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05/26/1993 CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL WORK SESSION Atlanta Trip May 26, 1993 The City Commission met at 9:00 a.m. for a trip to Atlanta to meet with Heery Engineering, and to tour Dave and Buster's. The following members were present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Arthur X. Deegan, II Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Sue A. Berfield Commissioner Fred A. Thomas Commissioner Members Absent: Richard Fitzgerald Commissioner Also Present: Michael J. Wright City Manager William C. Baker Public Works Director Victor Chodora Building Official Phil Henderson DDB Member Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk The meeting began at 9:00 a.m. when those present, other than the Mayor, left Clearwater/St. Petersburg Airport at 9:00 a.m. The Mayor flew into Hartsfield Airport via another plane. The chartered plane arrived at McCollum Field at 10:15 a.m. and arrived at Heery's offices at 11:00 a.m. Commissioner Thomas stated he had begun working with Heery two years ago on a project to establish an entertainment complex on Clearwater Beach. He stated he has found them to be at the top of the marketplace. He stated it is necessary to get something going for Clearwater. Greg Pierce, Southeast Regional Manager for Heery, gave the group an overview of the Heery Corporation. Chris Knight, Design Director for Heery, reviewed the projects in which Heery has been involved. He then reviewed the proposed project for the Maas Brothers building put forward by Commissioner Thomas. He stated he looked at the proposal to see if the existing building can be used for the trade show facility with night time entertainment. He stated they then looked at the program to see how it would be placed in the building. Mr. Knight stated, on the first floor, they would see a large meeting room and 8 to 9 small conference rooms with food service. On the next level, he stated, would be an open configuration with moveable partitions with a loading dock and access on grade. The third level would be the entertainment, food and beverage facility and would have an independent entrance on the north side. He stated there are a lot of alternatives that have not been explored. Mr. Knight stated their cost estimates would be $700,000 to stabilize the building, $4.6 million to retrofit the first and second levels and $5.8 million for the entertainment center. This would result in a $34 to $35 per square foot renovation cost. He stated the operation of the entertainment complex would require a $25 per square buildout. He stated the $700,000 for stabilizing the building would need to be spent, no matter what. He stated, to retrofit the parking deck to handle heavier vehicles would cost and additional $400,000. Commissioner Thomas reiterated the plan to have multi-purpose meetings rooms and heavy food service on the lower level, an exhibit hall on the middle floor and the entertainment complex on the third. The City Manager questioned if the cost includes all finishing. Mr. Knight indicated it has a basic kitchen and roughed-in work and does not include the third floor. Phil Henderson, DDB members questioned if the feasibility of moving any of the pillars had been considered. Mr. Knight indicated it is feasible, but has not been thoroughly investigated. Commissioner Deegan questioned the cost to handle the asbestos. It was indicated this would cost $90,000. Discussion ensued regarding how the building would be configured. It was suggested there be some staging area in which tables and chairs could be stored, however, tables and chairs could be rented so the City would not have to purchase all of them. It was also indicated there could be more than one function occurring at any one time. Mr. Henderson cited an example of a convention which could not be accommodated in Clearwater, but with this facility, could be. The City Manager questioned the wind load, citing hurricane concerns. Mr. Knight indicated the design will be more stringent than the code. Further discussion ensued regarding what would be needed to stabilize the building and what will be included in the $700,000 cost. Commissioner Deegan questioned what would get people up to the third floor. It was indicated there will be an escalator. The City Manager questioned if the parking requirements were met. It was indicated this has not been investigated. Commissioner Thomas indicated that a Marketing Research and Feasibility Study would be the next step to be brought to the City Commission and this will answer many of the questions. Mr. Baker questioned if the concept was to lease the third floor to one individual and they would get the concessionaire. Commissioner Thomas indicated the lessee may provide all these services. It was indicated the City of Clearwater would not operate the building. Mr. Baker questioned if the entertainment center had showrooms. It was indicated the proposal includes two theaters. During the day they are private rooms that can be rented out. Discussion ensued regarding utilities. It was indicated they should not be a problem. It was also indicated there is enough height in the building to allow such things as boat shows. Further discussion ensued regarding floor loads and whether there was any contamination on the property from a former gas station. The City Manager questioned if all the costs were for the building and no site work. It was indicated no site work had been included in the calculations. Commissioner Thomas questioned how much "fat" there is in the numbers. It was indicated there is a ten percent contingency fee. Commissioner Thomas indicated this would be a phased deal and no funds would be spent on the third floor until a tenant had been obtained. Commissioner Thomas questioned if the $700,000 completes the first floor. Keith Mowson, Vice President of Heery, indicated it simply stabilizes the building. Commissioner Berfield pointed out it would be $700,000 and the parking deck would not be able to be used as there is a deflection in it. Bob Powers, Vice President of Heery, indicated the beams on the parking deck will allow car traffic, but trucks would be prohibited. Commissioner Berfield questioned how far beyond the $700,000 would be needed to complete the first floor. Mr. Knight indicated another $900,000. Questions were raised regarding the air conditioning system. It was indicated a separate system would be installed for each floor. The City Manager questioned if gas power versus electric had been investigated. Mr. Mowson stated it would depend on the local authority. The initial presentation ended at 12:25 p.m. The group traveled to Dave and Buster's, which they toured, then flew back to Clearwater.