Thelma A. Boltin Center Renovation 2025

July 31

This dedicated webpage has been developed to serve as a central hub for information, including materials from past meetings, ongoing project updates and details about upcoming events and future developments. It will be updated regularly to ensure timely and consistent communication with the public.

Current Status and Funding Limitations

The current budget for the construction phase of the project is $3 million, comprised of $1.5 million from City funds and $1.5 million in County funding. Scorpio submitted a budget estimate based on the 50% CDs of $2,931,192. The estimate includes site drainage improvements and building structural improvements, including replacing the auditorium roof structure, masonry repairs and reinforcement, and helical piles (foundation stabilization) at the south wing. The existing windows have been identified as the mostcritical item to preserve. They will be removed, abated, restored, refinished and reinstalled to best preserve them. Approximately 70% of the cost is to stabilize the auditorium, including the installation of a new roof and roof trusses. Work at the service wing addition is approximately 25% of the cost, and the site drainage improvements are about 5% of the cost. 

Please note the current construction estimate depletes the Phase I structural stabilization funding allocation, only includes structural repairs and would not reopen the building for programming. 

To reopen the building, additional improvements beyond the Phase 1 structural stabilization will be required. These include upgrades and replacements to mechanical systems, installation of new flooring, new lights and code-required modifications. The combined cost of Phase 1 structural repairs and Phase 2 interior and systems upgrades is estimated to exceed $6 million. Currently, the City is conducting microbial testing and x-ray analysis to inform the final design and cost estimates for Phase 1. Final pricing for the structural repairs, along with a preliminary estimate for the full scope of work needed to reopen the facility, is expected by the end of the calendar year following the completion of testing.

Projected Timeline

Design and permitting for the Phase 1 structural repairs are expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Construction could begin in early 2026 and is anticipated to take approximately 12 months. It is important to note that the current project budget covers only Phase 1, which includes structural stabilization. As such, the building will not be operational or have power restored upon completion of this phase.

March–May

Design progresses from 50% to 100% Construction Documents (CDs).

February 21

WJA began work on the Existing Conditions & Remediation Report.

February 6

WSPP, WJA, and Scorpio conducted an on-site walkthrough to identify minimum repairs needed to reopen the Center.

December 7

At a regular City Commission meeting, staff requested approval of a design task amendment with WJA to finalize design and permitting for the partial restoration of the center pursuant to the April 2023 direction, and also requested approval to award a CMAR solicitation to D.E Scorpio Corporation for the construction phase of the project. The Commission adopted the following motions: (1) Rescind earlier (funding) allocation, allocate $1.5 million in City funding for structural repairs, pursue historic preservation funding options, and send a letter to the Alachua County Board of Commission requesting matching funds, and (2) Approved the Request of Proposal award to D.E. Scorpio Corporation and authorized the City Manager to execute a contract (for the construction phase) subject to approval by the City Attorney.

October 17

Staff hosted a community engagement session.

September 21

At a regular City Commission meeting, staff requested approval of a design task assignment amendment with WJA to finalize design and permitting for the partial restoration of the center pursuant to the April 2023 direction. The Commission adopted the following motions: (1) Table the current recommendation, hold a community engagement meeting and return to the City Commission on November 2, and (2) Mitigate further deterioration of the building, request county participation in the community meeting, and identify supplemental funding sources.

Fall

A Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) solicitation was issued.

August 

A building material salvage assessment was conducted by Resource Management Group, Inc.

Summer

Staff worked with WJA to develop a design services proposal for the partial restoration.

April 27

At a GPC meeting, the City Commission was presented four options: (1)Complete Replacement, (2) Partial Restoration, (3) Complete Restoration, and (4) Repair Existing Facility. 

The Commission adopted a motion approving staff's recommendation to proceed with Option 2, a partial restoration, at an estimated cost of $5.6 million.

Spring

Staff worked with a consultant to prepare detailed cost estimates for four scenarios.

December 6

The Historic Preservation Board  approved the COA for demolition of the east wing and restoration of the historic auditorium.

November 8

Staff submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application for partial demolition.

November 1

REG Architects presented a full restoration option to the Historic Preservation Board.

October 18

Staff provided an additional project update to the Historic Preservation Board.

September 27

Florida Concrete Recycling, Inc. removed the fluorescent lamps and recovered the refrigerant from the HVAC systems in the building under their continuing services agreement.

September 6

City staff and WJA presented new facility reconstruction options to the Historic Preservation Board.

August

Code Enforcement designated the Center as a “Dangerous Building,” and disconnected utilities.

August 8

Staff met with Rick Gonzalez of REG Architects, Inc. to discuss a feasibility study for full restoration.

Spring–Summer

Staff provided monthly updates at Historic Preservation Board meetings (May 3, July 5, August 8) and collected stakeholder input.

April 14

The City Commission adopted a motion at a GPC meeting directing staff to place the project on a Historic Preservation Board (HPB) meeting agenda for feedback and to engage the Duckpond Neighborhood. Staff were also directed to work with Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc. (WJA) on a building replacement plan that incorporates multi-use trail improvements and key architectural elements from the old structure while determining the best use for the facility.

December

The project was placed on hold following the departure of the City Manager.

November

The engineering firm identified significant structural damage and recommended either the demolition and reconstruction of the auditorium, or demolition of the entire building.

June

Hazardous material testing was performed and asbestos tile was removed.

December

City staff discovered a partial collapse of the auditorium roof and hired a structural engineering firm to assess and secure the structure.

November 5

City Commission Meeting Authorization to Enter into a Design Services Agreement with Wannemacher Jensen Architects,

May 21

City Commission Meeting approving the Thelma Boltin Design Services RFQ Evaluation Team’s recommendation to award the project to Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc., and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to negotiate with Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc. for design and engineering services for the development of construction documents for the Thelma Boltin Center renovation.

March

The Center closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

August 22

The City Commission adopted a motion at the General Policy Committee (GPC) meeting directing staff to proceed with Design Option 2: a renovation and minor addition.