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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7008 'INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7008 .P T E go,,, �Qrt J? March 12, 1985 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council to f 0 W-4 U , I 4 X 4� Subject: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE IMPROVEMENTS TO WILL '071 ROGERS AUDITORIUM During the City Council meeting on March 5, 1985, M&C C-8887 was delayed for one week so that all Council members could be present for the dis- cussion. Background During the early planning stages for the 1982 bond program, the decision was made to include a proposition for improving the WRMC Auditorium and constructing a new exhibits building and Round-Up Inn. Initially, $9,000,000 was included for the exhibits building and Round-Up Inn and $5,000,000 was proposed for the Auditorium. In November of 1981, the amounts for the projects were increased to $11,668,000 and $6,000,000 respectively. During the following months, there was some discussion about the possi- bility of obtaining some private funds to make major renovations to the Auditorium. It was also determined that the funds budgeted for the exhibits building would not be sufficient to construct a first class facility. The decision was made in March of 1982 to reduce the amount for the Auditorium to $1,500,000 and pursue private funds for the dif- ference that would be needed. A final decision about funding was not anticipated until after a study commissioned by the Sid Richardson Foundation was completed. The major issue that had to be resolved was whether the Auditorium would be renovated or whether a performing arts center would be located downtown. It was generally agreed that the $1,500,000 would be used to make what was considered critical repairs to the Auditorium. During the same time these deliberations were taking place, the decision was made to increase the amount for the exhibits building to $18,000,000, making the total package for the Public Events proposition $19.5 million. Attached are newspaper articles and reports dating from November of 1981 to May of 1982 that references much of what has been discussed above. The voters approved all of the propositions in the bond election that was held on May 22, 1982. Since there was a critical need to construct the exhibits building without disrupting the Southwestern Exposition and Fat Stock Show,, the decision was made to fast track this project and delay action on the Auditorium until after the exhibits building was completed. The bid that was accepted for the exhibits building was considerably less than the budgeted amount. City staff was instructed to closely monitor expenditures with the understanding that any residual funds would be coupled with the $1.5 million available for the Auditorium to make additional improvements. The exhibits building was accepted by the -ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7008 - p.2 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council March 12, 1985 Subject: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE IMPROVEMENTS TO WILL ROGERS AUDITORIUM City in January, 1984, and the estimate is that about $1,000,000 will be available to be used on the Auditorium. In the early part of 1984, the Richardson Foundation announced that the performing arts center would be located downtown, if the study supported its decision. At that time, the City staff was instructed to complete negotiations with Hahnfeld Associates for a contract to design and over- see the needed renovations to the Auditorium. Proposed Scope of Work Hahnfeld Associates proposes to perform the professional services neces- sary for renovations to the Auditorium for $246,750. The proposal includes the full range of architectural services - including schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding and negotia- tion and construction administration. Each of these areas represents a distinct "phase" and the architect will not proceed to the next one until approval has been obtained from the City staff. A preliminary listing of the proposed improvements has been made. All of them are considered necessary- to bring the Auditorium up to an acceptable standard. During the schematic design phase, the architect is expected to evaluate the condition of the building, cost out the improvements, and make a recommenation on what is considred the most critical. If or when bids are solicited, there will be add and deduct alternates which will allow the City Council and staff to determine priorities based on the availability of funds. The major improvements under consideration are: 1. Expansion and/or construction of new public restrooms and con- cession areas. This work is considered essential for public convenience and compliance with handicap requirements. Z. Rehabilitation of the electrical system. An oil transformer is used presently in the auditorium and this work is necessary to avoid safety problems. 3. Lighting and dimming improvements . This work is essential since the present system is vir- tually inoperable and lessees often have to provide their own equipment. [ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS ,..,ORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7008 p.3 March 12, 1985 ION, f 0 J?,- To the Mayor and Members of the City Council R" UIIJIDZXP���. Subject: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE IMPROVEMENTS TO WILL ROGERS 1073 AUDITORIUM 4. Stage rigging and curtains. The present conditions pose safety problems. The present curtains are rotten and they have fallen in the past. 5. Rehabilitation of the mechanical system. This work is needed to allow conversion from a steam boiler to a hot water system. The comfort of patrons will be greatly enhanced with an adequate air distribution sys- tem. Hot water from the new power plant has already been plumbed to the auditorium. 6. Improvements to the sound reinforcement system. This work is considered essential since the present system is inadequate for most activities except possibly lec- tures. Lessees often have to bring their own equipment for programs. 7. Rehabilitation of the backstage area, including rooms. Basic improvements are needed such as lights, mirrors, bathrooms, and painting. 8. Rehabilitation of the lobby area. Basic improvements are needed such as handicap water foun- tains, new carpet, waterblasting the walls and lighting. One of the major concerns raised has centered around the need for new restrooms. The City's architect has indicated that federal regulations require that anytime public funds are spent for renovation purposes, the facility must be made handicap accessible. If new restrooms are not constructed, the existing ones would require major modifications, including lowering of sinks and paper towel racks and wider stalls. Given the limited space presently available, accommodating the handicapped could possibly reduce the number of toilets or make them more congested. Based on the factors above, staff has recommended that new restrooms be designed and constructed. The architect will study expansion of rest- rooms at their present locations as well as at new locations which would not conflict with possible future major plans for the auditorium. Further, the renovations under consideration would be the type that would require a minimum of rework should funds become available in the future to make internal improvements. - ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL. MEMBERS No. 7008 - p.4 March 12 1985 E fo�rr To the Mayor and Members of the City Council a * x Subject: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE IMPROVEMENTS TO WILL ROGERS 1e7s AUDITORIUM The purpose of the proposed contract is not to design for future improvements to the auditorium, but only for those areas outlined above. The architect will meet with staff after completion of each phase and decisions about how to proceed will be made at that time. If there is additional information that needs to be taken into considera- tion that impact long-range improvements, adequate checkpoints will allow it to be incorporated into the overall concept. If additional information is desired, it will be supplied upon request. Douglas Harman City Manager DH:jcn Attachments ISSUER BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS