Meeting Event Center Project

At a glance

What: Downtown Meeting and Event Center, funded with legislatively appropriated money and developed with Red Draw Development; construction expected to begin in the fall or December 2026.
Where it stands: July 27: the Board approved a Phase 2 construction-services amendment with OHM Advisors ($121,539.51). August 10: staff reported the P3 Board asked for changes that the City is resubmitting.
Next: Resubmission to the P3 Board; construction in December. Price said to be locked until then.
Freshness: Possibly stale: the newest information here is from August 2026. Later Board agendas (Sep 28, Oct 12) were image-only and were not read, so any later action is not reflected.

The City advertised an RFQ on January 15, 2025 and received two responses; the selection committee met February 19, 2025 and chose OHM Advisors of Frankfort. The Board approved the original services agreement April 28, 2025.
For Phase 2 (construction, expected to begin this fall), staff asked for Agreement Amendment 1 at $121,539.51, paid from the legislatively appropriated funding for the Center.
Resolution No. 10, 2026 Series: moved by Commissioner May, seconded by Commissioner Smith-Willis; roll call all five members present voted yes (Commissioners Richardson, Unger, May, Smith-Willis and Mayor Wilkerson), none against.

City Manager Monroe described the previous meeting with the P3 Board and the changes it requested; the City is working with Dinsmore and Shohl on changes to resubmit.
Chuck Knowles spoke about the timeline and a price increase of 7% of total project cost. The price should be locked until December construction, and no change orders are expected from Red Draw.
Megan Walsen and Garyon Dening of Red Draw said they are waiting on the P3 Board; Washington Street will run parallel to the Center.

City Manager Monroe and Chuck Knowles reported P3 Board changes, a 7% cost increase and a December construction start.

Resolution No. 10 approving OHM Advisors Phase 2 Amendment 1 ($121,539.51) adopted 5-0.