Antioch hires architects for new $2M aquatic center

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Updated: April 8, 2012 1:51AM

Antioch officials could have a design for the new aqua center within four weeks, following the hiring Monday night of Chicago-based architects Studio GC and BMI, specializing in designing and managing public sector projects.

The aging aqua center at Williams Park will be replaced using $2 million in Lake County Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds.

A key to making it work and stretching the $2 million budget is a willingness to work with village staff to get the project up and running by Memorial Day 2013.

“They will be on board during the entire process,” said Parks and Recreation Director Shawn Roby. “Because we are on the fast track, we are eager to send an approved design to Springfield for state permitting by late April or early May.”

Last month, Village Administrator James Keim said the plan is to build a new L-shaped zero-depth pool with at least six lap lanes with a slide and a structure to provide shade.

Any component from the existing outdoor facility that can be reused will be incorporated into the new design, along with a new bathhouse and expanded parking at Williams Park. The new pool will be located immediately north of the Lions Club pavilion with the neighboring old facility bulldozed to make way for the new center and more parking.

Whatever the design, it must fit into the $2 million budget and the low-interest loan for the project must be spent by 2013. The pool will be designed for future expansion as funds become available.

“We have to move forward quickly because the process to apply for and receive a state permit takes about six months,” said Keim, with the goal to start construction immediately after Labor Day 2012 and open by Memorial Day 2013.

Architect Pat Callahan said the company will stay with the project from beginning to end to monitor the construction and costs after the design phase is completed.

“Out of eight bidders, this company was unanimously favored by everyone who reviewed the proposals, and they were our lowest bidder,” said Roby. “We think they will give us the most bang for our buck.”