A POSSIBLE new civic center building in Westminster could match the size of the existing Westminster Police Department building (File photo).

The rough outlines of a re-shaping of the Civic Center appeared to be coming into view at Wednesday’s meeting of the Westminster City Council.

The council heard a presentation by the Sheldon Group to the council about the various options for the site generally located on Westminster Boulevard along All American Way, and east of Beach Boulevard.

“I want this to be a legacy project,” said Councilman Sergio Contreras, adding, “it needs to be better than what we had.”

The consensus among the council members was some variation on Option Seven. That version of the proposals included moving the existing branch library from north of the center to a new location – possibly combined with the community services center – closer to Westminster Boulevard, with a new civic center building at the south end of the mall.

The latter structure could be two- to-three stories tall and combine the city hall and an expanded council chambers, which could double as a meeting space. A building that size would match the existing police services building.

As for the existing senior citizens center, it would remain at its present location, with possible expansion. But no decision has been made and details will be presented to the public for input before the council gives a final approval.

“It’s all very much an open canvass,” said Steve Sheldon.

In addition to the physical changes to the center – which could free up land for possible development as housing ­– the presentation raised some possibilities as to how to bring more activity to the grassy mall between the city buildings on the west and south and the West Justice Center court buildings on the east.

Options such as shade structures, public arts displays, a splash pad and a lane for food trucks were suggested.

Two other items – changes in the operation of the Rose Center Theater and its associated catering facility – were taken off the agenda before the meeting started.

The next meeting of the council is scheduled for Feb. 14.