“It’s time to build this building. The young people are not getting any younger—they’re growing up. We need to be able to provide a facility for them,” said Annie Young, MPRB Commissioner At-Large. “We know that our park centers are a place where youth are going to gather; and these children in this community don’t have indoor space to gather in.”

MPRB moves forward on East Phillips Cultural Community Center
Construction could begin fall 2009

Construction of the East Phillips Cultural Community Center is projected to begin this fall as a result of action by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) at its Feb. 4 meeting.
A master plan for the park was developed in 1997 that included a Cultural Community Center and other park amenities. Park features such as the playground and wading pool were constructed, however the Cultural Community Center did not get built due to lack of funding. In 2006, funds were appropriated for construction of the Cultural Community Center.

A more recent plan, that included neighborhood assisted efforts to build a larger structure, cannot occur because there is not additional funding at this time. At its Feb. 4 meeting, the Park Board voted to authorize LHB, the architecture firm for the project, to redesign the approved schematic plan to a design that can be completed using the available $4.1 million funding.

Commissioners realize that the re-designed building may be smaller than the schematic plan they approved last May, but they are confident the existing funds can result in a wonderful facility for the community. In addition, Commissioners directed LHB to incorporate options for future expansion if additional funds become available.

“The project has been envisioned for more than 12 years and has been an effort with tremendous community involvement, including efforts to raise additional funds for a larger building,” explained Scott Vreeland, MPRB Commissioner District 3. “A great deal of work has been done as an effort to develop community partnerships in the East Phillips neighborhood which can bring goal-driven resources to this project.”

“It’s time to build this building. The young people are not getting any younger—they’re growing up. We need to be able to provide a facility for them,” said Annie Young, MPRB Commissioner At-Large. “We know that our park centers are a place where youth are going to gather; and these children in this community don’t have indoor space to gather in.”

Project History
In May 2006, the State Legislature appropriated $3.5 million to the MPRB to design, construct, furnish and equip the facility. An additional $62,390 was allocated from the MPRB’s general fund and reserves, and $319,200 from city net bond funding. Shortly thereafter, a community-driven effort dedicated to raise additional funding for building, operating and programming was also launched.

In May 2007 the Park Board coordinated a non-appointed Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) to work with the design consultants and community members to collect input for a facility and related site improvements. The Park Board, LHB and the Community Design Team met throughout the summer to work through schematic design options, building locations in the park and discuss budget scenarios and fundraising options.

In September 2007 Commissioners were presented a proposed schematic plan for the design and location of the Cultural Community Center. In response to strong community feedback, Commissioners directed development plans be shifted from the east side of the park to the southwest quadrant. The Commissioners also agreed to the Community Design Team’s request to lead development of the project, including building design.

In January 2008 a revised schematic plan for the building and site, which was enthusiastically supported by the community, was presented to the Park Board Commissioners. The projected cost of the proposed building was $7.2 million.

In April 2008 the Community Design Team presented a budget and fundraising plans that included a proposed partnership model, programs and activities plan, and a five-point plan to initiate a one-year capital campaign to raise almost $3 million in additional funds needed to construct e the proposed community center.

In May 2008 the Park Board approved the proposed design and bench mark terms for the project. The terms included that the MPRB’s approval of the proposed building design did not imply that the MPRB will adhere to the design should the Community Design Team not meet its stated goals.

In December 2008 the Community Design Team informed the MPRB that the additional funding goals for the project had not been reached and that a redesign or phasing plan will be required.

At the Feb. 4 Board meeting, many Commissioners acknowledged the East Phillips Park Community Design Team’s efforts, but felt strongly that the MPRB needed to proceed with construction of a cultural community center using the funds that are currently available.

“We got here because we made a very conscious decision to extend a hand and empower the community to dream a little bit and to work out community aspirations,” said MPRB President Tom Nordyke. “We are today doing what I think is a responsible thing and re-approaching the project in a way that we said we would,” Nordyke explained. “I’m very proud of what we’ve done over the last year with this project. I’m looking forward to moving ahead as quickly as possible to get this done to serve the needs of the community.”

As the next step, MPRB staff will work with LHB to establish by March 4 a revised building design and construction timeline to ensure that construction of the community center can begin in fall 2009.

The revised building design will provide, per the community’s already established priorities a gathering place for all cultures and encourage a shared sense of community. It will offer recreational, educational and healthy development opportunities for all ages, as well as culturally appropriate programs and activities emphasizing child and youth development and leadership skills.

CONTACTS:
Dawn Sommers
Public Information and Marketing Manager
612-230-6407
dsommers@minneapolisparks.org

Janell Wojtowicz
Communication Specialist
612-230-6414
jwojtowicz@minneapolisparks.org