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<br />fundraising effort updates, and receive guidance and direction on how to <br />proceed. <br /> <br />Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council: <br /> <br />BACKGROUND <br /> <br />The Vision <br /> <br />The City's Downtown Specific Plan, adopted by the City Council in spring 2002, called for the <br />adaptive reuse of the former Fire Station located at 4444 Railroad Avenue as a facility which <br />could contain a small theater, art gallery, and classrooms. This recommendation reflected and <br />incorporated recommendations also contained in the Downtown Parks and Trails Master Plan, <br />and Arts Facilities Master Plan. <br /> <br />At its June, 2003 budget hearing, the City Council authorized the allocation of $6 million for the <br />master planning, design, and construction of the Firehouse Arts Center. The Pleasanton Cultural <br />Arts Council, in collaboration with the Tri-Valley Community Foundation, announced its <br />intention to undertake a significant fundraising campaign to provide additional monetary support <br />for the project. <br /> <br />Architectural Consultants <br /> <br />A Request for Proposals (RFP) was distributed to a number of architectural firms in the fall of <br />2003. The RFP's sought proposals for the master planning, creation of design and construction <br />drawings, and some construction-phase architectural services. An interview panel, including <br />representatives from the Civic Arts Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Pleasanton <br />Cultural Arts Council, Pleasanton Art League, Pleasanton Playhouse, Firehouse Fundraising <br />Committee, and relevant staff members interviewed four (4) finalists in December 2003. The <br />panel overwhelmingly recommended the firm of ELS Architecture and Urban Design of <br />Berkeley for the project. It cited the firm's focus on art gallery design, experience designing <br />very well known theater projects, and interactive method of engaging the panel in discussions <br />regarding its proposed approach to the master plan and design process. <br /> <br />The selection Committee's recommendation was reviewed and approved by the Civic Arts <br />Commission on January 5, 2004, and the Parks and Recreation Commission on February 12, <br />2004. <br /> <br />Staff initiated discussions with ELS on a proposed Contract for consultant services in spring, <br />2004. The resultant Agreement provided for a comprehensive set of services, including <br />confirmation of proposed programming for the facility; a structural analysis of the existing <br />facility; development of conceptual and schematic plans of all facility elements, including <br /> <br />SR 05:241 <br />Page 2 <br />