The design-build team for Airway Heights’ recreation complex has been selected.
In a May 22 interview, J.C. Kennedy, parks, recreation and community services director said, the selection committee chose ALSC Architects and Lydig Construction as the team for the project. ASLC designed a preliminary building plan for the project for the city’s the $13 million unlimited tax general obligation bond proposal to help fund the complex’s first phase of construction.
Kennedy will bring the recommendation for City Council’s final approval at a future meeting. Council was scheduled to vote on the recommendation at its May 22 meeting before it was canceled.
ALSC and Lydig were one of two finalists for the project, along with ORB Architects and Absher Construction. Both groups presented basic concepts of the recreation center and conducted interviews with the committee on May 18. Later that evening, they displayed preliminary concepts at an open house where they also took feedback from residents, staff and stakeholders.
In their requests for proposals, both teams created a preliminary design that included program elements, concepts and site improvements to the project with the funds they have.
ALSC/Lydig’s preliminary design was a two-floor structures with a natatorium, lounging area, multipurpose spaces and fitness center, as well as sports fields on the outside. Rustin Hall with ALSC explained there are no signs for rooms around the building.
“When residents walk into the lounging area, they are able to view the fitness center on the second floor, pool on the first and the children’s area,” he said.
Hall explained this approach helps minimize the number of staff as one person can view the different rooms from one area. The design includes room for expansion without renovating the building.
“If you come into the natatorium, you can see the depth of the facility,” Hall said. “The building feels quite large, but it’s (actually) not big.”
ALSC/Lydig’s selection was mostly based on the scoring and evaluation criteria for their proposal. The criteria included describing their approach to the project and demonstrating their understanding of the project’s goals and objectives — and the experience and knowledge they have to achieve those. They also had to identify three key challenges for the projects and propose a strategy to mitigate the impacts, submit a conceptual site plan
Kennedy said the committee held proprietary meetings with both finalists to get a feel of what it would be like for the city to work with them.
After council approves the recommendation, ASLC can begin with the design process.
Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].
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