober said initial feedback from the roughly 800 responses indicates most residents would prefer the largest center offered which includes additional amenities such as a fitness studio, cafe, game room and gymnasium plus space for as many as 200 parking spaces.

Holober noted though the obvious challenges posed by those seeking additional amenities and square footage — the need for more money.

“As you can imagine, a larger building is more expensive,” he said. “But the sense was this was a unique opportunity we have right now.”

Ultimately the survey results will lead to the architectural firm crafting a proposed project design which officials will consider to approve building.

Time is of the essence as plans develop though, added Holober because construction costs continue to rise across the Bay Area. So those leading the rebuilding effort are interested in moving swiftly under an effort to get more bang for their buck, said Holober.

Initial indications are the new center could cost about $1,000 per square foot, said Holober, which would push the total price tag up to at least the $40 million mark if the larger building is sought.

Officials announced in July the Association of Bay Area Governments, which insured the previous facility, will pay $6.2 million to replace the building which was built nearly 50 years ago.

City Manager Marcia Raines has acknowledged the insurance payout is insufficient to cover the cost of constructing a new, modern facility. To that end, Holober suggested a tax measure may be in order to close the financial gap.

“Nothing has been finalized yet, but that is an avenue we are pursuing,” said Holober, in reference to a potential bond measure. “This is not something we could afford to pay out of the general fund. The costs are just too massive. It’s a big project and we have other big projects going on at the same time.”

As officials examine the sizable project cost, Holober said fees paid by builders seeking to construct large developments near the city’s train station could help ultimately offset some of the city’s financial burden.

In the meantime, officials recently approved a plan to establish a temporary recreation center in a modular office building in a parking lot near City Hall.

Of the $6 million in insurance money already allocated, a majority will pay toward construction costs. About $778,000 will be reserved for assuring building codes are met and nearly $292,000 paid toward demolition and cleanup of the former structure.

Holober said the general consensus in survey feedback is the desire to rebuild the new structure in a fashion similar to the previous facility, emphasizing the building’s relationship with the surrounding park.

The City Council is slated next Tuesday, Oct. 24, to discuss project designs with the community during a study session before officials are offered the opportunity to opine on the merits of the proposals.

As the project designs continue to take shape, Holober said he is heartened to see the community rally around a chance to rebuild a new, vibrant center.

“While we miss the old building, it’s a really exciting opportunity for a new building to be the heart of Millbrae,” he said.

Visit surveylegend.com/s/dp6 to offer feedback on the new center’s preferred design.

austin@smdailyjournal.com

(650) 344-5200 ext. 105