Renovation of a fitness / recreation center in Norwalk, Connecticut. Completed plans call for the renovation of a 22,000-square-foot, two-story above grade fitness / recreation center.

https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/norwalk-ycma-recreation-center-grant-18589672.php Plans for Norwalk's first recreation center are moving forward as the city works to secure funding, including a $1.75 million subgrant from federal funding given to the Wilton-based YMCA. "There are multiple funding sources that make up the package for this building," explained Alan Lo, building and facilities manager, during the Land Use and Building Management Committee on Wednesday. Commonly known as the NEON Building, Norwalk plans to renovate and expand 98 South Main St. to become the city's first recreation center, complete with a new gymnasium. The project is estimated to cost about $12 million, as stated by Lo. In order to accomplish the funding goal, the city has allocated $5.37 million from the American Rescue Plan Act funds. Norwalk has also received $1.2 million in state grants and allocated $1.2 million from the "mall money" fund -- money donated by General Growth Partners to benefit South Norwalk when the SoNo Collection mall was built. Norwalk is now close to recovering $1.75 million of a $2 million federal grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development that the Riverbrook YMCA received with the intention of renovating 98 South Main St. The YMCA's plans fell through in 2022 due to a lack of funds. Riverbrook YMCA, which serves the towns of Redding and Wilton along with the city of Norwalk, is amid negotiations with the city to provide a subgrant of $1.75 million for building renovations. This subgrant is dependent on approval from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Director of Parks and Recreation Robert Stowers said they are still working out the operation agreement, but tentative terms were worked out by Mayor Harry Rilling, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., and other leaders. The "core terms" are that the YMCA will occupy 2,000 square feet of the center for five years to provide STEM and E-Sports programming. The YMCA will also retain $250,000 of the grant to provide interior improvements specifically for their programming. The YMCA will pay a symbolic $1, but will be responsible for its share of utility costs, Stowers said. Christene Freedman, CEO of the Riverbrook YMCA, said in Norwalk, the YMCA is a "Y without walls." "This is why we are somewhat excited about this project and collaborating and partnering with the city so we have some physical space at the new rec center in South Norwalk to provide programming, especially in and around STEM programs," Freeman said. Some committee members were apprehensive about the deal with YMCA given the history of the past project falling through. "Due to what has been experienced prior to, I am uneasy going forward," said Nicol Ayers, Common Council member for District A. The committee approved three items regarding 98 South Main St.: the subgrant, a request for agreements between the city and YMCA, and approval of architects for the renovation. The city selected Silver Petrucelli and Associates from the pool of applicants to provide architectural design services for $622,751. Dajuan Wiggins, a newly elected Common Council member from District B, questioned whether diverse architecture firms were considered for this project, given that South Norwalk is a minority-majority community. Lo said the request for proposal the city sent out evaluated candidates on criteria such as quality and past projects. From there, the top three candidates submitted prices, and the city selected the lowest bid. The items approved by the Land Use and Building Management Committee will move forward for final approval from the Common Council on Tuesday. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The City of Norwalk is solicitating qualification submissions for Architect Services for the Norwalk Community Center. The requirements of this project are outlined in greater detail under Section 2 Scope of Work/Project Specifications. All questions concerning this solicitation must be directed, via e-mail, to Sharon Conners, Purchasing Agent, at sconners@norwalkct.gov. Please include the Project Number and Project Title in the subject line. The deadline for the submission of questions is 2:00 pm, November 16, 2023. The City of Norwalk is allowing for electronic submission along with hard copy submission. All participants are required to submit both by the said date and time. Hard copy submission must match electronic submission and will be the official accepted submission. The City of Norwalk has the right to reject any submission that does not meet this criteria. The method of Contractor Selection has not been Determined at this time.