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Receive an update on the Fire House Theatre Project.
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BACKGROUND:
On April 7th, City Council was briefed on the Firehouse Theatre project related to the group's request of $103,710 for air conditioning (HVAC), audience risers, restroom, and facade improvements at their leased 2535 Valley View Lane city facility (formerly Fire Station No. 1). At this meeting Council directed staff to include this amount in the mid-year amended budget which was approved April 27th along with an additional $50,000 for a required fire sprinkler system. Councilwoman Ana Reyes also asked that staff conduct additional analyses to determine the steps necessary to bring the building up to current building code standards.
This facility was built in 1959 as a fire station and in early 2000, was determined to be obsolete as a city facility. In 2009, voters approved bonds for the new fire station and in 2010 these bonds were issued to provide for construction. In 2011, a major storm damaged the roofs of many city facilities including this one but since the building was scheduled for demolition, the insurance proceeds for this roof were used to provide improvements on other city facility roofs. In 2012, the new fire station opened. Subsequent to this opening, the Firehouse Theatre group approached Council about the possibility of using the old fire station building, in its current state, as a venue for theater performances.
After the April 7th Council meeting, staff reviewed cost estimates provided by the Firehouse Theatre group and met with the contractors that provided those estimates. Additionally, staff requested quotes from local vendors that specialize in commercial projects. The attached spreadsheet compares this information and the following gives a brief summary of the differences and installation timing.
HVAC (3 months including Council approval unless declared an emergency)
The Firehouse Theatre estimate of $28,515 was from a residential HVAC contractor based on two units totaling 15 tons. The commercial contractor calculated in the additional heat derived from stage lighting and audiences and determined that a $120,000 40 ton unit is necessary. Added insulation could reduce this requirement to a 30 ton unit.
Electrical Service Improvements (1 month)
Not included in the Firehouse Theatre request but $17,000 in electrical improvements would be necessary to support the new commercial air conditioning requirements.
Audience Risers (1 month)
The Firehouse Theatre requested $29,025 for plywood and aluminum seating risers. City staff believes that $20,000 for concrete risers would be a better solution at a lower cost.
Restroom Improvements (2 months)
The Firehouse Theatre included a rough estimate of $34,370 (not supported by contractor quotation) for restroom improvements. Any restroom improvement construction would require bringing the facilities up to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards. A commercial quote has been received for $90,000 to construct a code compliant men & women's bathroom off of the stage area.
Façade Improvements (1 month)
No change from Firehouse Theatre estimate.
Fire Sprinkler System (1 month)
The original $50,000 quote from the Firehouse Theatre contractor has expired. The same contractor has indicated that the pricing is now $85,000.
Total Difference
Original estimate totaled $153,710 versus estimated received by staff total $343,463.
In addition to the costs noted above, the Firehouse Theatre group is asking the City to pay for two temporary air conditioning 12-ton unit rentals in the main theater area (formerly not air conditioned fire truck bays). These rentals will total $5,300 per month until permanent improvements can be made. Additional air conditioning requires significant electrical upgrades which are estimated to ultimately cost $17,000. A temporary power upgrade is in process which can be utilized on a short-term basis. Additionally, the group is asking that the City take over all future utility payments which are roughly estimated at $50,000 per year once the requested air conditioning is installed.
Additional improvements necessary to bring the facility up to current building standards include: roof replacement, administrative building demolition, parking/pavement improvements, electrical room update, new flooring, new painting, addition of exterior handicap ramps, exterior fencing replacement, plumbing updates, replace HVAC (two units/8 tons total) in theater administrative offices.
DISCUSSION:
City Administration is seeking direction from City Council.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Fire House Theater Project Information Spreadsheet