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ARTICLE 8 (e) Project: CPA Category: Amount Requested: Amount Recommended: Visitor Center — Design Phase Historic Resources $68,950 *Indefinitely Postponed* Project Description: This project is requesting CPA funds for design development and construction documents for identified Visitor Center improvements. The improvements include: education space, space for tour groups, a self - service kiosk, counter space for assisting visitors, veterans' display with a visual connection to exterior memorials, retail space, a food vending area, rest rooms, and office space. The building will be made fully handicapped - accessible and provide community meeting space. The proposed project enlarges the building from 2,591 square feet to 6,566 square feet, nearly a 4,000 square foot addition. Project Goals and Objectives: • Upgrade the space to enhance the experience of the visitor. • Improve services available at the Visitor Center. • Enhance the visitor experience so that visitors stay in Lexington longer and enjoy the amenities available in our business district. Project Benefit: Originally opened in 1970 in anticipation of the nation's bicentennial, the Visitor Center has served as an information hub to Lexingtonians as well as millions of guests from around the world. On an annual basis, the building sees over 100,000 visitors - more than any other Town - owned building. The last upgrade to the facility was when the restrooms were made handicapped - accessible 10 years ago. Since then, the Center has been visited by over 1,000,OOC visitors. The anticipated benefits to the Town from this project include: • increased revenue to Lexington, • implementation of current technology to enable visitor self - service via the internet, • education space for tours, • a welcoming entrance from the Minuteman Bikeway, • improved experience for our veterans, • upgrades to the restrooms, and • an improved retail display and resting area for visitors. Funding Request: The total cost of this project was $175,000, of which $68,950 was being requested in CPA funds. Approved by a vote of (7 -2), this project will be indefinitely postponed for FY 14. It is anticipated, however, that the application for the Visitor Center funding will come before the CPC at a subsequent time. 12