HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.2 Vly Performing Arts Ctr Request CITY OF DUBLIN
AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: October 9 , 1989
SUBJECT Valley Performing Arts Center Request
Report by Paul Rankin, Assistant City Manager
EXHIBITS ATTACHED Memorandum (with Attachments) dated October 5 , 1989
from Gib Marguth, Citizens for a Valley Performing
Arts Center (CVPAC)
RECOMMENDATION /i/" ' Consider Request to Appoint Representatives to Study
Committee
FINANCIAL STATEMENT: If the Committee recommends pursuing a needs analysis
study , the City ' s share of the cost is estimated at
$25 , 000. The funding and City participation in the
Study would require further action by the City
Council.
DESCRIPTION At the City Council meeting of September 25 , 1989 , Mr .
Gib Marguth addressed the City Council under Oral Communications . Mr .
Marguth represents Citizens for a Valley Performing Arts Center (CVPAC) .
Mr . Marguth requested clarification of the position taken by the City
Council at their meeting of September 11 , 1989. The City Council had
considered a request from Livermore Mayor Dale Turner , regarding a
performing arts feasibility study. The request suggested that the cities
jointly fund the study and that the City of Dublin contribute $25 , 000
towards the project . The City Council decision was to not contribute
funding at this time . The City Council was also concerned that the group
initiating the study appeared to have predetermined the location and
components of the facility. The City Council suggested that the concept
should be discussed at a meeting of the Tri—Valley City Councils . Mr .
Marguth suggested that the City Council may wish to appoint representatives
to a study committee. Since the item was not on the published agenda for
September 25 , 1989, the City Council requested that the item be placed on
the agenda of October 9 , 1989 for the purpose of discussing participation on
the committee .
Attached is a memorandum prepared by Mr . Marguth which explains the focus of
the group studying the possibility of locating a Performing Arts facility in
the Valley. Mr . Marguth has also provided background information which
identifies possible components of a Arts Facility .
The CVPAC has requested that the City Council consider appointing members to
a committee , which will evaluate the proposal . It is suggested that the
appointments include representation from the City Council .
Staff recommends that the City Council consider the request to participate
in the Committee . If the City Council concurs , they should determine
whether any City Councilmembers will be appointed and direct Staff to
contact members of the local arts society , theatre groups , schools , and Park
and Recreation Commissions to determine whether there are other members of
the community interested in participating on this Committee .
COPIES TO: Gib Marguth, CVPAC
ITEM NO.
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October 5, 1989
TO: Mayor and Council members; City of Dublin
FROM: Gib Marguth; Citizens for a Valley Performing Arts Center
(CVPAC)
SUBJECT: Request for the City of Dublin to participate with other local
government entities in considering the need for and possible ways
to develop a first class performing arts center in the Valley
During the past year and one half an ad hoc citizens committee has been
meeting and studying ways to develop a first class performing arts center in our
valley. Our dream is to have the cities of the Valley and Chabot College work'
together to formally assess the need, establish realistic financing alternatives
and finally, act in concert to make this dream reality.
Our study has been focused on two a aspects of the issue. They are, what
size/type of facility should we build and how might the project be financed?
As Vice Chairman, Facilities for our committee, Les Edwards has spent much
time in reviewing facilities that are either in planning, under construction.or
recently completed and open. In Fremont, the city plans a large center that will
include a 1240 seat auditorium, a 500 seat theatre and museum and exhibition
spaces. Walnut Creek has under construction a theatre having -900 seats in its
downtown area; And in Portland, Oregon a completed theatre complex
consisting of a restored Paramount Theatre (similar to the one in Oakland), a
900 seat theatre and a 300 seat "black box" theatre has been visited by CVPAC.
members. I have attached two reports written by Les Edwards concerning_the
work he and his sub-committee have done. In addition, I'have attached a brief
report to Fremont prepared by their performing arts center planning
consultants. The estimates for building the kind of facility we envision vary from
$18 million to $25 million. The operating costs of the facility will most likely
exceed the revenues, but if it is part of the Las Positas College program, there
would be some financial support from the College.
