TUSTIN : Redesign of Building for Youth Center OKd

The establishment of a youth recreational center in southwest Tustin moved a step closer to reality this week when the city authorized $50,000 for architectural services to redesign a vacant building at Newport and Sycamore avenues.

The City Council, acting in its role as the Tustin Community Redevelopment Agency, voted unanimously to proceed with the project.

If renovations are made, officials say, the 6,000-square-foot building could house a drop-in center for elementary and middle school students, day-care facilities and health care programs. Possible outdoor recreational facilities could include a play yard for tots and a basketball court.

Plans call for the city to share space at the center with the TAFFY (Tustin Acts for Family and Youth) and Project Head Start programs, which would share in the building renovation costs. Part of the architect’s job will be to estimate the cost of renovating the building.

Under a best-case scenario announced by the city, construction of the youth center would begin in September and the facility would be ready for occupancy by late October.