Iowa City senior center reports doors, windows installed; HVAC and interior work continue

Latasha Delos, the senior center coordinator, updated commissioners on the center’s renovation status, saying exterior doors and many windows are installed and interior finishing remains.

"The doors are in...they look really good," Delos said, and staff expect remaining window replacements in the lobby to be completed after the holidays. She said contractors and engineers are performing a substantial building-automation and HVAC contract and that crews meet weekly to track progress.

Delos told the commission staff hope the heating and cooling inconsistencies will be resolved by January, possibly by February, but cautioned the work is a "massive" job and could take more time. She said the new windows also help reduce cold air infiltration while the HVAC work continues.

Commissioners raised ideas about seating and interior layout on the third floor; Delos said the interior design phase will be put out for bids early next year and staff hope to identify a design firm with senior-center expertise rather than a senior-living designer. The engineering department will prepare specifications for a public bid.

No formal contract awards or final deadlines were approved at the meeting; staff said they will provide further updates as the procurement and interior-design phases proceed.