HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2006-01-26
KPL/CENTRE BLOCK PROJECT COMMITTEE MINUTES
January 26, 2006 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, Hans Gross, Rod Regier, Sonia Lewis,
Ray Robinson, Marty Schreiter, Silvia Wright, Bruce McNeil, Michael May, Jana Miller and Sandy
Curzon
Approval of Minutes
1.
On motion by Hans Pottkamper, it was resolved that the minutes of January 19, 2006 be accepted
and posted on the city’s website www.city.kitchener.on.ca
2.Centre Block Components
2.1 Finance & Corporate Services Report - Discussion
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Project Committee will be submitting a report to FCS on February 6 seeking
Council’s direction on outstanding issues surrounding the redevelopment of Centre
Block. Today’s meeting specifically addressed the following:
Heritage Properties:
a)
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Leon Bensason, Heritage Planner provided historical and architectural information
(Heritage Property Reports) on the Forsyth, Mayfair and 156/158 King St West
buildings.
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The primary focus of the 1937 Art Deco addition of Forsyth is the concrete façade
facing Duke Street. The intent is to remove part of the façade, which is made of pre-
cast concrete veneer panels, to get a better understanding of its condition – whether the
façade can be preserved without further damage, remains to be determined. Concern
was raised that if the decision is to preserve the façade as it stands, ongoing work will
be required to stabilize the building in order to work around it. Some preference was
shown to take down the façade and reconstruct it within the development of the block,
including what is done with the house and bricks. A report from the Chief Building
Official and MTE, that will determine the cost of bringing them to appropriate
condition for re-use, is expected within the next week.
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Further concern was raised that should the two remaining Forsyth buildings be
preserved, underground parking and development options for the Centre Block may be
compromised
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It was suggested that the Smyth House, which is designated, be moved in its current
condition to another location. When asked what impact this would have on its
significance, Mr. Bensason advised that the house would lose it’s historical context if
removed from Centre Block
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Mayfair – Mr. Bensason advised that in his opinion the entire building has historical
and architectural significant and not just the first 3 storeys. There is little in the
interior to preserve other than the few features identified in the Heritage Property
Report including those in the lobby. Removal of external fire escape would not
represent a problem from a heritage perspective.
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Minutes: January 26, 2006
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It was also noted that the Mayfair and 156/158 King St.W. share the same floor plate,
which could be beneficial to a potential developer.
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Recommendation (points only):
Forsyth – two remaining buildings 1880’s Smyth House and 1937 Art Deco
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addition, not be retained in situ on the property; must salvage Duke Street façade
and if financially feasible, to use interior elements; history of the buildings and
property to be honoured; salvage and retain materials for reuse on any new
development of the block
Mayfair – building to be retained in its entirety; flexibility of use of the interior;
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encourage reuse of interior features deemed significant by Heritage Kitchener (as
identified in the Heritage Property Report) in any future reuse of the building
156/158 King Street West – façade front must be retained in its entirety;
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incorporate remainder of building and encourage reuse of interior features deemed
significant by Heritage Kitchener (as identified in the Heritage Property Report),
in any future reuse of the building
Action:
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C. Ladd will draft and circulate recommendations, which will be included in the
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February 6 report to FCS, to Project Committee for further review
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M. Schreiter and H. Pottkamper to attend Heritage Kitchener meeting on February 7
@ 4pm.
b)Financing
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It was agreed that the developer will need to know upfront exactly what the City is
financially providing for the development of Centre Block (i.e. Library, Parking).
This amount will be based on 2006 prices, however escalation costs will need to be
taken into account to reflect the actual construction timeline
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$32.5M from EDIF has been committed by Council for a new central library. It was
noted that the money committed will not be spent for another two years
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Assuming a target of $5M for KPL’s fundraising, the City will be required to be the
guarantor for any shortfall
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Development charges – even though this may be a potential funding source, there is no
certainty at this time and therefore this source cannot be included
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Proceeds from the sale of current library will need to be updated
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The City-owned Centre Block land will be used to leverage the cost of constructing
the library
Action:
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H. Gross to get a current value of the KPL property @ 85 Queen St. N., Kitchener
c)Parking
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KPL’s Business Case requested 230 parking spaces which includes 80 designated for
paid staff use.
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The City estimated 200 spaces for public parking which includes Mayfair and
156/158 King St.W., which can be reduced especially if Mayfair and 156/158 King St
W. assets are transferred to developer. Note - following a review of the parking
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Minutes: January 26, 2006
study, it was determined that 197 parking spaces have been estimated solely for the
public parking component on Centre Block
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$5.5M from EDIF has been allocated to parking solutions in the downtown
Action:
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Request Council to fully allocate $5.5M to Centre Block for parking solutions
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KPL to review their parking requirements for possible reduction
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City to further review the public parking component requirement
d)RFP Process
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Project Committee agreed that the Library is the prime component for Centre Block,
however discussion took place about a back-up plan should no proposals include a
library
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What are we prepared to do if there are no proposals submitted for a library?
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Will the $5.5M for parking still be available?
Action:
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Due to time, there was no further discussion or direction
2.2Terms of Reference
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A Draft Marketing Piece and Request for Expression of Interest/Proposal documents
was provided to Project Committee for review
Action:
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Project Committee to review and provide their comments to the Draft Terms of
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Reference documents on February 2
3.Other Business
5.1Infrastructure Grants
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In discussions with the City’s Chief Financial Officer, staff indicated that ‘soft
infrastructure’ grants are traditionally not a federal government priority, however
could be investigated further with Finance and Engineering once proposals are
received
Action:
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None at this time
Meeting was adjourned at 11:10 am
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Next Scheduled Meeting: Thursday, February 2, 2006
Conestoga Room, Main Floor, City Hall
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Minutes: January 26, 2006