HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-23-2015 Work SessionCITY I c � COLUMBIA ' TS
HEIGHTS
Mayor
Go Peterson
Counci cilmembers
Robert A. Willia ns
590 40th Avenue NH, Columbia Heights, AIN 55421 -3878 (763)706 -3600 TDD (763) 706 -3692
Bruce Nanrocbi
Visit our website at: www.ei.colttitibia-lieiZlits.mn.us
John, Jr;
a Schin
Donna Schmitt
City Manager
Walter R. Fehst
Meeting of: Columbia Heights City Council
Date of Meeting: Monday March 23, 2015
Time of Meeting: 6:00 PM
Location of Meeting: City Hall, Conference Room 1
Purpose of Meeting: Work Session
Presentation by HGA regarding the schematic of the Library
The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to,
or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be
provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights' services,
programs, and activities. Auxiliary aids for handicapped persons are available upon request when the
request is made at least 96 hours in advance. Please call the City Clerk at 763 - 706 -3611 to make
arrangements. (TDD /706 -3692 for deaf or hearing impaired only).
AGENDA SECTION: WORKSESSION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT:
CITY MANAGER'S
Library
APPROVAL
ITEM: Schematic Design process for
BY: Renee Dougherty
BY:
New Library
DATE: March 19, 2015
DATE:
NO:
Background
On January 12, 2015, the City Council appointed eleven citizens to a Library Design Task Force
(LDTF) to provide public input throughout design of a new library. The LDTF began work
immediately by reviewing and evaluating the four proposals submitted in response to the City's
request for proposals for architectural design services. Task Force members participated in the
January 23, 2015, interviews of architectural firms and provided evaluative ratings of each.
Based upon the recommendation of the LDTF and City staff, the Council authorized entering
into contract with Hammel, Green and Abrahamson (HGA) for architectural design services for a
new library on January 26, 2015.
On February 4, 2015, City staff met for the first time with staff from HGA, Braun Intertec, and
ICS Consulting. The purpose of the kick -off meeting was to review project goals, establish a
project schedule, and discuss the preliminary survey, site preparation, and geotechnical work
necessary to construct a library at the Central Avenue location selected by the Council.
The Library Design Task Force met on February 18, 2015. They introduced themselves; selected
a chair; reviewed their role in the design process; received an overview of work done to date by
the previous Task Force and Leo A. Daly architects; reviewed the 2012 public survey; and
learned about the overall schedule and budget for the new library. See attached agenda and
meeting notes for additional details of the discussion at this meeting.
Factors Influencing the Design Process
HGA began the design process by considering the nature of the landscape as documented in the
ALTA survey map of the parcels. The survey revealed a 9 -foot variation in elevation from the
south to the north end. The overall building orientation, location of entrances, and location of
storm water retention was influenced by the elevation change on the site. Because water seeks
the lowest level, the bio- retention area was located in the northeast corner. The primary
building entrances must be at grade to provide accessibility so were planned for the highest
part of the property on the south end. This entry location minimizes the need for excavation
and removal of contaminated soil and, thus, the site preparation costs.
The size and characteristics of the building were drawn from the 2013 recommendation of the
Library Task Force which called for a single -story building between 20,500 and 24,000 square
feet. Additional building features articulated in the recommendation were natural daylighting,
comfortable spaces for all ages, flexibility in technology infrastructure to adapt to changing
needs, small and large public learning spaces, and efficient staff workspace.
Library staff, mindful of budget and ongoing maintenance and operational costs, has requested
efficient heating, lighting, and technology /security systems to insure that operational costs are
similar to those in the current smaller, but less efficient, building.
Community development staff provided input on planning and zoning considerations.
Specifically, feedback on building orientation and dimensions, window and door placement,
lighting, signage, facade materials, parking, and building access was provided from the Central
Business District Design Guidelines. The new library design adheres to the goals for
redevelopment of the area and will share parking, storm water retention, and greenspace
amenities with future business and /or residential development on the remainder of the site.
