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07/11/2001CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL WORKSESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER July 11, 2001 Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner Ed Hart Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Whitney Gray Commissioner Hoyt P. Hamilton Commissioner William C. Jonson Commissioner Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Brenda Moses Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 6:04 p.m. at City Hall for the purpose of discussing the new main library design. ITEM #2 - City Manager introduction & comments City Manager Bill Horne said this meeting includes a review of the new main library schematic design phase. As this is the preliminary phase of the proposed design, staff is seeking Commission input. ITEM #3 - Introduction of architects, DMS, etc. Alex Lamis, Robert A. M. Stern Architects, John Toppe, Harvard Jolly Clees Toppe, and Doug Mann, DMS, were introduced. ITEM #4 - Library Director review of major concerns Library Director John Szabo said Public Services Director Gary Johnson would be responsible to coordinate the construction phase of the project. Mr. Szabo said 3 major concerns regarding the library design surfaced from public input: 1) vulnerability in event of a hurricane; 2) location of elevators; and 3) and their distance from the main entrance. ITEM #5 - Team addresses concerns Mr. Toppe said the glass portion of the building would be enforced to sustain hurricane winds, however no building can withstand a tornado. After January 2002, all newly constructed buildings must comply with the Florida Energy Code and specific hurricane codes. Features such as insulating glass to reflect heat, an adequate air conditioning system, drop-down translucent window shades, oak trees on the western portion of the building, horizontal louvers over the insulated glass, and a large sweeping canopy were incorporated into the design. He said the location of elevators is an integral part of the design and was designed to intentionally draw patrons into the building to take advantage of all the library amenities and views. The stair at the corner also allows views of the water. It was suggested an elevator be added to the south end of the building for the convenience of senior citizens and handicapped patrons. In response to a question, Mr. Lamis said the distance from the stair to the front door is approximately 218 feet or 75 steps. He felt that many patrons visit the library for its many features, not just to run in, check out a specific book, and leave. He said a drop-off area has been proposed on the south end of the building. Mr. Szabo said it would be a challenge to put the drop-off area on the north end of the building as there is limited space on that side, increased security and staffing would be required, and traffic would be an issue. Concern was expressed about the aesthetics of the south side if parking were added. It was suggested a glass wall elevator overlooking the Coachman Park entrance be considered. In response to a question, Mr. Lamis said although the roof top terrace is a preliminary part of the design, an elevator near the south end would interfere with its placement. He said 2 separate elevators would require re-planning the upper floors. Mr. Szabo said the terrace is intended for social functions, story hours, etc. A small catering kitchen on the fourth floor would serve the terrace. In response to a question, Mr. Szabo said the layout of furnishings and the staff desk is preliminary. Consideration is being given to switching the location of the 2,000 square foot telecommunications training room, which currently is shown on the second floor, to the young adult space on the third floor. He said the reference desk could be moved to the north end and the young adult space on the second floor would face the street. Mr. Lamis said Robert Stern directs all projects. As he is interested in Library design, he has had a greater degree of personal involvement in this project. He feels this project is interesting and unique. Mr. Lamis said a team of staff supports the design effort by analyzing the program and how it fits on the site. Study models are produced, floor plans developed, and Mr. Stern makes suggestions. Mr. Stern has visited Clearwater approximately 6 times, taking photographs of buildings from rooftops and noting items of interest he felt would affect the new main library’s design. ITEM #6 - Commission questions In response to a question, Mr. Lamis said consideration is being given to noise levels from the first floor café traveling to the second floor above. He said a glass block wall facing the children’s area could help block the sound. In response to a question, Mr. Szabo said the library is on top of the 28-foot line and a referendum would be required for anything below that line. City Clerk Cyndie Goudeau said the referendum question was written to address library bonding, not its location. Concern was expressed that overhangs on the Osceola side appear extremely tall and the sidewalk appears very narrow. Mr. Lamis said a pedestrian scale is needed on