Ellensburg Fieldhouse Project (003)

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Prior to recommending the private/public partnership approach, the city went through the following steps to design the fieldhouse through concept and design and the progressive design build process. This process included: • In late 2023, authorizing an agreement with the Helix Design Group to verify fieldhouse project scope, budget and schedule, followed by: work to: reconcile scope, budget and schedule based on the functional program and funding; seek jurisdictional project approvals through permitting; establish a realistic project schedule; research and evaluate/select Alternative Delivery Method; and prepare 30% design documents for the building and site. As a result of the work the Helix Design group performed, the city determined that an Alternative Delivery Method was the preferred approach to building the fieldhouse, specifically the progressive design -build (PDB) approach. Thus, the preliminary design work was suspended. Relevant engineering and site studies are available for use in future development of this project. • With progressive design -build there were requirements the city to follow. In early 2024, authorizing an agreement with Thaxton Parkinson PLLC to provide specialized Legal counsel to assist with PDB option. • On April 1, 2024, Council authorized an agreement with the Weneha Group to serve as the City's Owner Advisor on the project, which is a required component when developing a project using the progressive design build method (RCW 39.10.220). • In October 2024, the City Council signed an agreement with Absher/Helix for design -build Services through the Validation phase. • At their February 3, 2025, study session, the City Council reviewed options for a new fieldhouse facility developed through the validation phase of the Progressive Design Build process. The resulting facility construction cost exceeded $60,000,000 for each of three options for full buildout. Costs for operating scenarios for each of three facility design options were explored through a Market and Operation Plan conducted by Ballard lKing & Associates LTD. Subsequently, the City Council directed staff to look at a potential for public private partnerships (lease options) for a facility.