SR 06:079 - Laserfiche WebLink

At its 2003 hearing, the City Council allocated funds and directed staff to begin the process for the master planning, design, and possible construction scheduling of the proposed Firehouse Arts Center which would be designed to serve current and future civic arts needs. In late 2004, staff returned to the City Council with various funding alternatives for consideration (please refer to the attached City Council staffreportsfor the discussions offunding this project). The City retained ELS Architecture and Urban Design of Berkeley (ELS) to provide comprehensive professional design and project management services. Through a collaborative process with Task Force members selected by the City Council (please reftr to the Planning Commission staffreport), ELS coordinated and developed: . The Firehouse Arts Center program elements for the facility, and . Conceptual site and architecture plans comprising those elements which were previously presented to and accepted by the City Council. The proposed renovation and addition to the historic Fire Station No.1, creating a civic arts center, is being returned to the City Council for design review approval. SITE DESCRIPTION The site is located on Railroad Avenue, between Neal and Spring streets at the terminus of Division Street. The subject site is a small triangular parcel bounded by Railroad Avenue to the west, the Alameda County Transportation Corridor and Lions Wayside Park to the east and residential and mixed uses to the north. The southerly apex of the triangular parcel is adjacent to future park uses, such as the renovated Chan Henderson Bandstand, which will also create strong pedestrian linkages to the Downtown area. The existing site building consists of the historic Fire Station No. 1 along with the contemporary 1960's addition. This addition dominates the historic building by covering three of the four sides of the original building. The scope of the project is contained within the boundary of the City-owned property and does not require acquisition of additional lands; however, acquisition of the Alameda County Transportation Corridor, subsequent renovation of Lions Wayside Park, and enhancement of pedestrian access to Main Street along Division Street would create additional linkages for a pedestrian-friendly, cultural resource enhancing and further activating the Downtown area. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The site has a history of adaptive re-use in order to meet the City's anticipated future civic needs. The City has long desired an arts center and the development of the Firehouse Arts Center would: . renovate the existing 2,450 square foot historic Fire Station No.1; SR 06:079 Page 3 of 17