Renovation and expansion of the existing Wagner Community Center was considered, but not feasible because of the current facility conditions and constraints. Dewberry, an architecture firm, considered the physical factors of the facility and potential costs and returns to determine its recommendation on whether to renovate/expand or build a new facility.
Dewberry recommended replacing the facility based on, but not limited to the following facility deficiencies:
- Exterior wall assembly - has little to no insulation and no water infiltration protections
- Exterior doors and windows - do not meet energy code performance and replacement would be required
- Roof Assembly - would need to be replaced to meet energy codes
- Structure - ceiling heights significantly restricted by vertical height of structure and functionality is hindered
- Accessibility - many areas remain non-compliant with today’s requirements
- Mechanical systems - designed to support an elementary school building, are aged, and have limited controls
- Security - no means to separate and secure the preschool area from other public spaces
- Electrical system - new electrical service would be required to support any addition
However, more importantly, the issue of renovation/expansion rather than a new facility is square footage. The community has told us it needs much more indoor programming space than the District’s current level of tax support could possibly fund or a possible expansion to a current District facility could provide. The District has one of the lowest property tax rates in DuPage County as compared to other park districts and does not have the legal bonding authority or capital funding available to cover the costs of the proposed projects that the community needs.