City Council Awards $19.7 Million Contract for Cesar Chavez Community Center Renovation

The City Council unanimously approved a $19.7 million construction contract Tuesday for the comprehensive renovation of the historic Cesar Chavez Community Center, despite a troubled bidding process that saw eight of nine contractors disqualified for failing to meet technical requirements.

PCN3 Inc. of Los Alamitos won the contract with a base bid of $15.2 million, plus a 30% contingency of $4.6 million to address unforeseen conditions in the nearly 100-year-old building. The project marks a significant investment in the Eastside facility that serves as both an arts hub and community gathering space.

The bidding challenges raised concerns during the council meeting. Of nine submissions received when bidding closed July 29, only PCN3 met all requirements in the 1,500-page specification document.

"The specs were very technical in nature, and there were a lot of requirements that were unfortunately not met," explained Purchasing Manager Jen McCoy. Disqualified bidders failed to meet requirements including audio-video systems specifications, elevator requirements, proper licensing, and Department of Industrial Relations registration.

The project faced an earlier split vote from the Cultural Heritage Board, which approved it 3-2 on Dec. 18, 2024, with the condition that all original windows be salvaged for sale or donation. The close vote reflected concerns about preserving the building's historic character.

Councilmember Phillip Falcone emphasized the need for historic preservation oversight during renovation. "I just want to reiterate the importance of having Scott Watson involved and our historic preservation team involved in anything related to the exterior, and even the interior would be nice too," Falcone said.

The $25 million project is fully funded through state grants secured with support from former Assembly Member Jose Medina, former Senator Richard Roth and Senator Sabrina Cervantes. Total project costs of $21.5 million include construction, design, project management, utilities and permits.

"This project is about more than a restoration. It's about creating space that meets community needs today while remaining vibrant well into the future," said Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Pamela Galera.

The renovation will modernize the Spanish colonial-era building originally constructed as University Heights Junior High School. The City acquired the structure in 1976 to serve Eastside residents.

Major improvements include complete roof replacement with insulation, new double-glazed windows designed to mimic originals, and upgraded HVAC, fire sprinklers, plumbing and electrical systems. The project adds an elevator providing basement access and enhanced accessibility, expands the auditorium stage with seating increased to 357, creates dedicated second-floor arts spaces, and installs a new catering kitchen adjacent to the community room.

The second floor will become home to expanded arts programming, complementing the Riverside Arts Academy's affordable music programs and the city's recreation arts classes in dance, music and visual arts.

"We offer scholarships to ensure inclusion for all," Galera said, emphasizing equitable access to arts programming.

The auditorium renovation particularly excited staff. "Gosh, we had fun designing the auditorium," Galera said, describing new blackout curtains and lighting systems that will accommodate performances throughout the day.

Falcone also suggested better utilizing the front lawn, which he described as currently serving as "an unfortunate gathering place for undesirable activity."

The renovation underwent extensive community engagement through three public meetings in August, September and October 2024, with architects incorporating resident feedback into the final design.

Current facility users who will continue operations include the Riverside Arts Academy, Riverside Community Health Foundation, Riverside Unified School District, Riverside County Office of Education, Inland Empire Latino Lawyers, Comeback Kids, and the Farm Workers Institute of Education and Leadership Development.

Construction is expected to begin following contract execution, with the City Manager authorized to make minor changes. The project timeline was not specified at Tuesday's meeting, though the City has received a time extension on the state grant funding.