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Discuss Historical Park "Barn" project and go forward plan
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BACKGROUND:
Over the past two years, there have been numerous discussions with the Historical Preservation and Restoration Board, City Council, and staff members about a barn for the Historical Park. Following the February 20th City Council strategic planning retreat, the consensus appears to be that Council is ready to proceed with the project and the next step is to design work and obtain a detailed cost estimate.
DISCUSSION:
The Barn will be located in the Historical Park. The event center portion will be a space for hosting events, weddings, corporate activities, hotel related functions, exhibits, and numerous other activities that would bring people to the Historical Park and to Farmers Branch. This portion would include support spaces such as kitchen/catering preparation space, storage, restrooms, changing rooms for brides and grooms, and other related spaces. The attached business plan outlines the rationale behind the event center. The museum would include exhibit and education spaces as well as storage, work space, and possibly a gift shop. The business plan for such is pending.
In order to proceed with the project a design and subsequent construction estimates are needed to determine what can be completed with the $3,000,000 that can be budgeted for this project. Staff recommends structuring design in two phases with Phase I being the event center and Phase II the museum. The construction estimate, including furniture and fixtures and all other expenses, would determine which phase or phases are initially constructed. Funding for this project could include $1 million from Hotel/Motel Fund Balance and $2 million from General Fund fund balance should Council desire to fund this project on a pay-as-you-go basis.
If Council is in agreement with this concept an architectural request for qualifications (RFQ) will be completed and responses sought. Architects will be interview...
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