Plans for a potential multipurpose building in Jefferson City are continuing to evolve as a deadline for a decision looms.
At the city Parks and Recreation Commission meeting Tuesday, Bill Lockwood, director of the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, said after several meetings on Friday, Monday and Tuesday, the department and Lincoln University officials have reached a unified recommendation on "what we feel is the appropriate way to move forward" on a potential partnership for the facility.
Lockwood said the two entities have decided to try and move forward with a project they can afford to do on their own, which would be a facility with three basketball courts, an elevated track, office space, pre-function space, locker rooms and a basement, as well as a university fitness center and game room. A facility that size is estimated to cost between $9.8 million and $12 million; Parks and Lincoln have $10.1 million for a joint facility.
But Lockwood said he also plans to go to the Jefferson City Council on Monday to present that plan and the option to expand the facility to up to six courts with an indoor track to meet NCAA standards, if the council opts to contribute funds to accomplish the larger facility.
Late last week, at a joint meeting of the Jefferson City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission, several city officials indicated a willingness to consider using the city's lodging tax, previously earmarked for a conference center, as additional funds to build a larger facility capable of attracting tournaments to the area. That fund is expected to raise roughly $9 million for the promotion of tourism in the area.
Lockwood and Lincoln President Kevin Rome were then asked by Mayor Eric Struemph to attend the City Council meeting Monday to present a facility concept with a total project cost, how much they can afford and how much they need.
"I think our ask should be support to get that fourth court," commissioner Steve Duncan said. "I think that's a fairly clear decision for the council to make."
Cary Gampher, with Architects Alliance, said adding a fourth court likely would cost about $1 million extra.
Lockwood noted Rome would be unable to attend the Monday meeting, but said there's potential for a special City Council work session to be scheduled for Dec. 22 to continue the discussion of whether to use city funds on the proposed project. And while the council has indicated a willingness to hear a proposal, they have noted they would need to see numbers on the estimated economic impact of a larger facility, something the Jefferson City Convention and Visitor's Bureau currently is working on.
The commission is trying to move forward as quickly as possible to meet an LU-imposed deadline. University officials have made it clear they need a final decision on the potential partnership by the end of the month in order to get moving on a project already promised to current students.
But with the potential of involving lodging tax funds, that deadline may not be realistic. Several commissioners noted Tuesday that the university may have to understand they're moving as fast as possible and, in lieu of having a contract ready by Dec. 31, may need to have some type of document of intent available for all involved parties to sign.