New James Irvin Civic Center Proposed
By Joe Potter
Dade City is going to advertise soon for a Request For Proposals for the design-build of a new structure for the James Irvin Civic Center that will include the demolition of the existing structure, according to City Manager Marieke vanErven. The James Irvin Civic Center, located at 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd. , has historically served as a neighborhood gathering and event space within Naomi Jones Pyracantha Park. Due to the age of the facility, functional limitations, and ongoing maintenance needs, the City plans to replace it with a new building.
The Civic Center was constructed in 1963 at Naomi Jones Pyracantha Park. The current building has 2,496-square-feet and plans are to replace it with a modern, 3,000-square- foot building. The new building would potentially contain an open gathering space, a commercial kitchen, and numerous other features. It’s not known how much this project would cost. Part of the expense could be covered through $1,200,000, which Dade City has in its Local Government Infrastructure Surtax Penny for Pasco funds. Penny for Pasco is a sales tax program approved three times by Pasco County voters that charges a 1% tax on all goods in Pasco County up to $5,000. Those funds may be used for Dade City’s capital infrastructure needs. Penny for Pasco is effective through 2039. If a new building is constructed, Pasco County would help to cover the cost of maintaining its operations after that building is opened.
This would likely mean Dade City might be required to obtain additional grants or appropriations to cover the cost of constructing a new building. In August of 2022, the City partnered with Pasco County to contract CPH Consulting, LLC, a full-service architecture and engineering firm, will conduct a comprehensive feasibility analysis. CPH was tasked with studying park and recreation facilities within an eight- mile radius, assessing community needs and expectations, and developing an action plan for the James Irvin Civic Center site. More recently, the City engaged CPH to provide updated conceptual design and due-diligence services to update the partners on the project. Staff has received the initial proposal from CPH at a cost of $42,755. 00 to create an updated Site Plan, updated building plan diagram, one conceptual rendering, a program matrix, and AACE Level 5 Preliminary Cost Opinion. A decision was made to not accept CPH’s proposal and to advertise for Requests For Proposal regarding demolition of the existing building and construction of a new building.
The James Irvin Civic Center is named after Mr. Irvin, who was one of the most active members of the Dade City community who attended Moore-Mickens as a young teen. He was known for his honesty and conscientiousness, but he gave so much to the community when he mentored young men, served as a deacon at his church, and coached/ officiated Little League games (including the one between Taiwan and Canada during a 1977 international competition). In addition to owning Main Street Cleaners (known for its excellent customer service), one of the oldest businesses in Dade City, he was an active volunteer with the Pasco Public Schools Foundation, the Community Alliance of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts, and the City’s Historical Preservation Advisory Board. He was born Aug. 8, 1909, in Baconton, Mitchell County, Ga. , and died on Oct. 31, 1993, in Dade City, Pasco County, Fla. , at 83 years of age. His grave is located in Indian Pond Cemetery in Pasco County. ♥
