The Community Health and Wellness Center project has reached 100 percent schematic design completion with a reduced footprint of 103,000 square feet to stay within the $101.8 million budget, Mayor Tim Busse announced during his weekly council update.

The facility began as a 136,000 square foot project but was strategically reduced to preserve key program spaces while managing costs. The design includes a central lobby with intuitive wayfinding, flexible community rooms, an exterior walking trail, an indoor running track circling two gyms, and safe visitor drop-off zones. Event space capacity was scaled back from 250 guests to 144 due to space reductions, though the team is studying options to restore larger capacity.

The new center will replace Creekside Community Center, which closes June 1. Ninety-five percent of Creekside's programs will continue at interim locations including the Bloomington Center for the Arts and Logan Lodge until the new facility opens in 2027. Specialized programs like the woodshop and boutique are being relocated or reimagined with creative solutions.

Project risks include potential tariff impacts on materials and possible loss of federal Inflation Reduction Act funding, which could reduce sustainability investments by $5 million to $8 million. Despite concerns, the design includes geothermal systems, rooftop solar panels, and native landscaping for stormwater management while pursuing LEED certification.

The design team will continue refinement through May, with 50 percent design development documents expected by month's end. Updated cost and pro forma estimates will be presented to the council in early June.