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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.27.24 Attachment_Council Memo re GOH Annex Project Update City Hall, 215 Church Avenue P.O. Box 1130 Oshkosh, WI 54903-1130 http://www.oshkoshwi.gov MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council FROM: Jon Urben, General Services Manager DATE: September 27, 2024 RE: Grand Opera House Annex Renovation Update As the Council may recall, last year the Grand Oshkosh (TGO) Foundation approached the City with a proposal to renovate the Grand Opera House to expand both administrative and production areas. The TGO estimated a $6M total budget for the project, and proposed this budget be funded 50/50 between the City and TGO fundraising. In addition to renovations to improve the Grand’s administrative and production areas, the project scope would also address various planned CIP facility projects including updated lobby restrooms, enhanced ADA access, a new emergency generator, new windows and doors, new theatre seats, a new stage hoist/speaker beam, wallpaper restoration, a new High Avenue front façade restoration, and more. With the TGO fundraising study supporting the feasibility of their $3M fundraising campaign, the Council authorized funding for design fees related to the renovation in the 2024 CIP. This design work included environmental site assessment/planning/coordination, surveying, soil boring/evaluation and construction materials testing. The design work and environmental assessment/planning began in early summer. The initial project design intended to achieve the renovation goals by expanding the basement areas of the Grand. However, upon review of the design in consideration of the pre-existing data of the site soil and surrounding properties, it was determined through our environmental consultants that any design requiring basement excavation would lead to a high probability of significant remediation costs for treating contaminated soil and water throughout the project. With the concerns for excessive remediation costs for any basement excavation, and with the potential for creating additional environmental issues for the City as a result, it was the consensus of the project team that a lateral build- out design on the existing Grand property with no basement would be a more prudent approach. In light of this determination, the design team was then given direction to develop a lateral build-out design within the original footprint of the Grand property, using available space on the west side of the building. As the plan evolved, the design team discovered the lateral build-out design would require addressing an approximate 20” existing grade difference between High Avenue and the west entrance of the Grand. This grade difference creates multiple ADA accessibility/approach issues that cannot be addressed within the existing property footprint. Additionally, to accommodate the program needs laterally, the design places the main west entrance within 12’ of the adjacent private property, which then creates pedestrian safety issues, vehicle drop off congestion concerns, and an awkward/cramped main entrance to the Grand. After much discussion, it was the recommendation of the design team that for a lateral build-out design to address the 20” grade as well the various additional ADA and public safety issues, an attempt should be made to explore the acquisition of the private property directly west of the Grand (Thompson Photography) as well as the gravel lot (formerly Gunderson Cleaners). It was the consensus of the project team that having these additional properties to west of the Grand would allow for a design that would address all ADA/public safety/pedestrian drop off needs and create a more welcoming and appropriate west entrance to the facility. Additionally, it was also felt this recommendation would help solidify the Grand’s role as an important anchor for any future downtown development plans. As a result, the design team was given direction to continue to refine the lateral build-out design, which is expected to require additional funding beyond the recommended placeholders of $1 million in the 2025 CIP, $3 million in the 2026 CIP, and $2 million in the 2027 CIP that staff originally projected for the proposed project. The design team expects to have the revised design and project cost estimates completed by November 1st. It is our understanding that, during this same timeframe, the TGO and other community partners will be exploring options and/or opportunities for the acquisition of the Thompson Photography and the former Gunderson Cleaners parking lot properties, both of which the project team believe are necessary components for the revised Grand plan to be successful. Once the revised design and project costs are received and any property acquisition details are confirmed by the TGO and community partners, the project team will report back to the Council. The project team will be seeking Council direction on how to proceed with the TGO on any cost sharing specifics, timelines and/ or schedules, which will then be incorporated into a Memorandum of Understanding between both parties. Staff expects to schedule this next update with the Council before the CIP budget is adopted. Please contact me or Assistant City Manager John Fitzpatrick if you have any questions in regard to this update.