Library
www.santa-ana.gov/library
Item # 9
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
October 6, 2026
TOPIC: Cypress Center PAAL+ Restoration
AGENDA TITLE
Reallocation of Additional Construction Funding from the Newhope Library Renovation Project to the Cypress Center PAAL+ Restoration Project to Address Facility Enhancements Related to Programmatic Changes (Project No. 22-6023) (General Fund)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Approve reallocation of additional construction funding from the Newhope Library Renovation Project to the Cypress Center PAAL+ Restoration Project in the amount of $225,000 in General Fund and Cannabis Public Benefit Fund funding.
2. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Capital Improvement Program to include $225,000 in reallocated construction funds for the Cypress Center PAAL+ Restoration Project (No. 22-6023).
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
On October 21, 2025, the City Council approved a construction contract with Loengreen, Inc. for the Cypress Center PAAL+ Restoration Project. Construction of the Cypress Center is underway, with an estimated completion of December 2026. The project consists of a rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the historic Santa Ana Fire Station #4 located at 625 Cypress Avenue, and will transform the building and surrounding exterior spaces into a new and innovative STEM learning lab, while restoring and preserving the building’s historic integrity and its historic register standing.
Upon completion, the newly restored Cypress Center will offer a reimagined PAAL+ program. PAAL+ builds upon the success of the Santa Ana Police Athletic & Activity League (PAAL) program by providing enhanced homework help, fitness, STEM exploration, enrichment, and positive mentorship to youth in grades 2-8. PAAL+ is a collaborative partnership between Library Services, Parks, Recreation, & Community Services, and the Police Department. This multi-agency collaboration establishes a new service model that delivers more efficient, cohesive, and cost-effective programming for local youth. The new facility layout will feature an open innovation lab area with a Cypress Center PAAL+ Restoration
October 6, 2026
centralized check-in desk, versatile classrooms for recreation, art, and tutoring; restrooms, and dedicated staff workspaces, including a police substation that supports diverse program opportunities and positive community interactions with law enforcement.
Due to the Library Services Agency assuming the lead role in program and service delivery at the Cypress Center, the following design adjustments are needed to fully support this updated service model:
• Interior Adjustments for STEM Learning: Adjusts the interior layout to support library-led STEM programming—mirroring successful city models like the Newhope Innovation Lab and Main Library Maker Lab—by upgrading specialized casework, storage capabilities, facility finishes, as well as power and data upgrades.
• Exterior Integration and Activation: Establishes a seamless indoor-to-outdoor programming environment by converting a previously planned concrete driveway into a highly usable activity and enrichment front patio space for PAAL+ youth participants.
• Curb Appeal and Historical Alignment: Activating and improving the facility's “front yard” and facade enhances its neighborhood footprint through the use of new decorative stamped concrete and historically accurate finishes that establish the Cypress Center as a distinct community destination.
To achieve these added improvements, additional construction funding is needed. The original total estimated construction delivery cost for the Cypress Center PAAL+ Restoration project was $3,894,340, which included the construction contract bid amount ($3,322,512), construction administration, inspection, and testing ($239,578), and a 10% allocation for additional construction related costs ($332,250). The recommended action will increase the total estimated construction delivery cost by $225,000 to a new delivery cost of $4,119,340. The added construction funding will not exceed the contract’s maximum compensation.
The Library was able to recognize construction contingency savings in the Newhope Library Renovation Project. These General Fund and Cannabis funds are available and can be reallocated to the Cypress Center PAAL+ Restoration Project to fully offset the additional $225,000 in construction costs.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action. CEQA determination for the project was made under previous City Council action on October 21, 2025 and staff filed Categorical Exemption Environmental Review No. ER-2025-096. The recommended actions are exempt from further review pursuant to Section 15301 (b) of the CEQA Guidelines for projects consisting of repair/maintenance to existing public facilities.
Cypress Center PAAL+ Restoration
October 6, 2026
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds were budgeted and available in the following accounts for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and will be carried forward for use in Fiscal Year 2026-27, subject to City Council approval of carryover requests. Additional proposed carryovers of unspent funds to future fiscal years will be presented to City Council for approval as needed.
The following table summarizes the funds budgeted for expenditure:
Fiscal
Year
Accounting UnitAccount No.
(Project No.)
Fund
Description
Accounting Unit,
Account No.
Description
Amount
Reallocation
2026-27 01211020-66200
(from 22-1802 to 22-
6023)
Cannabis Public
Benefit Fund
Library Youth Services
– Buildings & Building
Improvements
$120,000
2026-27 0111110-66200
(from 22-1802 to 22-
6023)
General Fund Library Administration –
Buildings & Building
Improvements
$84,500
2026-27 01111017-66200
(from 22-1802 to 22-
6023)
General Fund Library Service
Enhancement –
Buildings & Building
Improvements
$20,500
TOTAL $225,000
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Construction Contract
2. Environmental Determination
3. Capital Improvement Project Worksheet
Submitted By: Brian Sternberg, Executive Director of Library Services Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager