Demolition of Brannon Center delayed

Published: Sunday, January 4, 2015 at 4:22 p.m. Last Modified: Sunday, January 4, 2015 at 4:22 p.m.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH The 50-year old Brannon Center probably wont be demolished until bids come in for the construction of a new building on the same site, a project that has a $5 million budget.

City leaders had initially planned to tear down the building at 105 S. Riverside Drive this month. The center is used to host events ranging from weddings to large city government meetings.

However, at the City Commissions recent planning and goal setting session, Mayor Jim Hathaway said he wanted to wait to see what its going to cost to build a new Brannon Center before proceeding with razing the existing building. The $5 million budgeted for the project is part of a $7.8 million bank loan that will fund several other capital projects.

It doesnt make sense to tear down that building if you cant afford to replace it, Hathaway reiterated last week.

The new Brannon Center could go out to bid this month, with bids coming in March or April, Assistant City Manager Khalid Resheidat said.

Right now, were thinking about probably moving (the demolition date) until we actually have the bids for construction, Resheidat said. This way we make sure we have the funding available (and) the cost meets the current budget for it.

Last year, architects with the Orlando firm Rogers, Lovelock and Fritz surveyed the Brannon Center, which was originally built as the citys library, and in a report outlined multiple deficiencies in the roughly 14,000-square foot building. They found the windows, doors, roof and heating and air conditioning system all needed to be replaced; the building enclosure needed to be redone to meet wind and energy codes, and portions of the interior of the building didnt meet the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. The report also said the building had inadequate insulation.

The City Commission decided to tear down and rebuild the center and in September gave the go ahead to proceed with plans after seeing a concept presented by officials with Rogers, Lovelock and Fritz. The new building, which would be about the same size as the current center, would be built closer to the river, have an elevated, covered outdoor terrace area, multipurpose rooms and a lobby.

Hathaway, who was not on the commission when the decision was made to rebuild the Brannon Center, said at the planning session last month that the project gave him heartburn and he was concerned about it costing more than anticipated. Resheidat said last week that, as of now, it looks like the plans will be within the citys budget.

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Demolition of Brannon Center delayed