In considering ways to finance the facility, I have asked the California
Legislative Counsel's office to analyze several alternatives and suggest one
that could be accomplished under existing law. The recommendation that came •
back was to have the South County Community College District form a "Special
Facilities District", encompassing the Valley, under the provisions of the Mello-
Roos Act. We have suggested this to the College and they intend to have a
presentation on the possible application of this Act at their meeting of October
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24, 1989. Although there are other alternatives that might be applied, this
appeared to be the most attractive and doable.
What we are asking of the City of Dublin is to appoint representatives (one or
more) from the council and a Dublin citizen's committee to meet with other local
government entities to consider this important proposal. We can arrange to
have a workshop presentation for the collective body in the near future by the
professional planner who has worked with both Fremont and Walnut Creek.
Following that presentation, we would hope that the government entities would
agree to jointly sponsor a needs assessment to officially move this project
toward completion.
I will be in attendance at your meeting on October 9, 1989 with one or more of
our CVPAC committee members to answer questions and provide additional
information. Thank you for your interest in helping to advance this important
Valley-community project.
Sincerely,
�0� Ie
Gib Marg
JCE/ARTS CENTER
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A VALLEY REGIONAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER:
DO WE NEED ONE? DO WE WANT ONE?
Leslie L. Edwards
Vice-Chairman, Facilities
Citizens for a Valley Performing Arts Center •
March 11 , 1989
The Citizens for a Valley Performing Arts Center (CVPAC) is an
ad hoc group of citizens promoting the development of a regional
performing arts center for the cities of Dublin, Pleasanton and
Livermore. We are convinced that the area does need such a center.
The best next-step in the development of a program is to determine if
a sufficient sector of the valley citizens perceive the need , and if
so, show the desire to fund such a center. This determination is
best done by a professional study commissioned by the cities and the
local community college.
A performing arts center creates a community focus. Such a
facility is highly visible and contributes to the life of the
community as no other institution does. It can be used and enjoyed
by diverse individuals from all areas and parts of the community. A
performing arts center brings together the community actor , musician
and artist and allows the citizen seeking cultural enrichment to meet
with similar members of adjoining communities.
We maintain as primary goals the concepts of:
1) To provide a capability for booking professional touring
performance groups and lecturers that may requires seating for 1000
or more in the audience. Such programs would not only enhance our
local lifestyle but provide great opportunity to publicize the
historical and cultural aspects of our valley. For example, a program
might begin with a lecture by a noted viticulturist, be followed by a
tour of the local wineries, and be completed with a symphony concert.
2) To provide a facility for presentations by local performing
gaups. Such groups include the Valley Choral Society, the
Livermore-Amador Symphony, Childrens Theater Workshop , Del Valle Fine
Arts, Valley Dance Theater , Livermore Musical Theater, Pleasanton
Playhouse, Valley Dance Theater , etc. , as well as the Los Positas
College groups. These groups are in general restricted in the number
and types of performances by the physical limitations and
availability of the few existing facilities. A regional performing
arts center would not only foster the growth of these groups and the
number of spectators, but would encourage the initiation of new
groups.
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3) To provide for educational programs. Such programs should
provide for enrichment courses such as those offered through the
non-profit groups and the recreation departments of the cities. We
encourage a strong liason with LosPositas College programs. We
support the development of a curriculum to include a wide array of
theater related courses. Courses such as play writing , experimental
theater , drama appreciation, directing , acting , scene 'design and
construction , costume design and execution, make-up , choreography and
dance, instrumental and vocal music in both solo and ensemble, sould
and light engineering, TV broadcasing , film, etc. , should be
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considered. In summary, we encourage the development of a two-year
college curriculum that would satisfy both an AA degree in theater
arts as well as the typical first two years towards a BA in the
University of California System.
Meeting the above goals requires the development of a
multi-faceted performing arts center. Physical plant aspects range
over items such as single classrooms, rehearsal hall , small intimate
performance theater , concert hall , lobby space, construction shops,
storage space, etc. Without doubt , this project is a large
undertaking and will require broad community support.
Non-profit visual and performing arts and museums have been
shown almost universally to draw their audiences in an area which
typically extends up to 25 or 30 miles of the site and can reach as
far as 50 miles or more when there are no competing events or star
attractions. This means that for planning purposes the cities of
Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore must consider the cultural
facilities that do exist and are planned are all "regional " in their
usage.
We strongly recommend that the Chabot Board of Trustees, the
Councils of the cities of Dublin , Pleasanton and Livermore, and the
Livermore Area Recreation and Parks District pledge their support , in
commissioning a professional needs (and wants) feasibility study.
