WESTBOROUGH – It was an evening of move it here, move it there, what if we did this, and how much could it cost.
On Monday, Sept. 9, nearly 60 residents attended a design charrette for the proposed Community Center project at the Forbes Municipal Center. Town Manager Kristi Williams and Jeremy Tobin of BH+A Architects provided an overview of the project, including the three design alternatives for the center, as well as a fourth “preferred” (but not final) design.
Attendees, who sat at several tables, then began discussing the “what coulds” and “what might nots,” using a rendition of the “preferred” option provided for each table.
For example, on the first floor, some groups favored a gift shop, others did not. Some wanted a performance space; at least one table wanted a putting green.
At one table, there was a question about the veterans’ space, which is currently in the back of the first floor. One veteran was concerned that the space was somewhat isolated from the rest of the Senior Center and that it was proposed to be located under the basketball court.
Some attendees questioned the size of the multipurpose room, saying it was too small.
For the second floor, many attendees had questions about the location of the elevator.
“I want to talk about teens getting some space at the Community Center,” said Ariana Dube, a student at Westborough High School. She said she and her fellow teens don’t have a space to hang out, especially on Fridays.
“It would be nice to have a space for teens,” she said.
Another design charrette took place on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
Following the charrettes, a master plan and Phase 1 scope will be finalized; there will be an update on the cost estimate; the updates will be brought to the Select Board for further discussion, and a possible decision on scope and funding, before it’s brought before Town Meeting.
About the Community Center
Purchased by the town for $8.8 million at the 2023 Fall Town Meeting, the building at 1500 Union St. was the former site of Boston Sports Clubs and a seasonal Halloween store.
The first floor is slated to become the Senior Center, while the second floor (which includes a gym and pool) will house the Recreation Department.
The town has hosted several public meetings over the summer. On Aug. 29, there was a presentation of the design alternatives along with the possible costs.
For Alternative 1, or the minimum space requirements, the preliminary costs could be around $15.5 million. For Alternative 2, which would include a buildout of open space, the preliminary cost could go to $22-$23 million. Alternative 3, the optimal option, the preliminary estimate could be $24-$25 million.
Find out the latest on the proposal at https://ma-westborough.civicplus.com/917/Westborough-Community-Center