August will mark the end of the current Thornton Community Center, as it will be demolished and replaced with a new one.
At a June 7 study session, Joseph Montalbano, principal architect for the project with Studiotrope Design Collective, detailed the upgrades.
Montalbano explained that when the center was first built, it included a library. However, it moved out. The city is bringing it back to make a library and a rec center.
“Combining the library with the rec center is a huge opportunity to have an immense impact for this community,” he said.
It will be unique for the region and he said it would build resiliency for the community because more people will show up.
“A person might show up for a library program but might be enticed to exercise,” he said.
The center is located at 2211 Eppinger Blvd.
Inside, the upgrades will include an entrance with high ceilings to let daylight come in, a gymnasium, a library, “flex spaces” for programs, a meeting room, a dance studio, a preschool, a viewing platform, a coffee lounge, a community center and a Makerspace.
City Councilor Kathy Henson noted the project is a result of many community meetings to flesh out ideas.
“This is going to be a fabulous asset to our community,” she said.
She also asked about sustainability for the building, and Jennifer Cahill, construction manager for Thornton, said they will be putting emphasis on the exterior walls to limit thermal transfer.
Remediation will also be occurring, as Cahill said the area has mercury flooring in the building and asbestos in other building materials.
She said construction on the project will begin by the end of the year and will take about 18 months to complete.