SR 06:079 - Laserfiche WebLink

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council approve Case PDR-507 by taking the following actions: I. Find that the project would have a de minimus impact on wildlife and that it is categorically exempt pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Section 15331, Class 31, Historical Resources Restoration /Rehabilitation, and Section 15332, Class 32, In-Fill Development Projects. 2. Adopt a resolution approving Case PDR-507, subject to Exhibit A and the conditions of approval in Exhibit B. SUMMARY The proposed Firehouse Arts Center has been sensitively designed to expand, renovate, and re- use the historic Fire Station No. I. The proposed project is a step towards completion of the goals of the Master Plan for the Downtown Parks and Trails System/Downtown Specific Plan to link the Downtown commercial area with Lions Wayside Park. The site and building design meet the needs identified in the program, complementing the existing Fire Station by utilizing simple yet sophisticated design features which accentuate the existing historic structure and create a unique addition similar in concept to that envisioned in the Master Plan for the Downtown Parks and Trails System. The project would provide pedestrian connection to the adjoining parks along with the Downtown commercial center. Staff believes the proposed design review implements the direction of the City Council. City staff engaged in a collaborative public process with the citizens Task Force appointed by the City Council. The Task Force identified community needs and developed a design that creates a strong visual connection to the Downtown and Lions Wayside Park. Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council: BACKGROUND The former Fire Station was the original Pleasanton Fire Station No. 1 before relocating to its Nevada Street address. The Fire Station was renamed "Fire Station NO.4" until the recent relocation of that facility to the Bernal Property. For the purposes of this report and the historic nature of the site, staff is referring to the site as "Fire Station No. I" although others may refer to the more recent number. The City's Downtown Specific Plan contemplated the future adaptive re-use of the historic Fire Station No. 1. The Downtown Parks and Trails Master Plan outlines the implementation process to convert the existing historic resource into a facility that could provide various new public uses linking Lions Wayside and Delucchi parks with the core Main Street Downtown. SR 06:079 Page 2 of 17