Birmingham City Commission Selects Neumann Smith as Architect for New Senior and Recreation Center

Birmingham Takes a Big Step Toward a New Senior and Recreation Center!

Hey there, Birmingham folks! Exciting things are happening in our lovely city! On December 9, during a city commission meeting, some major progress was made for our much-anticipated Senior and Recreation Center. The commission has officially chosen Neumann Smith as the architect to start sketching out the final designs and construction plans. Isn’t that fantastic news?

A Journey of Ten Years

Now, let’s rewind a bit. This journey to build a new home for Next Senior Services and the recreation center has been a long one, stretching back nearly a decade. But things really kicked into gear when the city purchased the old Birmingham YMCA building back in July 2023. Since then, the city has been bustling with ideas and plans.

During the recent meeting, the city commissioners had a daunting task: to sift through three talented architectural firms—Neumann Smith, INFORM Studio, and McIntosh Poris Architects. The goal? To pick the best team to prepare the final site plan for our new center.

Who’s Who in the Architectural World?

Before reaching a decision, the Ad Hoc Senior/Recreation Center Committee did their homework. They met on December 2 and evaluated each firm’s proposals. INFORM Studio came in with a hefty bid of $391,622 for the schematic design phase, plus extra costs. Meanwhile, McIntosh Poris Architects offered $416,673, and Neumann Smith had the best deal at $354,200 for similar services.

All eyes were on the three firms as they presented their ideas during the meeting. INFORM Studio, known for their dynamic projects in urban design and culture, wowed the crowd with their experience-based proposals. They have a reputation for working on community spaces, like the A.B. Ford Park Community Center in Detroit.

Then it was McIntosh Poris Architects’ turn to shine. This local firm has been part of Birmingham’s fabric since 1994, with a strong portfolio of work in residential and commercial architecture. Their connections and understanding of local needs added valuable insight to the mix.

Neumann Smith Takes the Lead

Finally, Neumann Smith took the stage. With experience in architecture, interior design, and planning, and offices not far away in Southfield and Detroit, they impressed the commissioners with their vision. After hearing from the three firms, several commissioners expressed confidence in moving forward. Many felt Neumann Smith had a unique edge that made them the standout choice.

However, not everyone was on the same page. Commissioner Brad Host and Mayor Pro Tem Clinton Baller voiced some concerns about whether the city was quite ready to proceed with selecting an architect. They expressed a little hesitation in the timing of this decision, but ultimately, a vote was cast.

A Decision is Made!

With a split vote of 4-2, the commission decided to partner with Neumann Smith for the design of the Next and Recreation Center. While Host and Baller may have felt uncertain, the majority felt confident that this was a solid step forward.

What’s Next for Birmingham?

So, what does this mean for you? Well, we are one step closer to having an amazing place where our seniors can gather, have fun, and enjoy activities together! This project is all about enhancing our community and providing a space that everyone can enjoy. It’s truly heartwarming to see Birmingham come together for such a vital cause.

As this exciting project unfolds, we will keep you updated with all the latest news. Birmingham, let’s stay positive and look forward to seeing our new Senior and Recreation Center take shape!