RUNESTONE COMMUNITY CENTER (RCC) EXPANSION BONDING REQUEST
REQUEST SUMMARY
- The Alexandria City Council is requesting that $5.6 million be included in the 2020 bonding bill for the RCC expansion. These funds would pay for 50 percent of the cost of the expansion. The remaining costs would be shared between the City of Alexandria and private funds. The City has the support for the project from Douglas County, Explore Alexandria Tourism, Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission, and the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.
REGIONAL HUB
- The RCC has served as a gathering place for West Central Minnesota since its opening in 1978, drawing athletes and event attendees from across the state. The original facility was constructed with one floor area that contains fixed and removable seating accommodating 1,600 spectators. A second floor was added in 1994. Both floors are used for ice and dry floor events.
- The City constructed a link between the two buildings that opened in 1996 which includes a lobby, concession area, office space, locker rooms, restrooms, and Zamboni room.
- The RCC is a hub for community activity as demonstrated by 20 events/shows plus the Douglas County Fair which together had attendance of over 93,000 in the past year. Ice events include 209 youth hockey games, 25 high school games, 24 Alexandria Blizzard games, and events and show sponsored by the Alexandria Figure Skating Club and Vikingland Curling Club
- These five organizations see significant potential for growth with the facility expansion. They have maximized the programming they can offer in the current facility.
EXPANSION DETAILS
- The expansion will add a third floor on the southwest side (left side of the sketch below) of the facility that could be used for ice and dry floor events. The current plan shows tear drop seating to maximize flexibility of space. Other additional space includes an expanded lobby, locker and changing rooms, restrooms and office space. Construction could begin as soon as 2021.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
- The Alexandria Events Center Feasibility and Market Study was completed in November 2013. At that time, the expansion was projected to increase $1,206,000 in new spending annually and a $71,800 impact to the tax base of the area.
