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HomeMy WebLinkAbout031324 Joint Mtg. 4.1PARKS, RECREATION AND ARTS COMMISSION STAFF REPORT 4.1 TO: Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission March 13, 2024 SUBJECT: Update Town Green and Arts District Design Project BACKGROUND In 2017, the Parks, Recreation & Arts Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan) outlined various measures for implementation, including the development of a Master Plan for a Town Green and Arts District. This initiative, prioritized by the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission (the Commission), aimed to enhance the Town Green and Front Street area from the Community Center north to the Village Theatre. To accomplish this, the Town engaged Callander Associates (Consultant) as consultants to collaborate with staff and the Commission. Throughout 2019, the Commission collaborated with the Consultant to establish project goals tailored to Danville's unique character. Community input was gathered through outreach events and an online survey, informing the draft Master Plan. Emphasizing consistency with the Strategic Plan, the Consultant's initial design proposed achievable improvements supporting an arts district vision and reinforcing the Town Green's role as Danville's "living room." Drafts of the Master Plan, along with conceptual project estimates, were reviewed by the Commission in August and September 2019, leading to a recommendation for Town Council approval. Following the Town Council review, the Master Plan was adopted in November 2019. Subsequently, the Town Council included Projects B-628 (Town Green and Arts District) and B-629 (Arts Maker Space) in the Capital Improvement Program, allocating funds for design and construction aligned with the Master Plan. At its August 9, 2023, meeting, the Commission was provided an update on the project, where it was communicated that the Master Plan was now in the design development phase. This phase was anticipated to be completed over 12-14 months. The project included the completion of the following: • Preliminary Investigations to gather site information, such as topographic surveys and soil testing. • Program Development to refine and add detail to the approved Master Plan. • Design Development to prepare more detailed drawings of the Master Plan. • Design Review by Staff and Commission • Preparing construction documents for bidding and construction. As is consistent with any new building design within the town, the proposed Maker Space, CIP B629, is subject to architectural review to ensure it meets Downtown Business District Area 3’s development requirements. The Design Review Board conducted and approved this review at its February 15, 2024, meeting. DISCUSSION This project is in the design development phase. The current focus is the refinements to the Master Plan design because of feedback received. These refinements include improvements to the Town Green and the proposed 2,212 square foot Maker’s Space, which are 30% drawings. These refinements are included in the Town Green and Studio Improvements (Attachment A). Some highlights of the refinements include: Town Green Core • Wood decking • Concrete seat wall at lawn edge and freestanding seat wall • Play feature • Art features • Furnishings • Library-themed bike racks Town Green Creekside • Outdoor reading area • Story walk feature • Spaces for art • Decorative fencing • Musical garden • Picnic tables • Climbing feature Town Green Pavilion • Stage • Storage Town Studio (maker’s space) • 2,212 square foot facility with Craftsman style architecture • 1,200 square foot Studio floor plan • Two multi-use classroom space • Outdoor classroom • Outdoor patio NEXT STEPS Staff requests a review of the Town Green and Maker Space conceptual design and feedback. The Consultants will continue through the design phase and collect comments for further refinements. FISCAL IMPACT The current project has approximately $4,000,000 dollars appropriated for the design and construction of the improvement identified in the Master Plan. The estimated project costs for the Town Green are $3,000,000 dollars and $2,800,000 dollars for the Town Studio. RECOMMENDATION Receive the update of the Town Green and Arts District Concept Master Plan and provide feedback for further refinements. Prepared and Reviewed by: Henry Perezalonso Recreation, Arts & Community Services Director Attachments: A - Town Green and Studio Improvements B - Town Green and Arts District Master Plan