Ongoing Involvement of Library Task Force
On February 25, 2015, the LDTF met with HGA to review the pros and cons of three prospective
building orientations. The group reviewed site circulation, building entry locations, book drop
location, parking area and capacity, location of mechanicals and trash, storm water retention,
and future development options for the remainder of the site. They began discussion of interior
layout and exterior building finish options. Those attending the meeting preferred the Plaza
Entry site option. The Plaza Entry option was also preferred by the Library Board, the Library
Foundation, and City staff and was affirmed by the Council at the work session on March 2,
2015. See the February 25, 2015, LDTF meeting agenda and minutes attached for additional
detail of the discussion.
On March 11, 2015, the LDTF and HGA staff met again to further refine site planning and
building development. This meeting included a review of site grades, building orientation,
entry options, materials return locations, and additional site features. Eight members of the
LDTF provided feedback on floor plans, restroom locations, exterior greenspace,
pedestrian /bicycle access, and exterior facade materials. The group also began planning for the
public open house scheduled for March 26, 2015. See agenda and minutes attached.
Upcoming Events
Architects and engineers from HGA will present schematic design documents at the work
session on March 23, 2015. On March 26, 2015, the LDTF will host a public Open House to share
information about the project and to enable public contribution to its success. The LDTF will
collect public comments received at the event to inform future design decision - making.
Library Design Task Force
February 18, 2015
6:30 -7:30 p.m.
Library Board Room
Agenda
1. Introductions
2. Overview of work of Task Force
a. Community Survey —July 2012
b. Summary of Public Input Sessions
c. Area Library Tours
d. Recommendation to Council - 3/4/2013
3. Roles
a. LDTF
i. Advisory to City Council
1. Reflect community desires /interests
2. Conduit for public input
a. Publicly advertise contacts for individuals or group?
3. Digest /Share Opinion of Library Designs (Exterior, Interior, Material
Selection, Colors )
ii. Host Open Houses
b. Staff
i. Manage Process
ii. Attend to sustainability, ergonomics, asethetics
c. Architects
i. Design /Schedule
ii. Samples and Palettes
4. Upcoming Meetings
a. Meeting with HGA : Building Planning Options— T.B.D.
b. Public Open House: Design Options — 3/26/2015
LIBRARY DESIGN TASK FORCE
Mtg w/ Project Architect
HGA Offices — downtown Minneapolis
420 5`h Street North
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
1:30 PM
A. New Business:
1. Library Site Plan / Building Orientation / Site Circulation
i.
Entr)T /Access to Site
ii.
Building Entry
iii.
Book Drop
iv.
Parking
v.
Staff entry
vi.
Delivers-
vii.
Service _areas: Nlechanical and trash
viii.
Storm Water
ix.
Shared Parking
2. Future Site Development
3. Decision Needed: Determination of preferred Library Site Plan
4. Development of Floor Plan
5. Preliminary Interior Finish (discussion)
6. Public Open House: 3/26/2015, 6:00 — 8:00 (tentative)
B. Adjourn
LIBRARY DESIGN TASK FORCE
Meeting Agenda
Mtg 2 w/ Project Architect
HGA Offices — downtown Minneapolis
420 5`h Street North
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
5:00 PM
Item
1. Site plan
• Site grades
• Building orientation
• Building entry
• Site features
2. Building plan
• EntrP
o Recognition area
• Large meeting room
• Library features
• Floor plan
• Interior Finishes
• Building systems
• HVAC / automation
• technology
3. Exterior material discussion
4. Project Budget
5. Public Open House — March 26th 6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
• At Public Safety Building Training Room
LDTF MEETING NOTES 02/18/2015
Brief Summary of February 18, 2015 Library Design Task Force Meeting:
1. Members present:Kevin Hansen, Renee Dourgherty, Adrian Durand, Catherine Vesley, Tom Letness,
David Larson, Emily Spiteri, Jennifer Blake, Tami Diehm, Rachel Schwanki
Absent: Tricia Conway, William Hugo, Charlie Oribamise
2. Everyone was introduced, and Kevin gave an overview of the general project. He handed out copies of
the 20123 Community survey, Summaries of the Public input Sessions, and the Library Task Force
Recommendations to the council (3/4/2013. He also presented the 2/17/2015 Municipal Library
Planning document.
