#4 Courthouse Park Stage Structure (Res. #2007-411)
LEISURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM ~
June 1, 2007
TO: Steve Sheiffer, City Manager
FROM:
Michael Williams, Leisure Services Director
"\,
SUBJECT: Action on a Proposed Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a
Stage Structure at Courthouse Park from the South Central
Wisconsin Builders Association (File Resolution #2007-411 )
Introduction
The South Central Wisconsin Builders Association (SCWBA) will be celebrating
their 60th Anniversary in 2007. In commemoration of this milestone, SCWBA is
interested in sponsoring a community project to recognize the years of support
they have received from the citizens of Janesville. SCWBA considered several
projects and decided to propose building and donating to the City of Janesville a
structure over the stage at Lower Courthouse Park. File Resolution #2007-411
authorizes the construction of the stage structure and the City's intent to accept
the donated structure and provide perpetual maintenance.
Backqround Information
The purpose of the stage structure is to provide a shaded area for performers
and to provide some protection of musical instruments and sound systems in the
event of inclement weather. The amphitheater and stage was originally built in
1982 as a component of a downtown redevelopment project. Since the
amphitheater was built, there have been discussions related to building a
bandshell or some other type of structure over the stage. Many people feel.the
stage is incomplete in its current condition. Lower Courthouse Park has been
maintained by the City of Janesville since 1863. The Leisure Services
Department uses the amphitheater for various musical venues. The stage area
is also rented to various community groups for public events. In 2006, the
amphitheater was used for 20 programs. The amphitheater has a capacity of
390 spectators.
Project Proposal
SCWBA is proposing to build a 1,500 square foot structure over the existing park
stage (see attached graphics). AYA Architects are preparing the necessary
plans and construction specifications. SCWBA intends to build the structure
using in-kind services from their members as well as funding from their
organization. The estimated cost of the structure is $100,000. SCWBA is
requesting permission to donate this structure to the City of Janesville. The
Leisure Services Department would assume responsibility for programming,
reservations and maintenance.
Desiqn Details
The design details being recommended by A Y A Architects compliment the
downtown and architectural features of several buildings in the immediate area.
The masonry columns will have split-face block on the bottom and a beige
colored brick on the top similar to the Old Carnegie Library (Senior Center). The
roof structure duplicates the arched roof of the Rock County Courthouse. The
steel understructure will be painted green consistent with the color of the City's
tree logo. The standing seam metal roof gives the structure a vintage
appearance which is compatible with other historic structures in the downtown.
The scope of work includes raising the elevation of the stage 2' to provide better
visibility of the performers. Other added features include a new electrical service,
stage lighting, security lighting, an access ramp and new landscaping. The
letters in the front arched wall will be cut stone block set into the brickwork. A Y A
will be responsible for getting the final plans and specifications approved for
construction.
Stakeholder Review
This proposed project has been reviewed and feedback has been solicited from
the Janesville Historic Commission, Rock County, Downtown Development
Alliance (DDA) and City staff. This project was reviewed by the Plan
Commission June 4, 2007 and they approved it unanimously (report is attached).
Timetable
Subject to City Council approval, SCWBA is planning to start construction in late
summer 2007. The facility should be ready for public use by the spring 2008.
Fiscal Impact and Rental Fees
The proposed structure is primarily constructed of masonry and metal materials
and surfaces which are low maintenance materials. We believe any small
increase in our maintenance expenses for this proposed structure can be
covered by the current Park Division maintenance budget. We estimate the
annual property insurance premium will be $40 per year for this new structure.
The current fee to rent the stage and amphitheater is $25/day for a resident and
$35/day for a non-resident. Because of the anticipated increased demand for
this facility and the cost for electricity, which is provided, we will be considering
fee changes for 2008.
Recommendation
The Departments of Leisure Services, Community Development and Public
Works have thoroughly reviewed this proposed project and donation to the City
of Janesville. We believe it is in the City's best interest to accept this donation
and authorize the SCWBA to proceed with construction in accordance with the
plans and specifications. A motion to approve Resolution #2007-411 would be in
order.
cc: Herb Stinski, Director of Administrative Services/Assistant City Manager
2
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-411
A PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF
A STAGE STRUCTURE AT COURTHOUSE PARK FROM THE
SOUTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
WHEREAS, the City of Janesville has operational control over Lower Courthouse Park
which the City of Janesville leases from Rock County; and
WHEREAS, the South Central Wisconsin Builders Association, in recognition of their
60th anniversary, wishes to construct and donate to the City of Janesville a structure
over the stage at Lower Courthouse Park; and
WHEREAS, the structure design has been reviewed and approved by several
community organizations including Rock County, Janesville Historic Commission, the
Downtown Development Association and City staff; and
WHEREAS, the Janesville Plan Commission reviewed this project proposal at their
June 4th, 2007 meeting and found it to be consistent with City plans and appropriate for
this location; and
WHEREAS, it is in the City's best interest to accept this donation and give permission to
the South Central Wisconsin Builders Association to build the stage structure using their
internal resources;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Janesville Common Council
authorizes the City Manager and/or his designee(s) to accept this donation and
authorize the construction of the stage structure in accordance with approved plans;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Manager and/or his designee(s) on behalf
of the City of Janesville is/are hereby directed to supervise the construction and
maintenance of this public improvement to ensure it complies with all construction,
operations and maintenance standards and to take whatever other actions as the City
Manager and/or his designee(s) may determine, from time to time and at any time,
necessary and/or desirable to effectuate the intent of this resolution and/or the project.
