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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7004 rfr !WdWAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7004 f To the Mayor and Members of the City Council February 26, 1985 X Subject: IMPROVEMENTS TO WILL ROGERS MEMORIAL CENTER AUDITORIUM Background Proposition No. 5, approved by the voters in the May 22, 1982 Bond Elec- tion included $1,500,000 for repairs to the Auditorium. The proposition stated, "the Auditorium recuires some basic repairs to insure it is safe for residents to use.'.* After bids for the Exhibit Hall came in under budget, staff was instructed to make every effort to minimize cause so that the savings could be used for additional repairs to the Audi- torium. After construction and landscaping of the north end of the west Parking lot is completed, approximately $1,000,000 will remain in the Exhibit Hall budget. When that amount is combined with the Auditorium bond funds, approximately $2,500,000 is available to make repairs. After the bonds were approved in 1982, design of the improvements were delayed in order to seek private donations to perform major renova- tions. It appears at this time that those funds will not be available in the near future. Staff review of the options resulted in the conclusion that the best approach would be to Proceed with a study, or Phase 1, of the improve- 001C ments that could be accomplished with the existing funds. On November 13, 1984, the City Council approved M&C C-8726 which authorized hiring Hahnfeld and Associates to perform the study. On December 4, 1984, the Council reconsidered its action and the M&C was delayed for thirty days. When the M&C came back up for consideration on January 3, 1985, it was delayed until the Cultural District Committee had an opportunity to review and comment on the proposal. Citltural District Committee Review On January 16, 1985, a meeting was held with the Cultural District Com- mittee that involved representatives from the City Manager's Office, the Planning/Growth Management Director, the Public Events Director and Hahnfeld Associates. The Proposal was thoroughly discussed and the Com- mittee reauested additional time for further consideration. A follow-up meeting has been held with the Committee and the general consensus is that they are not in favor of Proceeding with the Auditorium work. They contend that the study now being sponsored by the Richardson Foundation will likely give insight into what the long-range I I.program" of the Auditorium should be. They are not sure that the long- range nrnfyram use will be a "multi-use" hall as it is used presently and, therefore, some of the proposed improvemepts would be lost in later expansions/remodelinqs. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS "7�&NFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7004 - p.2 L To the Mayor and Members of the City Council February 26, 1985 Subiect: IMPROVEMENTS TO WILL ROGERS MEMORIAL CENTER AUDITORIUM Although no time frame was Riven on when the Richardson Study will be completed, the Committee indicated 90 to 120 days will be needed to review and expand on the study, if necessary. They feel at that time the City, Cultural District Committee and others would be in a position to determine the best short- and long-range Auditorium program and make improvements accordingly. Staff Review After additional staff review and some concerns expressed about doing only a Portion of the work, it is proposed at this time that the City enter into a contract for the architectural/engineering work for the entire Project. This will include schematic desiqn, design development , construction documents, bidding and negotiation and construction admini- stration. The staff's position is based on the following: 1. The proposed improvements are essential to achieve acceptable levels of user safety and comfort. 2. The Proposed improvements will be designed to substantially reduce the possibility of disruption or loss due to later expansions. 3. Regardless of the outcome of the Richardson Study, it appears that the Auditorium will and should remain a '.*multi-use.' hall for the next 5 to 10 years. 4. The Proposed improvements were approved by the voters and in its Present condition, the facility conveys an unacceptable imaee and level of quality about the City of Fort Worth. Summary City Council guidance is requested on this issue. However, in order to gain insight into the proposed improvements , staff recommends that the City Counci tour the auditorium along with Hahnfeld Associates, for an observation and explanation of the Proposed scope of work. If additional information is desired, it will be supplied upon request. Vernell Sturns Actine City Manager VS:jcnn -ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS