Thelma A. Boltin Center project update
Press release from the City of Gainesville
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The City of Gainesville’s Wild Spaces & Public Places Department would like to share an update on the Thelma A. Boltin Center Project.
Detailed construction documents for Phase 1 of the Thelma A. Boltin Center repair were completed in May 2025. This initial phase focuses on structural stabilization of the building to ensure future improvements can be safely implemented.
Following a comprehensive evaluation of the building and site, it has been determined that the current budget of $3 million will only fund completion of Phase 1. To reopen the facility for public use, a Phase 2 renovation will be required. This next phase would include critical upgrades to mechanical systems, lighting, flooring, and code-required improvements necessary for occupancy. The total estimated cost for both phases is $6,645,690.
As a result of the budget limitations, Wild Spaces & Public Places staff will return to the City Commission’s Sept. 4 meeting to provide a presentation that includes an overview of the project’s history and six options for consideration. Options are as follows:
1. Phase 1 Structural Repairs + Phase 2 Minimum Upgrades
Continue with Phase 1 structural stabilization work. Advance to Phase 2, implementing the minimum improvements required to reopen the building for public use.
$6,645,690
2. Complete Exterior Restoration*
Preserve the building’s historic exterior and reconfigure the interior to accommodate new mechanical systems and improved ADA access.
$7,833,045
3. Partial Restoration*
Partial preservation of the auditorium portion of the building, demolish the existing multipurpose wing, and construct a new multipurpose wing to improve circulation and programming.
$7,245,659
4. Complete Replacement*
Demolish the existing building and construct a new facility, replicating the original auditorium while expanding the overall footprint by approximately 3,100 square feet to enhance programming opportunities.
$7,787,940
5. Building Demolition and Full Floodplain Restoration
Demolish the building and fully restore the site to its natural floodplain condition.
$450,000 – $650,000
6. Building Demolition, Partial Floodplain Restoration, and Housing
Demolish the building and restore a portion of the site to its natural floodplain, maintaining the community garden and picnic tables, and introduce housing on the remaining developable area of the site.
$450,000 – $650,000 (Housing would come from other funding sources.)
*options previously presented to the City Commission.
Wild Spaces & Public Places has launched a dedicated project webpage for the Thelma A. Boltin Center Project. This page includes:
- Background and design information for the Thelma A. Boltin Center
- Current building and site conditions
- Documents such as construction documents, budget estimates, and structural reports
- Public meeting information, including links to upcoming meetings and an archive of past meetings and internal memos
- Ongoing project updates
12/7/2023 the commission voted to fully repair the structure and not to exceed $1,500,000 for the structural repairs.
https://alachuachronicle.com/gainesville-city-commission-rescinds-partial-restoration-vote-decides-to-repair-thelma-boltin-center/
One and a half years later the budget estimate came in at just under $3,000,000. Additionally, this budget number was based on 50% construction documents (not fully completed docs/plans/specs). The estimate from the construction manager rightly includes a list of exclusions — some of which will have to be addressed eventually.
https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/wild-spaces-and-public-spaces/documents/thelma-boltin-50_-deliverable-250425-final.pdf
This is just to repair the structural issues and dry-in the building envelope. Nothing else is included and it’s not even based on 90% docs, much less complete/permit docs. They are slow walking this project hoping we forget about the previous agreements and numbers. They’ve already doubled the phase 1 budget and it will absolutely increase once construction docs and pricing is finalized.
Slice, all docs and now updated estimates are public and published on the project website, along with videos of past public meetings and other records going back 6 years, and past and current estimates are based on professional opinion included with the reports, so I don’t think anyone involved can be accused of hiding things.
Jazzman…the city’s webpage you’re referencing links to the pdf that I linked above. Maybe the city has received a new estimate for the project based on complete construction documents but if so that isn’t available on the city’s website.
Please address the actual issues I stated above. Considering I provided actual sources that back up my post you could at least answer why the ‘phase 1’ budget doubled based on just 50%docs. Is an increase like that really acceptable to you? How much will phase 2 budget increase??
