CITY OF MENIFEE
SUBJECT: Menifee Community Center Design Workshop
MEETING DATE: February 13, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
PREPARED BY: Mariana Mitchell, Community Services Manager REVIEWED BY: Rebekah Kramer, Deputy City Manager
APPROVED BY: Armando G. Villa, City Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Review and provide feedback on exterior design elements of the future Menifee Community Center, Capital Improvement Project No. 23-10, located on La Piedra and Menifee Road.
DISCUSSION
As part of the City’s efforts to enhance amenities throughout the community, the design for a new community center located on La Piedra and Menifee Road was identified under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023/2024 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget. The community center is set to be located on a lot adjacent to the existing Menifee Library. Ownership of this lot was transferred to the City in 2023 by the County of Riverside following the construction of the library.
On January 17, 2024, the professional services agreement for architectural design and engineering services was awarded to TSK Architects (“Contractor”) following the completion of a Request for Proposal (RFP) process, RFP No. 2024-5. The selected Contractor has been tasked with completing project planning, design review, community workshops, site assessment, and design and construction documents. The design, construction plans, specifications, and engineering are expected to be completed by early summer 2025.
On April 25, 2024, the Community Services Department alongside the Contractor hosted a community workshop to discuss original conceptual drawings and obtain feedback from the community. With approximately 50 attendees, common requests were to develop a center focused on public arts and theatre. Following the community workshop, an online survey was launched which obtained 230 responses, many of which echoed the in-person requests for more performing arts programming in Menifee.
City of Menifee Staff Report
Menifee Community Center Design Workshop
February 13, 2025
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Based on the community input regarding programming, the community center amenities proposed could include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Multi-purpose meeting rooms
• Visual and performing arts space
• Exercise studio
• Catering kitchen
• Office areas, workroom, and storage
• Outside seating area
On June 6, 2024, the Parks, Recreation and Trails Commission (PRTC) was presented with the information gathered through the community engagement process and unanimously recommended the programming of the proposed community center to be focused on performing arts with an emphasis on flexible use of all gathering spaces.
On October 2, 2024, a City Council workshop was held to review and gather feedback on the proposed community center schematic designs. Key takeaways included interest in incorporating artistic design elements that complement the adjacent Menifee Library. Support was expressed for retractable seating in the visual and performing arts area to provide multi-use flexibility along with the inclusion of dedicated storage spaces for use by local community organizations. Trees, landscaping, and outdoor activity areas were requested to support a wide range of community events.
Design Elements
The design of the community center has evolved through continuous feedback received from City Council, the PRTC, and community stakeholders. Emphasis has been placed on integrating artistic elements into the structure, simplifying the massing to align with budget constraints, and ensuring structural adaptations that enhance functionality. The building’s exterior and interior material selections have been carefully considered to balance durability, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal for the proposed 20,000 square foot facility.
To ensure architectural harmony with the adjacent Menifee Library, the Community Center incorporates several design elements inspired by the library’s structure. These include louvers for shading, protruding framed windows that enhance modern aesthetics, and full height glazing to create a transparent and inviting atmosphere. The building also features a rainscreen system designed to mimic wood, adding warmth while maintaining durability, along with vertical fins for solar protection and improved energy efficiency.
The lobby is envisioned as an open and welcoming space that maximizes natural light and encourages social interaction. The proposed design for the visual and performing arts area includes acoustic enhancements and layered textures to support a multitude of performance types, exhibitions, and recreational programming. Meeting rooms have been designed to be adaptable, supporting different types of gatherings and featuring operable partitions to accommodate both small and large events. The exercise studio is designed as a warm and inviting wellness retreat, incorporating natural materials, large windows, and specialized flooring to ensure safety and comfort. The facility also includes carefully planned outdoor spaces, such as a courtyard, an event area, and an exercise studio garden, which provide flexible environments for performances, gatherings, and wellness activities
City of Menifee Staff Report
Menifee Community Center Design Workshop
February 13, 2025
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IMAGE 1 – FLOOR PLAN
Next Steps
As the community center design continues to progress, thoughtful decisions on material selection and structural refinement will be crucial elements in ensuring a high-quality, functional, and financially attainable facility. A key feature of the center’s design is the mass timber structure, chosen for both its sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Elements such as operable partitions, specialized flooring, and acoustic treatments will enhance functionality, while energy-efficient systems will promote sustainability and cost-effectiveness. As planning continues, a holistic evaluation of design, usability, and financial feasibility will guide the project forward.
The choice of exterior materials should not only enhance aesthetics and sustainability but also support long-term durability and maintenance. During this workshop three exterior palette options will be presented for consideration including: fiber cement panels for a sleek and modern look, phenolic panels that align with the library’s architectural character, and a plaster and natural gray block combination for a traditional yet durable facade.
Following the February 13, 2025, workshop, feedback from City Council, the PRTC, and the public will be carefully considered in combination with material costs and building code requirements as the overall building, parking lot, and landscape design is finalized and the construction documents are completed.
City of Menifee Staff Report
Menifee Community Center Design Workshop
February 13, 2025
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STRATEGIC PLAN OBJECTIVE
Community Engagement and Social Infrastructure
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action. The design phase of the Menifee Community Center is fully funded in the FY 2024/2025 CIP Budget. Construction and development of the project site is currently unfunded. The preliminary cost estimate for constructing the community center is anticipated to be close to $1,000 per square foot. With a proposed floor plan of 20,000 square feet, the estimated project cost is approximately $20 million.
A more detailed cost estimate will be provided once the interior and exterior design elements are finalized. Staff would explore funding options and pursue grant funding opportunities for the development phase of the project following approval of the facility design. Additional funding would also be required to support facility maintenance and programming in future fiscal years.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Presentation