Process Delay

It's early December and we are awaiting issuance of permits from the City of Tacoma to commence work on the Tacoma Program Center renovation.  While we wish that we were two months into the reconstruction process by now, we are not overly surprised that the plan approval and permit process has not proceeded as rapidly as would be ideally desired.  We're still hopeful that we will be able to get started before the end of the year, but are intent to get going whenever the permits are issued.

In the meantime, we have been fine-tuning the Program Center design and have been busy working on various activities to celebrate the centennial celebration of the Tacoma Mountaineers in 2012!  One of the activities that has been undertaken is to publish installments of Tacoma Mountaineers history on a blog.  Be sure to read about the incredibly rich history of the Tacoma Mountaineers in this historical account that will be updated approximately monthly!

Local walk to Dupont - 1916

Renovation to Commence October 3, 2011!

Merit Construction Northwest (MCNW) has been selected as the renovation project General Contractor from a short-list of three finalists.  Variances were granted by the City of Tacoma for height (small variance) and parking (conditions include addition of ADA parking space and lease for parking spaces on evenings and weekends with a local business), so the major hurdles to realization of the project have been surmounted!  For the rest of September work parties will be cleaning the various material of 55-years worth of occupation from the Clubhouse, and work on the project is scheduled to commence October 3.  Check back frequently for updates.

The Mountaineers - Tacoma Program Center

Contractor RFQs Issued

We have progressed far enough that we have send out Requests For Qualification (RFQs) to several contractors we have qualified.  All have expressed a strong interest in the project and are starting to work on preparing a preliminary bid.  Shortly we will be interviewing contractors and starting the selection process.  Here are the latest iterations of the first and second floor plans:

First Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan

 And a couple updated renderings:

View of front of building from North 30th Street

View of rear of building from Carr Street

As you can see in the renderings, the building is designed for a "green roof" which had generated a lot of interest.  We're quite excited with this and other design elements - check back frequently and we'll discuss these in more detail!

South Sound Program Center Gathering Steam!

A complete feasibility study for the South Sound Program Center (SSPC) has been approved by the Boards of The Mountaineers and The Mountaineers Foundation, and is currently underway.  The feasibility study will result in a detailed cost estimate and ultimately firm bids from contractors.  Assuming that the cost estimate and bids come in as anticipated, there is a strong likelihood that the project will move forward, subject to final approval again by the two Boards.  With the assumption of approval, key dates for the project are as follows:

• August, 2011 – Receive bids and select contractor
• October, 2011 – Commence renovation
• February, 2012 – Activities start in new facility!
• March, 2012 – Tacoma Mountaineers 100-year anniversary

As the project progresses, further images, floor plans, project schedules and updates will be provided, so check back frequently!  Also, look in this space for notice of a branch meeting that will be scheduled in the next several weeks where detailed information on the project will be shared and interested members can weigh in (notice will also be given in an e-mail).

Appeal for volunteer assistance:  There are a lot of very exciting things going on now in The Mountaineers, and particularly the Tacoma Branch, with the SSPC project, the approach of the branch's 100-year anniversary and others.  All these exciting things mean that there is a lot to do, and we need and would love additional assistance from our great members to get it all done.  Some of the things we need assistance with are:

• Fundraising conception and execution for the SSPC
• Planning for the Tacoma Branch 100-year anniversary
• Participation as Board Trustee and/or officer 

Please contact me (Geoff Lawrence) if you would like to participate in one or more of these things - we need you!  geoff.lawrence@tacomamountaineers.org.