The Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center project appears back on track after higher-than-anticipated cost estimates were presented by the architectural design firm BKV Group in July that caught city officials by surprise.
At a Sept. 4 City Council work session, BKV Group presented three new preliminary plan options that more closely align with the $80 million budget that Chanhassen voters narrowly approved in a 2024 referendum.
After the updated plans were discussed, Council members indicated they favored the more cost-efficient, two-level, 182,892-square-foot plan with an initial estimated price tag of $82.6 million.
According to Patrick Gavin, Chanhassen communications manager, the facility as currently presented includes all of the amenities that voters supported — two National Hockey League-sized ice rinks, field house, walking track, indoor playground, well-equipped fitness center, dance studio and community meeting rooms.
Some of the spaces inside the proposed Community Center have been adjusted to help bring the project closer to budget, while meeting community wishes, Gavin reported.
Under the now-preferred plan, the field house is 7% smaller, coming in at 41,097 square feet compared to 44,000 square feet in previous plans. In addition, the indoor playground and party rooms now total 5,300 square feet, down from the previous figure of 6,100 square feet. The dance studio size has been reduced as well, now 2,588 square feet vs. 2,955 square feet in earlier plans.
But under the new plan, the fitness room is seeing a 15% increase in square footage, totaling 3,800 square feet compare to 3,300 square feet in earlier drawings. The community room also sees a bump in size, now projected at 4,110 square feet instead of the previous 3,400 square feet.
“Some spaces have been trimmed while others have been expanded, but the core amenities remain in place,” Gavin said. “The focus now is on designing a facility that is financially responsible, true to what voters approved and sustainable for long-term operations.”
The only wish-list amenity not included in the current plan is an attached restaurant, Gavin noted.
“We are working hard to hopefully provide a cost-effective, enhanced and robust concession model that could provide hot food and beverage options for those families looking to get a legitimate meal while at the community center,” Gavin explained.
The design phase for Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center and updated cost estimates will continue through the end of 2025, with construction still set to begin in May 2026. City officials expect the facility to be completed and open in 2028.
Gavin said rising material costs, market conditions and construction timelines will continue to influence the final price for the Community Center.
“The City Council has worked deliberately within these realities, directing the project team to make adjustments that keep the facility on budget while still fulfilling what was promised to the community,” he said.
If the planning process continues as expected, Gavin said the City Council would likely award the first bid package at its Jan. 26, 2026, meeting.
Follow the project’s updates on the city’s website or via its social media channels.
“We’re encouraged by the progress made so far and the thoughtful work that continues to refine the design and budget,” Gavin said. “There is still meaningful work ahead and we’re committed to listening to our community and incorporating feedback at every step. Most of all, we’re excited about creating a space where residents of all ages can come together, connect and thrive.”
