Construction on the 24,500-square-foot George H.W. Bush Community Center began in November 2019. Upon completion, the $5.5 million facility will feature a grand hall, a kitchen, classrooms, and multiple gathering spaces for local and civic groups to meet.
After Harris County’s precincts were redistricted in late 2021, Precinct 3 took over the project from Precinct 4 in early 2022. The community center’s design was then updated by Precinct 3, according to Jennie Peng, senior communications specialist for Precinct 3.
“The floor plan was adjusted to expand public access to the building and provide more program opportunities,” Peng said. “In addition, we adjusted various finishes and aesthetic components as well.”
As previously reported by Community Impact, the space previously served as a gym and annex space for the Cypress Creek Christian Church and Community Center, which still operates today. The gym and annex buildings closed in 2017 following flooding during Hurricane Harvey and were later purchased by Precinct 4 in 2018.
The project was originally slated to open in 2021, but construction stalled for about two years before resuming in November 2021, as previously reported by Community Impact. Supply shortages during the coronavirus pandemic delayed the project as well as new county and federal regulations for developing in flood-prone areas.
Peng noted ongoing supply chain issues have also affected delivery times for some of the electrical components needed for the project.
“Our project architect, contractor, as well as the Harris County Engineering Department, have worked together to find alternate solutions through the project to keep the schedule as close as possible,” Peng said.
As the project was a “lump sum project,” Peng said inflation did not impact construction.
As of press time, a grand opening date had not been set for the community center.
