“We want to build the kind of center other communities visit to get inspired.” This phrase seemed to encompass a number of the guiding principles discussed at the Nov. 10 meeting of the Cook County Community Center 1% Steering Committee.
What will it take to create an energy-efficient center that may serve the community for the next 50 – 100 years? Can we forge a true collaboration of durability, sustainability, environmental stewardship, cost consciousness, function and operational efficiency? These questions and others will have Cook County seeking proposals from qualified architectural/ engineering firms for the design phase of a new community center to be located in Grand Marais.
Thenew facility may be tied to or may incorporate existing recreation areas including the skating rink, curling rink, tennis courts, skateboard park, baseball parks, playgrounds and community gardens. Providing a link to the school via an indoor or outdoor pathway is an important consideration. Building accessibility to accommodate older residents with wheelchairs and walkers or young parents with strollers is also of high importance.
“Thecommittee has worked together to establish the project guiding principles. They truly want a sustainable facility representing the history and environment of Cook County while serving the county’s residents and the people who love to visit here,” said Tom Wacholz, ORB Management president. “The group is now ready to move to the conceptual/schematic design phase. Our goal is to have the architect/engineer of record on board by January 1, 2011.”
The request for proposals (RFPs) for this project was available Nov. 15 with a deadline for submission to the Cook County courthouse auditor–treasurer’s office by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 30. Questions about the project or a copy of the RFP will be available from Tom Wacholz, ORB Management at 320-762-2077 or Tom.Wacholz@orbmanagement. biz. ORB will represent the county throughout the design and building of the facility.
A project website has been developed and has access for all interested parties to stay informed at www.orbmanagement. biz/agree.html. You will need to enter your e-mail address with the username: Cook and the password: public. Information will also be posted regularly on the community center web page at cccommunitycenter. com. Click “New Construction Plans.”
For additional information, call 218-387-3015.
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