SR 05:241 - Laserfiche WebLink

much of the historic Firehouse as possible. The combined area of the old Firehouse engine bay and conjoining new gallery space would provide 2,000 + sq. ft. of available display space. Design for the theater resulted in a 240 seat theater with flexible seating, including balcony space for some patrons. The proposed theater is unique in that the seating space would be created by excavating below grade level, offering a much more formal and elegant appearance. The theater seating and staging could be arranged to accommodate proscenium, thrust, and arena styles of staging. Architectural style and building exterior materials/colors were chosen to be consistent with the historic Downtown, and to complement and focus on the historic Firehouse. The Task Force and architects are recommending simple exteriors, i.e. stucco, wood, etc., for the new additions to complement the old Firehouse. Attempting to match the existing brick appearance of the historic Firehouse would most likely be highly problematic (see Attachment 1). ELS staff will be in attendance at tonight's workshop to present the concept and schematic design in more detail and provide visual aids. Initial Cost Estimates The Task Force completed the conceptual and schematic designs in April 2005. The designs were accompanied by an initial construction cost estimate, which was developed by the firm of Davis Langdon Adamson. That estimate was presented to the Task Force at its meeting of May 5, 2005. At that point, construction costs for the concept/schematic design, as proposed, was estimated at $8,444,000, based on accepting bids by January 2006 (see Attachment 2). This represented a difference of $3,194,000 over the construction budget ($5.25 million) that would need to be raised from private sources, or reduce the overall scope of the project. Members of the Firehouse Fundraising Committee and leadership of the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation reviewed the concept/schematic design and cost estimates, and indicated that the shortfall was within the parameters of previous projections, estimates, and goals of the fundraising campaign. The Task Force reiterated its desire to go forward with the project, and recommended that the Civic Arts Commission review and approve the conceptual/schematic design and work to develop viable funding strategies so that the entire vision for the Center could be achieved. Civic Arts Commission Actions and Recommendations Staff formally introduced the concept/schematic design for the Firehouse to the Civic Arts Commission at its meeting on May 9, 2005. Initial cost estimates were discussed, and staff indicated that ELS would prepare and present to the Commission, at a future meeting, possible cost saving alternatives - up to and including an option to rely solely on City funding of $5.25 million to complete the project. SR 05:241 Page 6