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HomeMy WebLinkAbout050824-05.1PARKS, RECREATION AND ARTS COMMISSION STAFF REPORT 5.1 TO: Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission May 8, 2024 SUBJECT: Town Green and Town Studio Priority Discussion BACKGROUND In 2017, the Parks, Recreation & Arts Strategic Plan prioritized a Master Plan for a Town Green and Arts District in Danville. Callander Associates collaborated with the Parks, Recreation & Arts Commission (Commission), and the Arts Advisory Board (Board) on this initiative. Community input shaped the draft Master Plan, which 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, joint meeting, the Commission and Board were 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. At its February 15, 2024, meeting the Design Review Board conducted and approved the new building design for the proposed Maker Space, CIP B629, now known as the Town Studio, as is consistent with any new building design within the town, was subject to architectural review to ensure it met Downtown Business District Area 3’s development requirements. Additionally, at the March 13, 2024, joint Commission and Arts Advisory Board meeting, the Town Green and Town Studio conceptual designs were reviewed, and feedback was provided. DISCUSSION As a result of the feedback provided at the joint meeting in March 2024, a question was posed about how likely it would be that the Town Studio would actually be built. The current project (which includes both of the CIP’s) has approximately $4,000,000 dollars appropriated for the design and construction of all of the improvements. The estimated project costs for both the Town Green are $3,000,000 dollars and $2,800,000 dollars for the Town Studio, which exceeds the current appropriation. This project is in the design development phase, focusing on the refinements for the Town Green, bringing it through construction and the design development for the proposed 2,212 square foot Maker’s Space. Prior to moving forward, this would be an appropriate time to confirm the Commission and Board’s priority for the Arts District. With the understanding that the existing appropriation limits what can be completed and the possibility and timing of additional future funding is uncertain, the staff is seeking feedback and direction from the Commission and Board to continue with or refocus to the following options: 1. Continue with the current direction of design and construction of the Town Green and the Town Studio. This option would be within the current appropriation. 2. Refocus the project to include the design and construction of the Town Studio and Pavilion on the Town Green. This option could require additional funding. 3. Refocus the project to include the design and construction of the Town Studio only. This option would be within the current appropriation. Staff requests a review of the options and direction as to which option to move forward with for the development of the Town Green and Town Studio. NEXT STEPS Based on the direction of the Commission and Board, the staff will move forward with working with the consultants to complete the design phase of the project and continue with the construction phase. FISCAL IMPACT The current project has approximately $4,000,000 dollars appropriated for the design and construction of all of the improvements identified in the Master Plan. 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