 ORANGE COUNTY -- The five community gyms that the Orlando Magic promised to build in return for public funding to help build a new arena are on track to come in on budget and include the building amenities that keep long-term costs down, a key Orange County official says. County building officials wanted the gyms to have cooling units on the ground for easier repair access, windows near the top, in part to allow for lower lighting costs, and concrete walls to avoid frequent drywall repairs. Those options save taxpayers money later. Initially, Magic team officials were not sure whether the work could be done on the $5 million-per gym budget. The team pledged $12.5 million and will secure the rest through donations. But the team has indicated it will be able to include those amenities when it submits its design specifications later this month. "We anticipate some good news at the end of the year," said John Terwilliger, Orange's administrative-services deputy director. The team's deadline to submit the latest plans is Dec. 19. Construction, labor and some material costs have actually come down since the gym idea -- negotiated by Commissioners Mildred Fernandez and Bill Segal -- was agreed to last year, and that helps, Terwilliger said. Author: Fox Sports Author's Website: http://www.foxsports.com Added: December 8, 2008
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