Old Waukee Fire Station Comes Closer to Becoming New Community Center

Plans for a new community center in Waukee are coming closer to fruition after a meeting of the Monday night.

The council approved agreements – one with an architectural firm and the other a construction management company – that will fast track plans to turn the old fire station at 355 Seventh St. into the new site of the Waukee Community Center.

The vote was 3-0 in favor of both agreements with councilman Dan Dutcher abstaining from the vote.

Brad Deets, development services director for the city of Waukee, said the city received six proposals for the project. G.E. Wattier Architecture of Des Moines was awarded the job at a cost of $35,000 for its services. The Terrus Real Estate Group of Des Moines was picked to oversee construction. Cost for its services is $14,400.

Deets said the overall cost for the project will be $361,580 including the fees for both company’s services.

Councilman Mike Watts said he would like to see the city seek the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design designation for the new community center project.

“I would like to make this project as green as possible,” said Watts. “It’s a city-owned property … the smart thing to do would be to go the extra mile and get it done.”

Deets said next steps are to obtain input from Waukee residents about what they would like to see in a community center. He said the city’s goal is to have the project completed and open by June 2012.