The City of Jennings, MO, officially broke ground last week on its new $6.8 million community center designed by KAI.
The city in North St. Louis County contracted with KAI to develop a master plan for a portion of the previous River Roads Shopping Mall at Ada Wortley Road into a neighborhood park, city hall, community center, events plaza and outdoor seniors exercise facility.
KAI’s team conducted community outreach presentations, determined space plan requirements, created a conceptual design and developed the final contract documents. The community center is the first of the master plan projects to move forward.
The 15,595-square-foot community center is designed with a variety of state-of-the-art amenities to meet the needs of Jennings’ diverse residents and visitors. The inclusive and accessible space will feature a modern fitness center, full-court gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, after-school study area and computer lab to provide residents with opportunities for recreation, fitness and skill development.
Support spaces in the community center include locker rooms, shower areas and recreation department offices. Located adjacent to the center is an outdoor events plaza and fitness area.
“The new community center is a reflection of our commitment to enhancing quality of life in Jennings,” said Mayor Gary Johnson. “This center will be a vibrant hub for families, individuals, and youth in our city, providing resources and opportunities that promote community health, wellness and connection.”
KAI managed the design team, which included structural, civil and landscape consultants, plus provided all architectural, MEP/FP engineering, interior design and cost estimating services on the project. KAI used REVIT to develop the contract documents and imagery of the facility to aid in the decision-making process as the design progressed through development.
“We are thrilled that this transformative project is moving forward and we’re going to get the community center built. I think it will be a great addition to the city and a great resource for the city residents,” said KAI Senior Project Manager Joel Kerschen, AIA, CSI, LEED AP BD+C.
The city has appointed Navigate Building Solutions as the project manager, with Aspire leading the construction as general contractor.
