Aspen approves amendments to ARC facility improvements

Aspen City Council approved proposed amendments to the Aspen Recreation Center facility improvements on Tuesday related to vendor selection of both the Roaring Fork Valley’s Rosenfeld Design and Rifle’s Phil Vaughan Construction Management, Inc.

The resolutions were part of the council’s consent agenda at its weekly meeting.

The ARC’s facility improvements will include renovations to the pool area and amenities, essential system repairs and more. It is currently scheduled for June 1 through Sept. 30. Two types of core natatorium drain and drainpipe infrastructure will be “corrected,” with the lap pool re-plastered, according to a staff report submitted to council. Additional improvements will also be made to the concrete pool deck, pool drain and drainpipe, as well as the boiler room floor and drainpipe to ensure longevity.

The pool and pool deck will be closed and inaccessible for the duration of the project, and the entire ARC facility will be closed Aug. 31 through Sept. 30 for the final construction phase.

“As previously discussed with City Council, the project is a multi-faceted effort to correct failing infrastructure in the ARC natatorium and facility boiler room,” the staff report states. “These resolutions (presented April 28) serve as amendments to reflect modified scope of work and contract value changes. Rosenfeld Design and Phil Vaughan Construction Management, Inc. will provide essential project implementation services, in conjunction with the general contractor, PNCI Construction, Inc. throughout the duration of subgrade and drainage infrastructure improvements at the ARC natatorium and ARC boiler room.”

The intended outcome of the amendments is stated as minimizing public impacts.

On Oct. 28, 2025, council approved pre-construction professional design services with Rosenfeld Design, which proceeded with project construction and permit documentation and coordinated with the general contractor and owner team. On March 24, council approved proceeding with construction, and staff are now requesting to “extend the engagement” with Rosenfeld Design and with Phil Vaughan Construction Management, Inc. to take the project to completion.

“Both parties have provided expert experience and opinions towards this complex project and the City of Aspen project team is confident in their abilities to continue to effectively coordinate with the project’s general contractor (PNCI Inc.) and City staff to ensure a high quality, long term result for the public facility,” the staff report reads.

According to the report, Rosenfeld Design was selected in particular for its “successful work” at the Aspen Police Department and for a team of assembled experts, including an aquatics engineer that other applicants did not have.

Phil Vaughan Construction Management, Inc. was selected due to the company’s inclusion on the city’s “as needed” vendor list and its contributions to previous city projects.

“Staff have worked collaboratively with and appreciate the expert knowledge, organization, constructive dialogues, seamless communications and advocacy with the appointed contractors that PVCMI provides,” the report reads. “Therefore, staff are confident in making the recommendation to have PVCMI continue to serve the City for the ARC Facility Improvements project.”

Council approved a $2,897,004 budget increase for the project March 24 — the proposed scope revisions for both Rosenfeld Design at $129,905 and Phil Vaughan Construction Management, Inc. at $142,809 will be funded from that previously approved budget appropriation. This revision takes the total amount for Rosenfeld Design to $301,110.

Mayor Rachael Richards was not present for the Tuesday meeting.