Farmington Hills residents will get their first public look at the finances behind the planned new activities center when an advisory committee meets Tuesday, Sept. 29.

The Activities Center Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee will convene at 5 p.m. at the Costick Activities Center, Shannon Hall, 28600 W. 11 Mile Road, according to a public notice posted by City Clerk Carly Lindahl.

The four-item agenda includes a project financial update, a review of the construction manager's scope, a status report from Neumann/Smith Architecture and a discussion to clarify the committee's purpose.

The financial update is new ground. The committee has focused on design input and vendor selection since City Council created it by a 6-0 vote on Feb. 23, according to council minutes and resolution R-42-26. The panel last met May 14, when members received an introduction to Neumann/Smith and reviewed community survey results.

A $30-35 million project

Mayor Theresa Rich told the council at its April 27 meeting that the new center is expected to cost $30 million to $35 million. She called it "our largest commitment of funds for a generation" for a city with a $90 million general fund budget.

Rich said the city holds more than $60 million in fund balance and is committed to keeping at least half to preserve its AAA bond rating, with some directed toward the center. The city also secured an $850,000 federal grant for the project, Rich said during her March 2026 State of the City address.

Council approved a contract with Southfield-based Neumann/Smith Architecture in April, capped at $1.77 million, for architectural and engineering services. Fifteen firms submitted proposals after a request for proposals went out Feb. 25. A staff review committee selected Neumann/Smith based on 57 years of experience and a municipal portfolio that includes projects for Oak Park, Washtenaw County and Midland, according to council minutes.

Replacing a 1963 building

The new center would replace the Costick Activities Center, built in 1963, which is no longer receiving capital investment, according to the city's January 2026 Capital Improvements Plan. The planned facility would be 30,000 to 40,000 square feet and include a full kitchen to continue the Meals on Wheels program, which serves more than 300 meals per day.

Construction could begin as early as 2027, Rich said in March.

One detail worth watching: the committee's original resolution directed study toward The Hawk Community Center property, but council shifted the project to the Costick property at its April 27 meeting. The agenda item on clarifying the committee's purpose may address that change.

The Sept. 29 meeting will be held at the Costick Center itself rather than at The Hawk or City Hall, where earlier committee sessions took place. The committee's term expires Feb. 23, 2027, or when the construction manager contract is awarded, whichever comes first. Residents needing assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can contact the City Clerk's Office at 248-871-2410 at least two business days before the meeting.