HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2005-09-01
KPL/CENTRE BLOCK PROJECT COMMITTEE MINUTES
September 01, 2005 City of Kitchener
KPL/Centre Block Project Committee met this date, commencing at 8:30 a.m., Chaired by Carla Ladd
with the following members present: Hans Pottkamper; Ray Robinson; Larry Gordon; Hans Gross;
Bruce MacNeil; Rosemary Pitfield; Sonia Lewis and Silvia Wright
Prior to the start of today’s meeting, there was one delegation registered
Delegation
1.
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Mr. Norris (Norris Bakery) addressed Committee on his idea of a ‘library annex’ at Your
Kitchener Market. Mr. Norris felt that on a temporary basis, the library could have a presence at
the downtown market to “see what downtown’s all about”. S. Lewis thanked Mr. Norris for his
comments and advised that perhaps the library could look at hosting occasional events, at Your
Kitchener Market, that would be of public interest.
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On behalf of Committee, C. Ladd thanked Mr. Norris for sharing his idea with Committee
Approval of Minutes
2.
On motion by: Hans Pottkamper, it was resolved that the minutes of August 18, 2005 be accepted
3.Centre Block Components
3.1 Heritage Aspects
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L. Bensason, City of Kitchener Heritage Planner presented a heritage evaluation/
assessment of all properties/buildings located on Centre Block. In summary, the findings
were grouped into four categories:
Properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act:
a) 31 Young St. (Forsyth)
Properties listed on the City’s Heritage Inventory:
b) 48 Ontario St. (Legion); 156/158
King St.W; 144-150 King St.W; and 90 King St.W
Properties having no current heritage status however merit consideration for listing
c)
on the heritage inventory
: 11 Young St (Mayfair);18-24 Ontario St.N; 72-78 King St.W.
Properties which require further assessment to establish heritage interest
d) : 82-86
King St.W; 140 King St.W; 96-98 King St.W; and 30-34 Ontario St.N.
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Whether it is through preservation, adaptive re-use, or integration and design of new
development with old, Mr. Bensason encouraged the retention of Kitchener’s heritage
when redeveloping Centre Block.
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When considering redevelopment of heritage properties, the following need to be
considered: Is preservation possible? Can most significant features of the building be
restored? Can building ‘detail’ be kept? If building is demolished, can a new building
replicate the old? Consider financial feasibility of options.
3.2 Forsyth Building Evaluation Results
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The purpose of the study was to provide a structural review of the existing 78,000 sq. ft.
Forsyth building located at 31 Young St. and to determine the potential for residential
and office development using three development scenarios described below. Cost
estimates to develop a building shell without interior finishing were provided for each
scenario.
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Minutes: September 1, 2005
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The intent of the study was to provide information, through inclusion within the Terms of
Reference document, to potential proponents in the redevelopment of Centre Block. No
recommendations are contained in the study. No decisions about the future of the
Forsyth building are expected to be made by Committee or Council at this time.
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The potential for adding additional levels and parking requirements (125 residential and
290 office), were considered for each scenario
Upgrade the existing structure
i) : to upgrade the shell of the existing structure would
cost $14 mil. (residential) and $17 mil. (office). It was noted that parking cannot be
accommodated beneath the existing building and upward construction on most of the
building was not possible
Conserve Selected Portions of the Building
ii) : to retain the building phases (two of five)
that have heritage value at a cost of $19.5 mil. (residential) and $22.5 mil. (office)
The potential for underground parking and upward construction is limited
Demolish Building, Replace with New
iii) : $18.6 mil. (residential) and $21 mil. (office)
whereby all parking can be accommodated and upward construction is feasible
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Using 72,000 sq.ft. as the ‘useable’ space, $18M as an average building shell cost, $3.6M
for interior finishing, 6% cost of marketing, and a 10% profit would bring the cost of
redevelopment to an estimated $350 per square foot. Based on this estimate, an 800 sq.ft.
unit would have to sell for $270,000 or rent for $1800 a month.
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The report is intended to become part of the Terms of Reference document as information
for potential proponents. Concern was raised that from a lease or sales standpoint, if the
estimates are correct, it would not be feasible for a developer to pursue any of the three
scenarios
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C. Ladd added that the purpose of the report was to determine whether there is value to a
potential developer for the whole block. The more information we can provide the better.
Ultimately it will be the developer’s decision to determine financial feasibility.
Action:
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Committee will work with the building division to get current of construction costs for
new construction.
4.Request for Proposal (RFP)
4.1 Revised Template
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An updated outline of the Terms of Reference document was presented for further input.
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How documents appear in the Terms of Reference for the developers is of great
importance i.e. Library is non-negotiable followed by the three negotiable categories of
‘really good’, ‘good’, and ‘nice to have’
Action:
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H. Gross will incorporate the suggested changes. It is anticipated that documents will be
prepared in a CD format.
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H. Gross will suggest which items need further discussion at future meetings.
5.Kitchener Public Library
5.1 Project Updates
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Conceptual design by architects is on schedule.
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Website update will allow the public to see architects work and provide the opportunity
for public feedback
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In addition to the website, a newsletter specifically updating the Central Library Project,
has been distributed to all library locations.
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Minutes: September 1, 2005
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It is intended that the newsletter and website will be updated as the project progresses in
order to keep the community informed
5.2 Word on the Street
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Word on the Street, will be held Sunday, September 25 from 11am-5pm at Victoria Park
with an open panel discussion at 2:30pm for public feedback
Action:
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Committee members were asked to consider a one hour commitment to be part of the
discussion panel
6.Other Business
6.1 Public Input
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As requested, a sub-committee was formed to ensure that there a is transparent public
process and ability for a two-way flow of information/communication regarding the
Centre Block Project Committee and development of the Centre Block including a new
central library. The ‘Communications and Public Engagement Brief – 2005’ identified
steps that are being taken to ensure that the public is aware of and has had the opportunity
and mechanisms to provide their input as the Centre Block project process unfolds. This
can be achieved through public project committee meetings; regular updates in Your
Kitchener; website updates with feedback capabilities; etc. For a copy of the brief, visit
www.city.kitchener.on.ca
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In order to understand the public vision for the block, a public process (cherette) will be
developed for various sector groups i.e. business community and; suburban
neighbourhoods
Action:
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R. Pitfield to put together how the process would work and report back to Committee
6.2 Project Timeline Schedule
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Parking study will be presented to Committee on September 29
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Geotechnical report of site is complete
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Environmental audit will be presented to Committee October 27
Action:
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Future items for consideration/input include the development of an evaluation criteria for
proponents and timelines for the central library development
5.2
Public Comments
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There were no further comments from the public, other than those received from Mr.
Norris at the beginning of today’s meeting
Meeting was adjourned at 10:25am
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NEXT MEETING: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
CITY HALL, CONESTOGA ROOM, MAIN FLOOR
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
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Minutes: September 1, 2005