Members of the committee were then brought up to date on recent developments. The bonds were
discussed (2.58 % for 20 years) this was better than expected with $180,000 going back into the
project. Unfortunately, the site costs (remediation) are higher than expected. It was a former
landfill /brownfield and a WRAP (remedial action plan) will have be filed with the State. This will affect
the buildings foundations, and possibly the buildings site.The City has a relatively small contingency fund
for this project, so Kevin will be watching the budget very closely. The budget will be handled by ICS
(Blaine based division of the Kraus Anderson construction firm). The budget is 7 million with 3.2 million
cash on hand.
Questions came up about the square footage in relation to the existing building, and also regarding the
City,s plans for that structure. (There are none at this time)
3. Cost Factors:
a. Getting out of the ground. This is not yet known
b. We are using 2014 numbers. 2015 will see a 4 -6% escalation. Building costs are up but materials are
down or at least steady. Since structural steel is a major factor it may be bid separately.
c. There is a possibility of about $300,000 from Anoka Co. for site cleanup.
4. Function of the LDTF: We are advisory to the City Council. We should provide a conduit for community
input on the project.We are to look a building design issues with HGA, and help with the proposed open
house at Murzyn when the project will be presented to the City residents and other interested parties.
This is planned for March 26th.
5. The City and Library staff will manage the process. The goals are Sustainability (Not 133 -this was
explained) within acceptable costs, ergonomics, good visuals, and aesthetics.
6. The architects will do design,schedule, materials, palettes etc...
7. Site: The group had a good discussion about the placement of the building on the site. Kevin brought
in the tabletop plan of the area and the HGA models for placement. Tom Letness discussed the old alley,
snow removable, and parking issues. The fate of Heights Rental was explored (Tammi indicated that the
City had an option on the property) Possible uses for the remaining portion of the site were discussed,
as was the water feature that will have to take up the back area. The idea is to do a project there in
conjunction with the school on a natural pond. Most people seemed to favor a long frontage on Central
with extensive glass, so that interior activity would be visible.Exits and entrances on Central and in back
of the site were discussed. A possible cut in on the existing curb for busses was also a possibility. This
frontage, would also use the best part of the ground, and be in line with the design guidelines. Ample
parking would be available in back, and a connection with the existing alley could be maintained. It
remains for the City Council to site the building, and it was understood that the City would be interested
in reserving a usable area on Central for future development.The hoped for coffee shop was mentioned.
Sister Cities sent a letter to Dave hoping for cases in the new building that could showcase some of their
collections. The Columbia Heights Historical materials will also need a home. Adrian noted that there
was a great deal of information presented and that very important decisions were going to have to be
made with few meetings on a fast timeline. He was hoping for a slower pace but Kevin did not see that
as feasible.
There will be a meeting down at HGA in two weeks that Kevin will let everyone know about.
Any mistakes /errors in this short summary are mine.
Catherine Vesley: Chair of the LDTF
r.
Architecture i Engineering I Planning
M e e t i n g M i n u t e s
PROJECT: Columbia Heights Library
HGA Commission Number 3624 -001 -00
FROM:
Jennifer McMaster
DATE:
February 27, 2015
MEETING
Purpose:
Schematic Design Meeting
Date:
February 25, 2015
Location:
HGA
W'RITER'S DIRECT DIAL 612 - 758 -4325
Time: 1:30 — 3:30 p.m.
PRESENT: City of Columbia Heights Braun Intertec HGA
\Valter Fehst Jane Dedering
Kevin Hansen Jennifer McMaster
Joseph Hogeboom ICS Paul Neuhaus
Gary Peterson Brett Bald>y
Columbia Heights Library LDTF
Renee Dougherty Tom Letness
Catherine Vesley
Tami Diehm
COPIES: Those Present
Item Action
1. The meeting was to review (3) site plans and select a final option to move
forward.
2. Bioretention pond is not a pond but a landscape amenity for the site.
1 The site is higher on the south than the north.
4. Site is approximately just over 3 acres.
5. The parking lot should have 50 — 55 parking spaces. Shared parking is
encouraged.
6. The large meeting room is shown on the plans so that it can be used after
hours without having the whole library open.
Parking Entry Scheme
7. Only scheme with left turn in from Central Avenue.
8. Not as amenable to outdoor space.
9. Entry is approximately 30' back from sidewalk and could be obscured is
another building were to be added to the site on the south.
10. Staff entry is the same as the delivery entry.
11. Future parking is dashed in
Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc.