Where are the docs that backup the construction estimates provided above by the city for the interior construction/complete project? None of that is available on the city’s site. Did a contractor actually provide a budget estimate to the city and was it based on legit construction docs from a design firm? I think not.
Slice, I purposefully did not get into your criticisms of the procedure because that would have necessitated a more thorough review of the information which I didn’t have then, nor do I have now. I may later and if I do will respond more fully. I may agree with you. I did and do criticize your almost knee jerk accusations of double dealing when the city appears to be trying to place all cards on the table and when the investigation of the project is almost certainly being done by staff not likely to be dirty.
As to some of your specific points here, the link the city provides includes more than just the doc you cite and includes the early report, the drawings, the report from the company doing the estimating, and videos of relevant meetings dating back 6 years.
From the web page concerning the Phase 1 budget of $3million: “This budget covers only essential structural repairs and does not include upgrades necessary to reopen the building for public use.”
The $1.5 million was a guess without benefit of architects or engineers and commisioners fully expected it would grow from there. In voting for that, they were “rescinding their previous vote to do a “partial restoration” for over $5 million. Your link to that meeting makes that clear.
I agree that the summary numbers in their press release are not supported – yet – by the docs on the page, but given the professional effort toward establishing the structural renovations, I would assume – and hope – that will be forthcoming.
90% drawings are the last stop before “construction” and/or “permit” drawings. Given that they give a clear anough picture to get to close if not exact pricing, the next step is settling details and gaining the commitment to build before spending the money on final drawings and engineering.
How many square feet in the building? 5000?
Cost per square foot of renovation compared to a new building construction?
Renovation looks like way more than $1000 per square foot
Unless there is a favorable cost/benefit ratio, then demolition.
PS: My aunt and uncle met at this building when he was at Camp Blanding for Army basic training. I attended quite a few dances there as a high school student. Don Felder played rock and roll there as a teenager. So I have a sentimental attachment to the Rec Center.
But, hey folks, this is taxpayer dollars, not to be wasted.
Just over 9,000sf….so approx $320/sf for phase 1 (repair structure only). If they go with option 3 the total cost is currently estimated at just under $900/sf (but remember the phase 1 budget double in only 1.5 years). These are pre construction budget numbers and they will surely increase unless the city reduces the scope of work. That’s a guarantee!
These estimates are not to be looked at as final proposals or total costs — which is how the city seems to portray it to the public. For example, the asbestos remediation, services, and design fees aren’t even included in the city’s total project estimate much less the actual cost estimate to complete the full scope of the desired work, whatever that is.
They’re looking at $10,000,000 minimum for this whole project (save and reno the entire building)..so your $1,000/sf renovation costs estimate is probably pretty accurate.
The city also screwed us over with another building that they purchased/assumed from the feds/military. The Army Reserve building on SE 8th was/is a giant money pit. I assume they use the military angle to garner more public support for salvaging both buildings (regardless of the cost) — but us with sharp eyes know what’s up
Slice,
“The Thelma A. Boltin Center consists of a one-story, 4,500 SF auditorium (including stage and back of house), and a two-story 3,500 SF multipurpose wing with 1,120 SF storage mezzanine.”
Not counting the mezzanine, that’s 11,500 sf.
felder, from the “Building Design” tab at their web page –
“The Thelma A. Boltin Center consists of a one-story, 4,500 SF auditorium (including stage and back of house), and a two-story 3,500 SF multipurpose wing with 1,120 SF storage mezzanine.”
Not counting the mezzanine, that’s 11,500 sf.
Looking at the estimate by Scorpio, they note 9,211 sf, which we should be able to assume is the most accurate count.
Exactly.
7. Remove the wooden roof and floor parts, let nature take it over like in Greece or Rome, and use as an extra events center when the weather is nice (spring and autumn). Keep vagrants out rest of time.
Cost: $1
Just rename the county facility at Celebration Point-ee the Thelma Boltin Center.
“Complete Restoration and Complete Replacement are equal, with 3,100 added sf to the replaecment, so if it is decided to keep a building at that location with similar functions, it’s the history vs new with added space. If they were the same but without the added space, I think most would say let’s keep the history. How would that space be used and is it needed now or in the not too distant future?