11-12-2025 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parcel Acquisition In 2023, the city identified a strategic opportunity to acquire the property at 2884 Centerville Road for a future community building. The property was recognized as being a suitable size and was located directly adjacent to Pioneer Park and the Public Works Facility. At the September 7, 2023, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, the opportunity was presented along with several preliminary concept designs for the building. The Parks and Recreation Commission indicated its support for site acquisition for the purpose of a community building. At their January 24, 2024, meeting, the City Council approved a purchase agreement for the site for the construction of a future Community Building as part of the Pioneer Park Plan – Phase 2. The parcel was subsequently purchased by the city in early 2024. Community Building Think Tank The Community Building Think Tank was established in late 2024 to discuss the potential Community Gathering Space in Little Canada and tour similar facilities. The key outcomes of the Think Tank focused on understanding City goals, engaging stakeholders such as the City Council, Parks and Recreation Commission, staff, and residents, and informing the broader community as the scoping process unfolded. The group aimed to identify a preferred site layout, building concept, programming, and rental uses, along with estimated costs and timelines. The Think Tank gathered on October 28, 2024, for an evening of collaboration and discussion. Team members met at City Hall, introduced themselves, and departed at 5:00 PM for a tour led by Fridley Recreation Manager, Margo Numedahl, who provided insights into the project process, daily operations, and maintenance of the facility. After the site tour in Fridley, the group returned to City Hall, where Parks and Recreation Director Anderson delivered a presentation that included virtual tours of comparable community buildings in neighboring cities such as Maplewood and Cottage Grove, while discussing related project outcomes and lessons learned. During the meeting, Anderson shared that a placeholder for a community building had been included in the city’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2027 with an initial 2019 estimated cost of $2.5 million. Proposed Site Location 6 City of Little Canada Technical Advisory Committee Final Report 2019 2023 2024 2025 2027 Community Building Project Timeline 2019 - 2027 Identify Need Pa rcel Acquisition Community Engagement Technical Advisory Committee Project Construction