Bidding for Community Center Expected to Open

At its meeting Wednesday, the Calabasas City Council is expected to review final construction plans for its joint community center project with the city of Agoura Hills and authorize its staff to advertise for construction bids.

Although the project is a joint venture, the two cities decided that Calabasas would handle the bidding process.

Officials of both cities will work with shared consultants and architects to select the construction company that will be recommended to their respective councils, said Greg Johnson, community service director for Calabasas.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the project was held in September, but construction will not begin until a contractor is chosen, he said. The cities plan to share equally the construction costs, estimated at $4.9 million.

To date, about $4 million has been earmarked from Calabasas and Agoura Hills for construction. The Community Center Alliance--a fund-raising group of residents and officials from both cities--is collecting money to help offset the shortfall and furnish the facility, Johnson said. Meanwhile, officials are seeking ways to raise more funds.

The 30,000-square-foot center is planned for a site on Malibu Hills Road, next to the Lost Hills Sheriff’s station. It will include a gymnasium, weight and exercise rooms, a dance room, several community meeting rooms and play areas.

While the cities had to drop earlier plans for permanent senior and teen centers at the site, the center will provide regular programs for both groups, Johnson said.

The bidding period will be open for about 45 days, and construction may begin by June. Officials hope to have the center available for use by June 1999.