The Tierra Del Sol Recreation Center will be torn down to make room for a new facility.
The Amenity Authority Committee approved on Wednesday the demolition of the aging facility. The cost of demolition is estimated at $7,500.
District Manager Janet Tutt indicated that the newly constructed facility will provide approximately 6,500 square feet of space at a cost of $1.2 to $1.35 million versus the $1.1 million cost estimate presented to the AAC earlier this year.
Village of Palo Alto resident Tootie Jackson, who has fought for more than two years for renovation of the recreation center, gave the plan a thumbs up.
“I suppose I am speaking for the people of my area when I say I don’t think anyone can criticize this plan,” Jackson said.
The idea of demolition of the El Santiago restaurant building was raised, however, AAC members want information before proceeding that plan.
“A strong wind could probably take it down,” said AAC member Rich Lambrecht.
The interior of the building has been gutted. AAC members recently toured the building which formerly housed the El Santiago Club restaurant.
Earlier this year, the AAC bought the building for $350,000.
Many residents have repeatedly said they want a restaurant back in the building. But AAC members have repeatedly maintained that as a governmental unit, they feel they have no place in the restaurant business. However, district staff is floating an idea to bring a vendor into the building to possibly serve light snacks.