HGA Architects and Engineers, LLC
HGA Architects and Engineers, LLP
HGA Architecture and Engineering, PC
HGA Mid - Atlantic, Inc.
420 5th Street North • Suite 100 • Minneapolis, Minnesota USA 55401 -2338
Telephone 612.758.4000 Facsimile 612.758.4199
Visit our Website: hga.com
Columbia Heights Library
Februaiy 25, 2015
Page 2
Item Action
North Double Entry
12. Has the library shown along Central Avenue. The entry is pulled back
from the sidewalk to give space from the street. The entry is on the north
side of the building. With the entry on the north, the south side of the
building would be a couple of feet into grade, making the building appear
shorter.
13. Entry to the site is shown from Central Avenue and 39" Avenue.
14. Any future development will happen in the back of the site.
15. The turn lane at the north end of the site may cause confusion for library
and theater patrons since the entries are so close together.
16. Trees could be planted at north edge of site. There are a few existing trees
near the north edge. These trees would need to be removed for
construction.
17. This option is generally liked for having a large amount of frontage on the
street. North Regional Library was noted as another building with a lot of
street frontage that was successful.
18. Having the meeting room at the entry is convenient for families running
late for story times.
19. It may be desirable to have Childrens have access to exterior program area.
Because of security this is typically accomplished by going out through the
main door. Another option is a fenced in Childrens garden.
Plaza Entry
20. Libran7 building has the same amount of frontage along Central Avenue as
the previous, however, the entry is on the south side of the building which
is advantageous since grade is higher at the south end and would situate
the entire building above grade.
21. Scheme has good outdoor plaza space for outdoor programming.
22. The plaza scheme creates a landscaped area at the entry of the building.
23. A walking path is shown across the bioretention area to connect to the
Theater and DQ.
24. The main desk is moved closer to the entry to help with supervision of the
toilet rooms and entry into the large meeting room.
25. The meeting room could possibly be used by the Theater. It is not a big
driver, however, since it has not been a big missing element for the theater.
26. Windows should be placed to create a sense of place and highlight the
activity in the library.
27. The library lobby could be used as prefunction space for the meeting
room.
28. The book drop needs to be a drive up book drop. The idea of a walk up
book drop was dismissed. The parking lot will need to be reconfigured to
make the drive up book drop work.
29. The plaza entry scheme was selected as the preferred option.
Interior Finishes Benchmarking
30. Several images of libraries were shown in order to discuss different
materials, use of color, etc.
31. Carpet tile should be used for the main library area.
32. The community has said that they don't like "modern" or "industrial ".
33. The design team should investigate including a fireplace.
Columbia Heights Library
February 25, 2015
Page 3
Item
34. Interior finishes that were liked:
• Wood ceiling
• \Vindow benches
• Variety of comfortable seating
• Shorter shelving ranges
• Polished concrete — good durable, does not require resealing, may
have hairline cracks over time, could add rug, if needed
• Window frit for sun control in lieu of shades
• Places for families to read together
Action
The foregoing represents HGA's understanding of the discussions and decisions made during this
meeting. If anyone has any changes or comments, please notify the author within seven days of
the date of this document.
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�R.
Architecture I Engineering i Planning
M e e t i n g M i n u t e s
PROJECT: Columbia Heights Library
HGA Commission Number 3624- 001 -00
FROM: Jennifer IvIcMaster
DATE: March 18, 2015
WRITER'S DIRECT DI.-1L 612- 758 -4325
MEETING
Purpose: Schematic Design meeting with LDTF
Date: March 11, 2015 Time: 5:00 — 7:00 p.m.
Location: HGA
PRESENT: City of Columbia Heights
Kelli Bourgeois
Kevin Hansen
ICS
Brett Baldry
COPIES: Those Present
Columbia Heights Library
Renee Dougherty
LDTF
Jennifer Blake
Tricia Conway
Tami Diehn
Adrian Durand
Tom Letness
Rachel Schwankel
Emily Spiteri
Catherine Vesley
Item
Site Plan
1. Early building planning and Site Plan diagrams were presented to the
group to illustrate the decision making process for the orientation of the
building.
2. The meeting room is shown south of the lobby separated from the main
part of the library to be able to use the meeting room when the library is
closed.
3. The planning reserves land to the south and east on the site for future
development.
