Palmdale to Break Ground on Chimbole Center Renovation

PALMDALE, CA — A place where generations of Palmdale residents have celebrated milestones, attended meetings and connected with neighbors is taking a step toward reopening. The City of Palmdale will celebrate the start of its transformation with a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, October 9 at 10 a.m. at the Chimbole Center, 38350 Sierra Highway.

Members of the Palmdale City Council and Congressman George Whitesides will lead the ceremony for Phase 1 of the project. Whitesides helped secure a $2 million federal earmark to support the work.

“The Chimbole Center holds special memories for so many people in Palmdale, and its absence has been deeply felt,” said Mayor Eric Ohlsen. “Our community has truly missed having this place to celebrate, gather and connect. This groundbreaking brings us closer to opening its doors again and welcoming residents back to create new memories.”

A striking two-level glass concourse will become a centerpiece of the renovated Center, connecting it with a new main entrance to the Palmdale City Library. The project will restore the Center following fire and water damage in Dec. 2022, updating the spaces and systems that make community celebrations, meetings and activities possible.

Improvements include interior and exterior renovations of the building; a new roof system; replacement of the heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing systems; upgraded fire alarm and security systems; and accessibility, parking and lighting improvements. Inside, warming kitchen equipment, movable room partitions in the main ballroom and audiovisual systems will support a variety of gatherings.

“This investment will make the Center more accessible and adaptable to the many ways our residents use it,” said Mayor Pro Tem Austin Bishop. “Its new connection to the Library brings together two places where people learn, gather and build community. We appreciate Congressman Whitesides’ work to secure federal funding to help make these improvements possible.”

The project builds on decades of shared history. Established in 1987, the Chimbole Center honors Larry Chimbole, Palmdale’s first mayor, who helped lead the City’s incorporation in 1962. It has hosted family milestones, fundraisers and community meetings. Next door, the Library opened in 1977 as the City’s first municipal building and has connected generations of residents with books, educational resources and programs.

The City Council awarded the construction contract to Icon West, Inc., for approximately $26.7 million, with a 15% contingency, bringing the authorized construction amount to approximately $30.7 million. Funding comes from the General Fund, Measure AV, the American Rescue Plan Act and federal earmarks.

Construction is expected to take 360 working days from the City’s Notice to Proceed.

For more information about the project, please visit www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov/CIPor call Palmdale’s Public Works department at 661-267-5300.