Item A: Update on City Hall - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The objective of both studies - aided by feedback from the CHAC - was to develop strategies and discussion points that could assist staff and decision-makers when considering City Hall options. The committee met on four occasions with the consultants and staff in the fall of 2011, and these meetings provided the primary structure for the completed studies. The final report on new building strategies produced by Rowell Brokaw Architects can be accessed at http://www.eugene-or.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=170 and the final report on major renovation strategies by Poticha Architects at http://www.eugene-or.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=169. Each report contains a cost model developed by Turner Construction detailing the elements and assumptions that make up the cost-model for each option. The feedback from the CHAC on the consultant work suggested two overarching conclusions: 1) either the new building or major remodel option could probably be successful, depending on what the City wanted to accomplish; and 2) a great deal more analysis was needed— especially for the new building option - to flesh out the opportunities, challenges, benefits, and risks of the options. In the months since completion of the final reports, a number of City staff have been engaged in additional analysis relating to funding strategies, occupancy options, and developer interest in potential public/private opportunities on the full-block site. Meetings with various members of the development community have indicated strong interest and a variety of ideas for redeveloping the City Hall site including phase 1 of a new city hall. Recently, as this additional staff work was nearing completion on the two options, a third option emerged as a potentially more cost-effective possibility: use of the Eugene Water & Electric Board’s (EWEB) administration building and conference room building. EWEB’s rd recent purchase of a building on West 3Avenue, as well as the work EWEB has completed on the administration building (such as the roof and HVAC system), prompted a conversation between City and EWEB staff to see whether it made sense to provide the council with a third option. That conversation has not progressed yet to know whether this is a viable option; if it becomes viable, staff will present this option to the council at a work session after the council’s summer break. RELATED CITY POLICIES The City Hall planning process relates to the council goals of an effective, accountable municipal government, a safe community, and sustainable community growth and change. COUNCIL OPTIONS The council is asked to provide feedback on the information presented at this work session. The council will be asked to take action at a future work session to select a city hall development option. CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION There are no specific recommendations for this agenda item. S:\CMO\2012 Council Agendas\M120709\S120709A.doc