Osceola as well as a civic presence and entrance. At its narrowest point, the sidewalk would be 12 feet wide. He said the rendering is not to scale. In response to a question, Mr. Szabo said the Youth Advisory Committee was thrilled to have a teen area in the proposal. In response to a question, Mr. Lamis said the curve of the roof is associated with Mediterranean-style architecture. He felt that artistic feature is an appropriate response to this particular site. He said the building design is not an historically accurate rendering of the Spanish colonial style, nor it is an attempt to be. He said, as there is no overriding architectural style in Clearwater, the design intends to include elements in the building, which will last into the future. He said the roof material could be tile or metal. He did not feel that a tile roof would be more expensive to maintain than other types of roofing materials. The quality of the roof depends upon the contractor performing the work. Tile can be mechanically attached and glued with adhesive to strengthen it, particularly in areas where slippage could occur. It was remarked that the exterior materials and elements of the project are missing from the design and make it difficult to determine how they fit into the project. It was remarked that comments were received regarding the lack of human scale at the street level, which makes the building appear to be more of a monument. Planning Director Ralph Stone said one of the City’s goals is to eliminate parking between the Harborview Center and the new main library. He said consideration needs to be given to replacing that parking in the future. Plans also are to connect the Osceola corridor to Cleveland Street. He said frustration can result in the renderings of the elevations because it could appear as an unfinished product. Those elements can erroneously make a difference in how this project fits into the big picture. He said when the new Memorial Causeway Bridge goes in, the corridor will change anyway. He said major issues include pedestrian connections and wrapping Drew Street to the waterfront and southward. It was remarked that nothing should be designed around the Harborview Center. Concern was expressed regarding the glass overhang, the height of the terrace, if the air conditioning system would be overworked, the need to identify the street issue, types of materials being used, pedestrian interaction along Osceola, and a need for more of a Mediterranean element in the details. It was suggested displays should be in some windows, books should not be stacked in rooms with lights off, meeting rooms should include artwork, the entrance and drop-off areas need to be clearly defined, and the details of the library should not date it. It was remarked the eastern façade of the building appears similar to older storefront buildings in the downtown. The design emphasizes the bluff and the waterfront beautifully. It was remarked that the overall design is innovative, imaginative, and in perfect context. In response to a question, Mr. Lamis said the stairwell on the south end just inside the main lobby could be widened and opened up to access upper floors. It was suggested that windows be set in deeper to make the rooms more people-friendly and walls or the foundation be constructed under ground level to take advantage of cooling effects. Mr. Lamis said a host of technologies that could help improve the library’s efficiency are being considered. It was remarked that one Commissioner’s daughter reviewed the exterior design and felt it was beautiful. She said most young people like modern styles. It was suggested that thought be given to for whom the building is being built. In response to a question, Mr. Lamis said the overhang causes a major redesign of the entire building due to its relationship to the main entrance. He said he is sympathetic about the elderly population and would like to discuss that issue with Mr. Stern. Doug Mann, DMS Architects, said this is the first stage of a 4-stage process; 1) schematic design; 2) design development; 3) construction document phase: and 4) construction phase. He said the design team is 70 – 80% through the schematic design phase. He said if changes are made to the design at this stage, minimal additional costs would be incurred. It was suggested that a conceptual drawing without the sweeping roof and some of the other suggested modifications including more detailed elements be provided to the Commission. Mr. Lamis said the design team was asked to design a signature building. They considered many design elements. He said it would be easy for the team to design a bland, non-descript building, but felt that is not what people want for in a new main library. The proposed design includes a building that is people-friendly people and comfortable. It was remarked the public seems to be most comfortable with the western side of the building. Mr. Toppe said the canopy would not go away, but may change. Mr. Lamis said the design team would review and discuss the Commission’s suggestions with Mr. Stern and report back in approximately 2 months. ITEM #7 - Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.