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How have we cared for this heavily used capital asset since it was built over forty years ago? Other than
<br />making the front door accessible and updating the bathroonns, the building is largely the same as it was then.
<br />yet 11i101 has cltaiiged ,nal,n,n-1 t af; -, - tt:,... Q
<br />! ln- i ltcr cation al dciniaatid ivi udi- tU2lbon about democracy has
<br />grown, the railway is now an active bikeway, the use of technology to research and plan (heir visits, dis ibure
<br />inforination, and make point of sales decisions about what they do once the arrive has exploded, and the need
<br />lev has become apparent. It is time to prepare this physical space to
<br />io capitalize out revenues outside the tax
<br />meet the needs of users in the 21" Century.
<br />A major change in this report is that design options have intentionally been omitted. While they were a
<br />physical representation to demonstrate how programming might fit in the existing location, readers had a hard
<br />time believing that the public design process would engage all stakeholders and that the Department of Public
<br />Facilities would oversee the design and renovation project. The siginificant takeaway from those sketches is
<br />that in order to meet the program outlined, an addition and renovation are required. The cost associated with
<br />that option is approximately $1.8 million. The projected economic impact of awell- designed Visitors Center
<br />Justifies this investment. Based on new taxes and spending wve believe that wvitlnin -7 years, our investment
<br />will be repaid m tourism dollars.
<br />The Programmatic Goals for the Visitors Center are: 1 s , ,��a s . _
<br />1. llLform' g and orient' g visitors to maxiisiize their desire aiid ab 12�r to L cv.�cc ice s r,cccra.ec!�,
<br />2. Creating and extending a welcoming environment for residents and visitors;
<br />3. Promoting economic opportunities to generate income for the Town, attractions local businesses acid
<br />r tonG the r e by fi fli g t +rr
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<br />4. Educating our visitors, especially during the six months when our pri uiary attractions are closed; and
<br />J. Designing the facil to capitalize on the rapidly expanding iiitertnati ©in[ market.
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<br />L ,__ h g oals, TI1P Y I I „ s,
<br />Iin liliillliiirnt of t__m g tS, lie ouo ving lcrQDgl alTis should be included ' in a renovate nS1tOP5 Lester.
<br />1. Customer service counter for welcoming arid assisting multiple visitors simultaileously;
<br />2. Orientation room for visitors, small groups, and larger tours, avid for use during inclement
<br />xxra ather -
<br />3. Modern, sufficient, and easily accessible restrooms,
<br />d. Redesigned rear entry from bikeway to attract guests
<br />Cointe,m-pla-tive area f 1,onor:. V t
<br />ion ext erior memorials;
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<br />6. Self -serve kiosk with materials in multiple languages,
<br />7. Retail book and gift sales area;
<br />8. Administrative space for Lexington's Chamber of Commerce, and
<br />9. Indoor table(s) and vending machine area;
<br />In the past two years preparing for this financial request, we have learned the following:
<br />• There is broad consensus that this continuously utilized Town -owned facility needs work;
<br />• The programmatic goals outlined in this report incorporates the collective ideas of the
<br />stakeholders;
<br />• A public design process, guided by professional consultants, including an expert in interpretive
<br />planning, and our Facilities Department will inform the layout and flow of the site and facilitate
<br />improved visitor experiences.
<br />Two years ago, the Tourism Committee identified the renovation of the Visitors Center as our capital
<br />l-" �zr
<br />prim i l y , vv e began working �N -itii T own staff, boards and committees to request appropriate fins ing to
<br />begins this process. Funding was origiially sought in the 2012 Town Meeting. While the need for an
<br />upgrade was acknowledged, some felt that the program needed to be further developed and the project
<br />was postponed. Over the past year we have engaged the stakeholders, reviewed our goals, researched,
<br />and refined the program- Now is the time far Lexington to fluid the professional arcliitec oral designs
<br />as the ilea step in that process.
<br />10 - 5
<br />May 7, 2013
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