Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010
Columbus Council approves pool plan
By BEN WRIGHT - benw@ledger-enquirer.com
The city of Columbus has agreed to move forward with a $10.6 million natatorium that will seat 900 people and feature 10 lanes for swimming competitions.
Columbus Council went along with the proposal Tuesday after Deputy City Manager David Arrington displayed a conceptual drawing of the two-story brick and glass building and details on seating and other features. Using money from the new Local Option Sales Tax and a sales tax approved in 1999, the natatorium is one of three buildings that will be built on nine acres near the Columbus Public Library on Macon Road. A $12.5 million city service center and a $9.5 million parking garage will complete a $32.5 million plan to improve city services.
At 51,233 square feet and with a seating capacity of 900, Arrington said the size would qualify the city to recruit large tournaments to the community. “Nine hundred is kind of a magic number,” Arrington told the 10-member council.
Drawing by Hecht Burdeshaw Architects, Inc. Artist rendering shows proposed front elevation of the city’s new $10.6 million natatorium.
Here are some of the major features of the two-story building approved by Columbus Council.
• A 51,233 square-foot building costing $10.6 million
• Seating capacity of 900 with 600 fixed and 300 bench-type seats
• A 55-yard by 25-yard competition pool with moveable bulkhead and diving well
• Four-lane warm-up and cool-down pool
• Concession area
• Locker rooms and deck area
The design of the building lives up to demands from the public to offer year-round access to a swimming facility, accessibility for all residents and focus on the therapeutic capabilities of the building. About 30 supporters of the pool project supported the plan during a briefing two weeks ago.
To get the best project completed, Arrington said all three projects will be constructed together using a construction manager at risk approach. City Manager Isaiah Hugley said that decision was made after a meeting with Mike Gaymon, president of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and local contractors.
A large contractor would have to be bonded to take on developing such a large project. Councilor C.E. “Red” McDaniel said he is concerned that two large local contractors won’t be able to bid on the projects when they go out for bid sometime next spring or later.
“It upsets me that we don’t do business with local people,” McDaniel said.
Hugley said everyone wants the same thing when it comes to spending money with local contractors. If a larger company from outside Columbus ends up with the bid, a local firm could be part of joint venture in the development.
To make sure all three projects are compatible with other buildings on the site, Arrington said architects are making sure the building designs work.
The design work is moving forward but city officials are still putting together a business plan to operate the facility which will be used by swim teams, high schools, the disabled and other groups.
Ben Wright, 706-571-8576