4. The best exposure is along Central to have the most presence and
reinforce the pedestrian - friendly goals of the city in the CBD.
5. The library will have a drive -up book drop accessible in the parking lot.
Harnmel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc.
HGA Architects and Engineers, LLC
HGA Architects and Engineers, LL
HGA Architecture and Engineering, PC
HGA Mid - Atlantic, Inc.
HGA
Mia Blanchett
Erica Christenson
Erik Hansen
Amanda Henderson
Jennifer McMaster
Paul Neuhaus
Action
420 5th Street North • Suite 100 • Minneapolis, Minnesota USA 55401 -2338
Telephone 612.758.4000 Facsimile 612.758.4199
Visit our Website: hga.com
Columbia Heights Library
March 18, 2015
Page 2
Item Action
6. The library form narrows at the entry and creates a canopy at both the east
and west entries. This provides shelter at the entries, and a transition
between interior and exterior, which is open and inviting.
7. A bio- retention area is shown on the north east corner of the site. This is
the lowest area of the site so it is a natural area to collect stormwater.
8. The bio - rentention area is a combination of plantings and soils that
collects, temporarily retains and filters water. It will be part of the
MWMO education piece. It will have surface water during a storm event
but will be dry most of the time.
9. The bio - retention area will require maintenance especially as the plantings
in the area get established. Kevin noted that the city uses a company to
maintain landscape areas.
10. Plantings for the bio- retention area will be determined at a later time but
will be hearty species. Cardinal or red twig dogwoods were noted as a
favorite of some of the LDTF.
11. Snow cannot be plowed into the bio - retention area. It was noted that the
city hauls snow out of sites as a regular practice.
12. The left turn in along Central Avenue will be removed but there will be
right in and right out as well as access from 39"'.
13. There is room for outdoor program space near the large meeting room on
the east side.
14. There will be a bus stop in the area. The city has had good luck working
with MTC to locate '/place the bus shelter in a good location relative to
buildings. A bus shelter in front of the building immediately in front of
the library is not desired.
15. Bike parking is shown on the east side of the building. The bike racks
would be easily accessible off of a main path and be on paving.
Floor Plan
16. Two versions of Interior Library Floor Plan layouts were discussed.
17. The lobby has doors to both the east and the west and may be open for
pre- function activities before a meeting.
18. The main restrooms are in the lobby to be easily accessible to the meeting
room.
19. Just inside the main library is an area called "Marketplace ". This area
consists of displays to promote new materials and themes, reserves and
self- checks.
20. The Community area is a space to have community announcements,
printer, distribute community newspapers, etc.
21. The Sister Cities have requested a space for display. There was discussion
about how much space is appropriate and is it a rotating display or
location.
22. There was an interest expressed in providing display cases near the entry
to accommodate Sister Cities or historical displays.
23. Story time would be located in the large meeting room.
24. The children's area to have places for parents and children to read. There
are quite a few English learners in the community that come to the library
to read but not to check out books.
25. The plan showed one family restroom. There was concern about having
Columbia Heights Library
March 18, 2015
Page 3
Item Action
enough restrooms near children. The team will look at providing a second
family restroom near the children's area.
26. The stacks in both versions of the plans may be up to approximately 66"
tall.
27. Option 2 of the plan was preferred as it had a good pathway through the
building. One member suggested a window at the north end of the main
aisle.
28. There is a door shown out of the children's area. This door is for exit
emergency only as required by code. The main entry of the library will be
used as the main access point with security in order to minimize material
loss.
29. The group looked at examples of exterior building materials: different
sized and colors of brick, metal panels, rood for soffits and limestone for
accents etc.
30. The brick may be in the lighter brick range to compliment the Heights
Theater, but may well not strive to match exactly.
31. Limestone could be used in brick form and size and be used in a random
pattern within the brick coursing.
32. The LDTF liked the amount of glass shown in the rendering. This would
allow for good visibility along Central .avenue.
33. Members of the LDTF liked the laptop bar.
34. One member of the LDTF suggested signage in Spanish, Arabic and
Somali in addition to English.
35. There was a request for lighting and electrical outlets in the floor to be
flexible for different furniture and stack arrangements.
The foregoing represents HGA's understanding of the discussions and decisions made during this
meeting. If anyone has any changes or comments, please notify the author within seven days of
the date of this document,
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