Branch Connection move delayed pending bond; venue preview near completion and gym renovation underway
April 22, 2024 | Farmers Branch, Dallas County, Texas
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Staff updated the board on several facilities projects including the Branch Connection relocation, a venue preview and gym renovations.
Speaker 9 (venue/parks staff) said Branch Connection staff will operate out of First Baptist Church near city hall starting in May while the final Branch Connection move‑in date may shift depending on an upcoming bond vote: “We are about a couple of weeks out from finding out if the bond will be passed or not,” staff said. Staff will prepare a second‑phase plan for programming if the move is delayed.
The new event center is near completion: staff reported nano walls installed, water service active and interior finishes and furniture arriving; a soft preview event was planned for the end of the month and the RL Turner High School 50th reunion was scheduled for May 4. Staff reminded the board that landscaping work will continue after the grand opening preview.
On the gym renovation, staff estimated the combined cost for HVAC, bleachers and floor work at about $50,000 and said it was part of a phased plan (phases 1–3) that had been discussed at council. Temporary seating solutions are being used while bleachers are scheduled to arrive in late June or July.
Board members asked for clearer communications when major facility expenses are planned; staff said the gym project had been discussed at council and will appear in future materials to keep the board informed.
Next steps: staff will monitor the bond outcome and adjust the Branch Connection timetable, finalize venue punch‑list items before preview events, and return a schedule and cost summary for gym capital work.
Speaker 9 (venue/parks staff) said Branch Connection staff will operate out of First Baptist Church near city hall starting in May while the final Branch Connection move‑in date may shift depending on an upcoming bond vote: “We are about a couple of weeks out from finding out if the bond will be passed or not,” staff said. Staff will prepare a second‑phase plan for programming if the move is delayed.
The new event center is near completion: staff reported nano walls installed, water service active and interior finishes and furniture arriving; a soft preview event was planned for the end of the month and the RL Turner High School 50th reunion was scheduled for May 4. Staff reminded the board that landscaping work will continue after the grand opening preview.
On the gym renovation, staff estimated the combined cost for HVAC, bleachers and floor work at about $50,000 and said it was part of a phased plan (phases 1–3) that had been discussed at council. Temporary seating solutions are being used while bleachers are scheduled to arrive in late June or July.
Board members asked for clearer communications when major facility expenses are planned; staff said the gym project had been discussed at council and will appear in future materials to keep the board informed.
Next steps: staff will monitor the bond outcome and adjust the Branch Connection timetable, finalize venue punch‑list items before preview events, and return a schedule and cost summary for gym capital work.
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