WESTBOROUGH – On Thursday, Aug. 29, a special joint meeting hosted by the Select Board, Council on Aging and Recreation Commission gave residents a better idea of what could go into the community center on Union Street, and the possible cost.
Based on input from public sessions and a survey that drew 1,100 responses, Joel Bargmann, principal with Bargmann, Hendrie + Archetype Inc. (BH+A), presented the following conceptual designs:
Alternative 1 – minimum space requirements. There would be minimal work on the second floor (where the Recreation Department will be); no internal connection with the first floor; and no buildout other than the Senior Center and the Recreation Department. This plan would include offices, a kitchen and program rooms, with 8,000 square feet for a future buildout, on the first floor; for the second floor, a refurbished pool and 10,000 square feet for a future buildout.
Alternative 2 – preferred space requirements. This would include a common entry with internal connection; and an area for a polling station and inexpensive activities within the Senior Center space. This plan could include the addition of a 4,000-square-foot auditorium and a pop-up space on the first floor; and an open play room on the second.
Alternative 3 – optimal space requirements. This would include a black box theater and more programming space for both floors. In this plan, there could be a billiard room and low-impact exercise room for the first floor; and the same features for the second floor as in Alternative 2.
Bargmann also presented a fourth option that consolidates the three alternatives.
He said the designs attempted to answer some of the top demands made by residents, like dedicated spaces for seniors and veterans.
The possible costs
According to Bargmann, the preliminary total project costs for Alternative 1 would be $11.5 million for construction; $15.5 million after factoring in costs for an architect, owners project manager, etc. Alternative 1 would include $8 million for the senior center; $1 million for the Recreation Department; $1 million for a new centralized elevator and connecting stair; $500,000 for required maintenance and repairs; and $400,000 for swimming pool renovations.
Bargmann pointed out that additional funds would need to be set aside for future maintenance, such as roof and HVAC replacement.
For Alternative 2, construction costs are estimated at $17 million to $18 million, with a total project cost of $22 million to $23 million.
For Alternative 3, construction costs are estimated at $20 million to $21 million, with total project costs at $24 million to $25 million.
Town officials, including Town Manager Kristi Williams, said some funds would be available to help offset the potential costs, including a possible sale of the Senior Center on Rogers Road.
There could also be potential savings from a new kitchen. Because the center could serve as an emergency shelter, the kitchen (a requirement for a shelter) could draw some state grants.
Possible alternatives
Members of the Select Board pointed out that even if no plan is approved at Town Meeting, the community center still belongs to the town, and the Recreation Department will be moving into the second-floor space this fall.
Chair Patrick Welch said if that situation arises, the approach could be similar to the Westborough Public Library. After the library was turned down at Special Town Meeting in December 2022, the renovation project was scaled back to a repair project.
He added that the remaining space could remain vacant until funds become available.
There are two more opportunities for public input. On Monday, Sept. 9, a community charette will be held in the Great Hall at the Forbes Building at 6 p.m. Attendees will review the proposed designs, which will be laid out on tables. On Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 2 p.m. at the senior center, there will be a charette follow-up at the senior center, 4 Rogers Road.
Learn more about the project at https://ma-westborough.civicplus.com/917/Westborough-Community-Center