The first step of such a commission should be for each supporting
agency to appoint representation (elected officials, staff , and
particularly citizens) to meet and discuss the merits and scope of
such a study and the mechanics of implementation and funding.
This study process should access all available previous studies
and information impacting the development of a valley performing arts
center. It should generally clarify all physical community and site
factors surrounding the center 's design and construction. It should
establish program goals and components through evaluation of the
valley's needs, market and economic abilities. The study should also
provide a• general reflection of the public attitude vis-a-vis the
enhancement of our lifestyle through cultural activities.
The results of this study should be used in the general planning
of the three cities as well as the local community college.
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VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
August 4, 1988
Les Edwards, Vice-chair , Facilities
This interim report reflects my current thinking and is subject
to change. I welcome any comments, preferably in writing.
The following is a "word description" of the proposed Valley
Performing Arts Center. The objective is to build (perhaps in
stages.) a center usable by all local performing arts groups as well
as by touring professional shows. The center should be designed to
function well as .a teaching facility or conservatory. Where possible
the center should allow for multiple uses' such as for meetings,
receptions, catered banquets, etc.
The design of the center should allow for future expansions such as,
for example, botanical gardens incorporated with an amphitheater. I
envision future functions such as the Livermore Cultural Arts Council
sponsored Fall Arts Festival operating in the setting of gardens,
lawns, theaters, etc.
The center should contain:
1 . Main theater/concert hall with
a. Seating for about 1500 (+/- say 500) .
The actual number of seats will be determined by the
projected usage, the level of "star" performers that could
be afforded with saleable ticket prices, etc.
Recommendation is for main floor with 2 balconies and some
number of box seats. The reason for balconies is to achieve
a level of intimacy between stage and audience. For
example, The Silva Hall in Eugene, Oregon seats 2500 with
two balconies and no seat more than 112 feet from the edge
of the orchestra pit. The Intermediate Theater in the Port-
land , Oregon center seats 916 with two balconies and no seat
more than 65 feet from the stage. The box seats add a level
of elegance to a theater and may be "leased or sold" as
continuing fund-raisers to support the center.
b. Large proscenium stage with generous fly and wing space
and a movable sound shell . .
The wing and fly spaces are necessary for staging shows
which entail changing of scenery and access by large
numbers of performers. The movable sound shell allows
for differing effective stage areas for differing types
of performances.
c. Orchestra pit large enough to seat support musicians for
ballet, opera, Broadway Musicals, etc. The pit should be
installed with an elevator which allows the pit to be set
at stage height (gives additional 12-20 feet of thrust to
the stage) , audience floor height (allows for about 40
additional seats to be added) , orchestra pit height (for
performances) , storage level height (allows for example,
storage of grand piano in temperature controlled basement
'-room to be readily moved to stage for performance) .
d. Projection/Sound Control room.
A glass fronted room from which technicians may view the
performance and control light , sound and scenery changes.
Many sound technicians prefer an area central to the main
audience seating area and not enclosed to allow a more
realistic, audience oriented acoustics. Generally such an
area is not visually appealing.
e. Dressing Facilities. •
Should allow for 4 individual "Star" dressing rooms as well
as a Men 's and a Women 's group dressing rooms with room for
15-20 performers each. Dressing facilities must include
adequate costume/clothes racks, lighting and mirrors, as
well as basin, commode and shower.
f . Backstage area restrooms--often overlooked but necessary.
2. Small (Black-Box) Theater seating 250-500.
Basically a scaled-down version of the above. Some centers,
e. g. , the Portland, Oregon center was designed such that the
main floor seating is on removable platforms to allow for more
versatility such as a Dinner theater. In practice, they have
found that the time, labor , and expense of changing the seating
results in most groups just using the facility in its basic
set pattern of proscenium stage.
In the case of the small theater , boxes may not be desirable
however , the orchestra pit should receive the same considera
tions as for the large theater.
3. Basic Theater Support Areas (can be shared by both theaters) :
a. Mechanical /electrical rooms
b. Custodial areas
c. Shops for design, construction and storage of sets and
costumes (could be a separate building)
d. Receiving area and loading dock for equipment loading and
unloading should have large enough area to allow for
straight-in back-up of large semi-trucks
e. "Green Room" a lounge, staging room for performers with
reasonable back-stage access.
