Brookpark advances $1.83 million exterior renovation plan for recreation center and city hall after architect presentation

Brookpark’s caucus advanced an ordinance on March 10 to design and bid an exterior renovation of the recreation center and city hall, a project for which the city has appropriated $1,833,863.03.

The project presentation by Kiernan Weese of CPL Architects outlined façade work only: replacement of damaged metal panels with Nichiha fiber‑cement panels, removal of a sawtooth bump‑out on the west façade and replacement with storefront glazing that would connect the indoor natatorium to the outdoor waterpark, and new canopies and unified exterior colors to create a cohesive municipal campus identity. “We’d be looking at demolishing that portion of the building, and we’ll take a look at the proposed storefront,” Weese said during the presentation.

Mayor (speaking for the administration) said the exterior work was part of a master plan dating to 2022 and was re‑prioritized after tornado damage on Aug. 6, 2024. The administration confirmed it has received emergency management and insurance funds and identified appropriation in fund 553. The mayor told council that preliminary cost estimates have come in under the appropriation and that the city cannot spend beyond the appropriated amount without returning for further approval.

Council members pressed for details about materials, egress, security and scheduling. The architect said the replacement panels include an integrated vapor/rain screen and that storefront doors would function as egress in emergencies but the main entrance would remain the primary public entry. The recreation director and mayor said the city expects to add cameras and entry contacts to deter unauthorized access through the new doors.

Councilman Poindexter moved and Councilman Gonzales seconded an amendment to remove language that would allow the mayor to immediately “enter into a contract for said project.” Under the amended wording the ordinance now authorizes the mayor to advertise for bids for the recreation center and city hall exterior renovation project and retains the emergency clause. The amendment passed on roll call, 7–0.

Council asked that bids and the apparent low bidder be returned to the council for presentation and timeline details before any contract award. The council then voted to place the amended ordinance on the March 16 council agenda for further consideration.

Next steps: The administration will advertise for bids under the revised ordinance language, return bid results and a recommended schedule to council, and the full council will consider final action at its March 16 meeting.