Project Background
The City of Redmond has talked with the community about the future of Redmond Community Centers since 2015. From December 2019 through March 2020, the City of Redmond conducted a concentrated public involvement effort about “Envisioning the Future of the Redmond Senior Center” through two community-driven campaigns guided by the Stakeholder Group, inviting all members of the community to share their vision for the Redmond Senior Center building. Community priorities and values identified in the 2017 Community Priorities for the Future of Redmond’s Community Centers Report were revisited, in which the community acknowledged the need for more community centers, fitness, and community event spaces. The community was also asked to evaluate options from renovating the Senior Center, to expanding it and including some new amenities. Following this effort, project team compiled the comments and data to finalize a recommendation for City Council in partnership with the Stakeholder Group.
In September 2019, the Redmond Senior Center in downtown Redmond was closed after it was discovered that the structural integrity of the building was compromised and could not be occupied until structural repairs were made. A structural review of the Redmond Senior Center showed the building needed to be renovated, or demolished and rebuilt.
Public involvement to date
From January through March 2020, the City of Redmond conducted a concentrated public involvement effort about “Envisioning the Future of the Redmond Senior Center.” The Redmond Community Centers Stakeholder Group, represented by 35-40 citizens from various groups in the community, guided the process. Click on the drop-downs below to learn more.
Council action
From March through October 2020, the Redmond City Council reviewed the public’s input and Stakeholder Group recommendations, discussing the policy direction and funding options with City committees and departments. In June 2020, the Council voted to authorize the Mayor to decommission and demolish the Redmond Senior Center building. In October 2020, the Council ultimately unanimously authorized the Mayor to fund additional community involvement and planning for the design of a new facility, to be located on the site of the previous Redmond Senior Center.
Demolition
On November 18, 2020, the old Redmond Senior Center building was demolished. Watch the 1-minute time lapse of the demolition.
Overview of Progress since March 2020
March 5
Final Stakeholder Meeting to finalize recommendation and the Stakeholder Report
March 24
City Council received the final Stakeholder Report
May 9
General Contractor / Construction Manager Process approved by City Council
June 23
Decommission and demolition of Redmond Senior Center building approved by City Council
July 28
Final Stakeholder Report is presented to City Council
August 4 & 11, September 1 & 15
City Council Discussions
October 22
Additional Community Involvement and Design of a New Facility authorized
November 16
A call for letters of interest from partners is submitted
November 4
Opsis Architecture selected by a selection committee
November 18
Redmond Senior Center building is demolished
January 19
Redmond City Council approves architecture and design contract
Next Steps ...
$5M legislative request is cued up for next Legislative session