4. Other Areas
a. Lobby, large enough to support both theaters and to double
as an area for receptions, banquets, etc. Should be an
area that is rather elegant in appearance and encourages
the audience to not only see, but be seen in a manner that
encourages the general public to attend performances.
b. Restroom Facilities adequate for maximum size audiences.
(Quite often the Women 's facilities are not adequate. )
c. box office
d. Administrative Offices
e. Serving Kitchen if to use lobby as banquet hall . Must be
adequate only for caterer type usage.
f . Rehearsal Hall
Can be designed in any number of ways but should consider
multiple uses such as general rehearsals, experimental
theater productions, receptions, banquets.
5. Ensemble practice or class rooms can be in separate building but
are essential to the teaching/conservatory aspects of the center.
6. Founders Room--a special lounge room near the lobby area that
may be open to "membership only" such as founding donors,
contributors to operating funds, special VIP 's, etc.
7. Parking Areas
a. Separate parking space for each staff member
b. Parking space for about 1/2 number of total performers
c. Parking space for 1/3 of total audience seating
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I FREMONT CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
t BUILDING PROGRAM •
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VOLUME 1 •
BROOME, ORINGDULPH, O'TOOLE, RUDOLF, BOLES & ASSOCIATES -
• JULY 5, . 1988
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
VOLUME I
IT! EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2
DETAILED NARRATIVES
Introduction&Purpose of Study 6
-- Process 8
1 Goals and Objectives 11
�i' Site Analysis 16
____:, Market Analysis 27
Options Considered and Priorities 41
-- Building Program 49
Summary of Space Allocations 56 '
IDetailed Recommendations 6()
Parking Requirements 73
Sanitary Fixture Requirements 79
Development Costs 82
_._ Operational Costs 85
Design Analysis 91
PROGRAMMING TEAM 94
• BIBLIOGRAPHY 95
VOLUME II - APPENDIX
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I CHARETTE ATTENDANCE 1
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FACILITIES FOR THEATRICAL PRESENTATIONS 2
TJKM TRAFFIC STUDY 3
I CABLE TELEVISION STUDY 4
FREMONT CULTURAL ARTS CENTER PRO FORMA 5
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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In 1974,the City of Fremont undertook a study to determine the feasibility of a Cultural
Arts Center to be located on the Civic Center site. Because of the rapid growth of the
Fremont area since that study,it was felt that many of the conclusions made in the 1974
study should be reevaluated. In order to better define the programmatic requirements,
design implications,project costs,and operational costs of that project,the City of
Fremont selected BOOR/A Architects,along with Theater Consultants Landry and
Bogan,Performing Arts Facilities Planner Tom Mitze,and Cultural Resource Planner
Robert Bailey to develop an updated space program and feasibility study for the proposed
center.
During the course of the study,the programming team met with numerous public offi-
cials, representatives of the performing and visual arts, and interested citizens in a series
of worksessions to better understand and evaluate the needs of the citizens of Fremont
and the arts community. The product of these worksessions(called "Charettes") was a
full discussion,evaluation,and prioritization of all project goals and space requirements
and an understanding of operational considerations for the proposed Cultural Arts Center.
(See Goals and Objectives).
The Cultural Arts Center site is located in Fremont's Central Park adjact to the City
Government Building and the newly constucted City Library. In the Masterplan
developed for the site in 1987,the Government Building,Library,and the Cultural Arts
Center surround a central water"feature" (or extension of Lake Elizabeth). The site is
highly visible from Paseo Padre Parkway(a major arterial)and offers the oponunity to
. create a"centerpiece" for the arts in Fremont. A potential for shared use of parking, par-
- ticularly overflow parking,exists with the adjacent Government Building and Library.
The Hayward fault bisects the site in a northwest to southeast direction and a non-build-
ing zone extends 50'on each side of the fault line. Extensive seismic evaluation of any
building designed for this site will be required.
The market data generated from this study indicates that the Fremont Cultural Arts Center
should be developed as a community cultural facility to provide the residents of Fremont
and the surrounding areas with a wide spectrum of the visual and performing arts oppor-
- — tunities.
