2013-03-18 BOS Packet - Released

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How have we cared for this heavily used capital asset since it was built over forty years ago? Other than making the front door accessible and updating the bathrooms, the building is largely the same as it was then. Yet much has changed: national patriotism and the international demand for education about democracy has grown, the railway is now an active bikeway, the use of technology to research and plan their visits, distribute information, and make point of sales decisions about what they to once they arrive has exploded, and the need to capitalize on revenues outside the tax levy has become apparent. It is time to prepare this physical space to st meet the needs of users in the 21 Century. A major change in this report is that design options have intentionally been omitted. While they were a physical representation to demonstrate how programming might fit in the existing location, readers had a hard time believing that the public design process would engage all stakeholders and that the Department of Public Facilities would oversee the design and renovation project. The significant takeaway from those sketches, is that in order to meet the program outlined, an addition and renovation are required. The cost associated with that option is approximately $1.8 million. The projected economic impact of a well designed Visitors Center justifies this investment. Based on new taxes and spending we believe that within 5-7 years, our investment will be repaid in tourism dollars. TheProgrammatic Goals for the Visitors Center are: 1.Creating economic opportunities to generate income for the Town, attractions, local businesses and organizations, thereby benefitting Lexington taxpayers; 2.Orienting visitors to maximize their desire and ability to Linger in Lexington; 3.Delivering a first-class memorable visitor experience and; 4.Providing a meaningful tourist and educational experience during the season as well as the six months during which are primary attractions are closed. 5.Preparing facility for the opportunities presented by the rapidly expanding international market. In fulfillment of the goals, the following programs should be included in a renovated Visitors Center: 1.Customer service area for welcoming and assisting multiple visitors simultaneously; 2.Multimedia orientation room for tour groups and other visitors; 3.Modern and easily accessible restrooms; 4.Self-serve kiosk with materials in multiple languages; 5.Retail book and gift sales area; 6.Indoor table(s) and vending machine area; 7.Contemplative area for honoring Veterans with visual connection to exterior memorials; 8.Design elements that attract and welcome bikeway users; 9.Administrative office meeting space for Lexington’s Chamber of Commerce; and 10.Meeting space for Town boards and committees accessible without need for additional custodial time. In the past two years preparing for this financial request, we have learned the following: There is broad consensus that this continuously utilized Town-owned facility needs work; The programmatic goals outlined in this report reflect the collective ideas of the stakeholders; A public design process, guided by professional consultants, including an expert in interpretive planning, and our Facilities Department will inform the layout and flow of the site and facilitate improved visitor experiences. Two years ago, the Tourism Committee identified the renovation of the Visitors Center as our capital priority. We began working with Town staff, boards and committees to request appropriate funding to begin this process. Funding was originally sought in the 2012 Town Meeting. While the need for an upgrade was acknowledged, some felt that the program needed to be further developed and the project was postponed. Over the past year we have engaged the stakeholders, reviewed our goals, researched, and refined the program. Now is the time for Lexington to fund the professional architectural design as the next step in that process. March 17, 2013 - 4 -