ADOPTED:
APPROVED:
Steven E. Sheiffer, City Manager
ATTEST:
Jean Ann Wulf, City Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
{/n# ~/l
City Attorn y' I
Proposed by: Leisure Services Department
Prepared by: Leisure Services Department
Motion by:
Second by:
Council member Aye Nay Pass Absent
Brunner
DeGarmo
Loasching
Steeber
Truman
Wellnitz
Williams
Community Development Department Memorandum ~
June 11,2007
TO: Steven E. Sheiffer, City Manager .
FROM: AI Hulick, Development Specialist ~~
SUBJECT: Architectural review of the stage structure facility in Lower Courthouse
Park.
I. RECOMMENDATION
The Plan Commission and Community Development Department recommend
that the City Council approve the design plans for the stage structure facility to be
constructed in the Lower Courthouse Park.
II. REQUEST
The South Central Wisconsin Builders Association (SCWBA) is proposing to
build a 1,500 square foot structure over the existing park stage in the Lower
Courthouse Hill Park (see attached graphics). A Y A architects are preparing the
necessary plans and construction specifications. SCWBA intends to build the
structure using in-kind services from their members as well as funding from their
organization. SCWBA will be donating the stage structure to the City of
Janesville to provide perpetual maintenance. State Statutes require that the
location and architectural design of public buildings be referred to the Plan
Commission for consideration and review before final action is taken on the
construction of public buildings. The Plan Commission reviewed and approved
this item at its June 4 meeting.
III. ANALYSIS
A. The design details being recommended by A Y A Architects compliments
the downtown and architectural features of several buildings in the
immediate area. The masonry columns will have split-face block on the
bottom and a beige colored brick on the top similar to the Old Carnegie
Library (now the Senior Center). The roof structure duplicates the arched
roof of the Rock County Courthouse. The steel understructure will be
painted green consistent with the color of the City's tree logo. The
standing seam metal roof gives the structure a vintage appearance which
is compatible with other historic structures in the downtown.
B. The purpose of the stage structure is to provide a shaded area for
performers and to provide some protection of musical instruments and
sound systems in the event of inclement weather. The scope of the work
includes raising the elevation of the stage 2 feet to provide better visibility
of performers, adding new electrical service, stage lighting, security
lighting, an access ramp, and new landscaping. The letters in the front
arched wall will be cut stone block set into the brickwork. A Y A will be
responsible for getting the final plans and specifications approved for
construction.
C. Construction for this project is expected to begin in late summer 2007,
with the facility being ready for public use by the spring of 2008. The
estimated cost of the structure will be approximately $100,000.
D. The Lower Courthouse Park is owned by Rock County and has been
leased by the City of Janesville since 1863. The Leisure Services
Department uses the amphitheater for various musical venues. The stage
area is also rented out to various community groups for public events. In
2006, the amphitheater was used for 20 programs and has a capacity of
390 spectators.
E. The construction of the stage structure is consistent with established
downtown plans that show this area as an amphitheater/entertainment
locale. The design and location ensures that it will integrate well with the
existing structures in the downtown area.
IV. PLAN COMMISSION ACTION - JUNE 4, 2007
Duane Cherek, Manager of Planning Services, presented the written staff report
for the architectural review of the stage structure facility in the lower courthouse
park.
Joe Panico, 2200 Sumac Drive, representing the South Central Wisconsin
Builders Association, spoke in support of the project, gave further details on the
architecture of the project and discussed why the association wanted to do the
project at this time. Mr. Panico indicated that the group may consider other
improvements in the future to make the structure more usable.
cc:
There was a motion by Commissioner Wellnitz with a second by Commissioner
O'Connell to approve design plans for the stage structure facility to be
constructed in the Lower Courthouse Park. The motion was approved on a 5-0-1
vote with Commissioner Werner passing.
Brad Cantrell .~
Duane Cherek~
Legend
o
NORTH
I:::::J Subject Site
Date: 5-31-07
Scale: 1 "=300'
Map Coordinate: M-15
PROPOSED STAGE STRUCTURE
LOWER COURTHOUSE Hll...L PARK
B
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CITY OF JANESVILLE
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
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