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To create the program for the Performing Arts,representatives of the city and the com-
munity met with the design team and explored a range of alternatives in size,
configuration,and mix of performance spaces. Based upon the needs of local performing
arts companies,and the desire to accomodate national and regional touring productions,
two theaters of diverse configuration and seating capacity were proposed:
Theater A(Lyric Theater)would seat approximately 1240 people and would be large
enough to accommodate symphony and other musical performances,
as well as moderate cost touring companies.
Theater B (Community Th a r)would seat 350 people and be oriented
primarily to community performances and functions where a more modest
volume and audience size is desirable.
Both the Lyric Theater and the Community Theater would be multi-use spaces accom-
modating drama,speech,music,musical theater,and dance.
Adequate audience and performer support spaces would be provided within the facility.
Theater production spaces including scenery and costume shops, storage facilities, and re-
hearsal space would be located off-site in less expensive space.
A video production facility for community access cable television is also proposed within
this program.
Throughout the programming effort,two other program elements were discussed as pos-
sible center components; an arts education facility and community activity/meeting
center. It was resolved that the Community Center functions are best combined with the
Arts Education Center.
The information available established the recommendation that the Community Center
and Arts Education Components are similar in their large room size and quality require-
ments. If these components were built attached or immediately adjacent to the theatres or
museum/galleries, their costs would be driven up to match the higher quality require-
ments of the performing components of the Cultural Arts Center.
Although not adjacent to the Cultural Arts complex,the Community Center and Arts
Education components would still best be located adjacent to the Civic Center Site be-
cause of its central location in the Fremont Area.
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_ It became apparent during the Charettes that all information needed to fully program
these two components was not available,nor were advocates for such a community center
fully represented in the assembled "cultural arts interest groups".
Because the specific site has not been determined,nor the specific representatives con-
tacted for their input,the Community Center and the Arts Education facility will be
programmed and designed at a later date,separate from this Cultural Arts Center project.
The first community charette resulted in a recommendation for a visual arts center with
exhibit galleries and educational classrooms and a separate local history museum and ar-
chives. At the second charette a consensus of the participants was to combine the
museum/archive and art exhibit components and to locate museum storage off-site--but in
close proximity to the Civic center,and to locate arts education with the Community
Center as previously mentioned.
Following the recommendations,a facility program has been developed for a combined
- art gallery and local history center to be a part of this Cultural Arts Center. It envisions a
self-contained building of 21,300 square feet that incorporates top-quality exhibition
facilities and appropriate support spaces.
Four exhibition galleries will take up about a third of the total space. There will be one
space devoted to "permanent exhibits" of artificats related to the history of the Fremont
• area. Existing collections of two local historical associations can be accommodated,
along with many prospective acquisitions. One gallery can be used to exhibit a collection
of art,the beginnings of which exists in the City although future acquisitions will be
added. The two remaining exhibit spaces can be used for display of exhibits that tour
from other galleries and exhibit organizers,curated shows originated by staff or guest
curators,and invitational,competitive and juried shows of work by local and regional ar-
tists and craftspersons. The exhibit facilities should meet the highest of museum
standards for security,lighting,and environmental controls.
■ Support space to meet the needs of public,administrative and technical aspects of the cen-
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ter will comprise two thirds of the space. A multipurpose assembly room will
accommodate 150 persons for meetings,lectures,classes,receptions and a host of other
activities. A gift shop and cafe will be included,both of which could provide financial
support for the operations. Storage,workshops and offices make up the balance of the
facility. •
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Goals established by this program suggest separate yet related buildings for the perform-
. ing arts,and the gallery/museum. These goals also suggest that the central area bounded
by the Civic.Center programs,the"commons"link these programs and the park. Oppor-
tunity exists through these program's design(the cultural arts center/commons)to
complete and unify the civic center. •
While the program's site has been determined,the final relationship of the Cultural Arts
Center to parking, "the commons"and the government center and library will be
developed by the designers of the project.
• Development costs for the proposed Center are an estimated$36 Million. These costs in-
. elude approximately$25 Million for building construction and an additional$11 Million
for owner's direct and support costs including fees,permits,testing,contingencies,infla-
•tion,etc.
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• Operational costs for the center vary,depending on function,and are better described
under the operational cost section of this analysis. •
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The Recreation Commission and City Council voted unanimously on April 6 and April
19, 1988,respectively,to approve the recommended Cultural Arts Center program.
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