SPANISH FORT, Ala. — City leaders will have a much clearer vision for a proposed city complex within seven weeks after the seven architectural firms considered finalists for the project submit renderings and an accompanying presentation during a day-long review process slated for April 27.

The advisory committee charged with exploring the feasibility of constructing the long-discussed city complex met with the finalists Tuesday for an informal question-and-answer session.

At issue is the long-term development of an 18-acre site at the intersection of highways 72 and 31 intended to house a multipurpose building in the short term and a host of other services and amenities in the long term as Spanish Fort continues to grow.

Members of the committee, which has been meeting weekly since August to pore over the qualifications of the original 19 architectural contenders for the project, have systematically narrowed the field to 12 and finally seven firms. Representatives of those firms received an outline during Tuesday’s meeting detailing the city’s wish list for the property.

Mayor Joe Bonner, who unveiled a working budget of $7.5 million for the project, was careful to note that the goal at the moment is securing a design that meets as many of the desired specifications as possible. Shelving the project at any point, he cautioned, remains a possibility given the volatility of the economy.

Bonner said the budget is based upon the $1.5 million the city has already set aside methodically toward a 20 percent downpayment, and he believes the balance of the $7.5 million is a “comfortable” figure for which the city could obtain financing to proceed.

At the same time, firms are encouraged to demonstrate their familiarity with and expertise in securing grant funding because any additional funds obtained through applicable grants would boost the project’s scope.

For instance, the city has received a $300,000 commitment from BRATS for the construction of the mass transit terminal, and Bonner said that amount would be added on to the total $7.5 million figure.

Meanwhile, the city of Satsuma has received grant funding totaling $1.7 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the construction of a first-responders area, and that is an avenue Spanish Fort could consider pursuing should the activity center serve a dual role as a first-responder area during emergencies.

The advisory committee is asking each of the firms to submit two drawings that address the multipurpose facility specifically as well as a broader vision for the property that incorporates each of the following: the multipurpose building, an administrative building, a public works building, a terminal for the Baldwin Rural Area System, a post office, two additional buildings with future uses to be determined, lake/detention with a recreational area; a 100-foot buffer to adjacent neighborhoods, access to the property, parking, connectivity and Smart Growth principles. Smart Growth is a growing national trend to contain urban sprawl and revitalize city centers. The movement is town-centered, transit- and pedestrian-oriented and emphasizes mixed housing, commercial and retail use while preserving green space.

The existing wish list for the multipurpose building includes incorporation of a library with computer work stations, storage and room to expand; a 300-person-capacity activity room to host social events and government meetings with a capacity of 300 as well as an adjacent conference room with table seating for 14 and room to accommodate an additional 20-30 people; a senior center with kitchen and dining area, fitness area, small-group activity room and storage; administrative and building department offices; and a museum area.

Because the project is designed to grow with the city, Bonner said above all the committee is searching for a functional design that allows for construction in phases and the shifting of office space as demand requires.

While the architects in attendance pushed for aesthetic preferences that would aid in the design request, the consensus among committee members remained on connectivity and functionality above appearance. At the same time, committee members were quick to note this project will set the tone for the creation of a cohesive downtown space, and they are looking to the design experts for guidance on how to proceed visually.

“We tried to break this out, and the elements we put in (the request) are very important to us, but there are other considerations. Not only do we have to get this built and paid for, but then we have to maintain and staff it,” Bonner said.

Planning Commissioner and committee member Maura Dismuke said she is willing to defer to the design expertise of the firms represented if it means “functionality and the longevity of the buildings” are given priority.

Committee member Gini Nelson echoed Dismuke’s desire for functional design, adding, “This steering committee has taken this very seriously and very slowly.”

Nelson, whose background is in real estate, said while she has a personal interest in the aesthetics, she is most concerned with the “complete usage of the 18 acres.”

Planning Commissioner and committee member Bernard Davis said he personally champions the Smart Growth concept and wants to ensure the buildings can grow with the city.

“The outside appearance is something we can work on,” Davis said.

And committee member Bobby Fortenberry said he agrees the exterior motif or façade might not be an immediate priority, but he is very sensitive to the fact that it will “set the tone for what downtown Spanish Fort looks like for years to come.”

City Councilman and committee member Tom Sawyer said he is concerned with maximizing use of the 18 acres in a manner that will best serve the city even 25 years from now.

And because the committee is very sensitive to the fact that it is requesting a tremendous amount of time and energy for the proposals, Bonner attempted to clarify the scope of the request.

“We’re not asking anybody to come in and lay down $25,000 to $30,000 on a gamble, but if we can get two snapshots from each of you based on the amount of money we have to spend, we’re looking for seven ideas that functionally work as close to meeting all of the needs we’ve laid out as we can,” Bonner said.

In addition, Bonner was clear that only one design will be selected from the seven for recommendation to the City Council as the project proceeds, so the architectural firms do not need to worry about the committee “cherry picking” components from the proposals to combine into one plan.

Committee Chairman Carl Nelson also noted that the presentations are meant to focus on the project itself rather than the firms vying for the work.

“We’re looking for the overall design (plans) for the 18 acres. You don’t need to sell yourselves to us anymore,” Nelson said.

District 2 City Councilman and committee member Mike McMillan also said the working draft of the city’s comprehensive plan will be provided to each firm should any questions arise.