2010-04-05-ATM-CPC-rpt - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARTICLE S (i) Project: Cary Memorial Building—Improvements/Upgrades - Study CPA Category: Historic Resources Amount Requested: $60,000 Amount Recommended: $60,000 CPC Vote: (7-2) Project Description: This project is requesting funds to study Cary Memorial Hall and Building as a public meeting and venue space after its recent use as a temporary library and storage area for building maintenance. This project recommends a study be performed to develop a plan and cost estimates that will identify needed upgrades and restoration opportunities to improve the functionality of the building for performers and exhibitors as well as its use as a public meeting space. The study will also examine ways to improve accessibility. Project Goals and Objectives: . The goal of the project is to perform a comprehensive review of the building,building systems, code review, and a theatrical review resulting in a comprehensive report of recommendations and costs. Project Benefit: The Cary Memorial Building was constructed in 1927. Accessibility improvements were implemented in 1985 and a renovation was implemented in 2000 for temporary library use. 2007 Town Meeting authorized$147,130 in CPA funds for Cary Memorial Building improvements, which included$80,000 to perform a variety of studies on the building. A$7,500 feasibility study was first done to see if Cary Hall could be a performance center but it was not economically feasible to proceed, so the remaining$72,500 study money was not spent. $3,196 was spent on blackout curtains and$57,561 for stage extensions and lighting over the stage extensions. $78,873 was not expended from the CPA fund, due to the study's conclusion. Detailed drawings from 1927 show the spaces that were designed in support of performances in the Hall. Over the years,the cloak room, the scenery dock, the dressing rooms,the ticket booths, the exhibition hall, and the smoking room have all been converted to other uses. The stage area, including lighting and the stage, also needs to be studied to ensure its functionality for all of the performing arts. In addition, the restrooms need updating and improvements to accessibility should be investigated. Many of the uses of the Hall are video taped and/or broadcast over cable television.The HVAC system is often turned off during these performances so that "noise" from the system does not interfere with the taping and broadcast. The study will include evaluation of the mechanical systems to determine how to eliminate this conflict. Funding Request: This project is requesting$60,000 in CPA funds to perform a study by an architect with expertise in historic structures who will utilize sub-consultants for other disciplines to assess needed upgrades to the building. It is likely that this study will be followed in subsequent years with a CPA funding request 14