Cambridge hires architect for new rec complex and library

By Doug Coxson

With a goal of achieving an energy-efficent structure built to LEED Gold standard, and the potential to reduce the scope of the original design, the city has hired an architect for its new recreation complex and library.

Council approved the move Tuesday after the city received six competitive bids on the project.

Staff selected Toronto firm MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects Ltd. after carefully considering all options including cost.

The cost to complete the concept and design work on a modified build has been set at an upset limit of $460,000 and increases the total design budget on the project by $799,380 for a total revised budget of $6.3 million.

Staff recommended the additional costs come from a draw of $63,383 from the capital works reserve fund, $297,534 from development charges applied to parks and recreation, and $438,463 from development charges collected for libraries.

Last year, council approved the development of a multi-use recreational facility in the city's south-east end featuring aquatic facilities, gymnasium space including FIBA sized courts, running track, and multi-purpose recreational space.

The building will also include a branch of the Idea Exchange that will offer areas for reading, lounge, maker space, children’s literacy programs, and studying.

The new council will be tasked with deciding on which route to go with the rec complex once the architects complete their designs.

A full build, with an estimated price tag of $101 million, comes with 125,781 sq. ft. of space that would include a 10-lane pool, a running track, three gymnasiums and library.

A modified build would include an eight-lane pool, walking track, two gymnasiums, no bleacher seating, fewer change rooms and smaller library.

The estimated price tag on that option is $83.5 million.

The project has a target to achieve LEED Gold standard for energy efficiency.

Tuesday's decisions on the recreation complex also included the final disposition of city-owned land to the region's two school boards for a price of $5.2 million for their share of the property.

The move allows for the construction of a new elementary school adjacent to the rec complex and library. It will be jointly owned and operated by the region's public and Catholic school boards.  

The city will place $2.8 million of those funds into its parkland cash-in-lieu reserve fund, which was used in 2007 in order to cover the school boards’ portion of the initial land acquisition.

The rest of the money will support a rec complex feasibility study, site preparation and servicing for the school, and interest-generating investments to help with cash flow while work is underway on the school boards' portion of the overall project.

The partnership has been ongoing since 2007 when the city purchased the lands for the express purpose of building a joint-use community hub that would house a new recreation complex, a new branch of the Idea Exchange, a joint school and community park space.  

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