Agenda - 04-16-2013 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: April 16, 2013 Action Agenda Item No. 1 SUBJECT: Northern Human Services Center Project Update DEPARTMENT: Asset Management Services PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No ( "AMS "), Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks & Recreation ( "DEAPR ") ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: A. Site Locator Jeff Thompson, (919) 245 -2658 B. Renovation Cost Comparison David Stancil, (919) 245 -2522 C. Design Services Proposal from MBAJ Architects PURPOSE: To receive an update on the progress of the Northern Human Services Center Project, gather feedback, and outline next steps with the project. BACKGROUND: In November 2012 the Board of County Commissioners ( "BOCC ") authorized the Manager to proceed with the development of a community center on the site of the Northern Human Services Center. After significant public input and discussion, the Board approved the adaptive re -use "Option 2" for development, allowing a partial deconstruction of the facility and saving significant portions of the historic and culturally significant building. This will allow important features of the structure to become integrated within a modern, efficient, 10,000 square foot community center (see Attachment B, "Renovation Cost Comparison "). The Board decided against the option of deconstructing the existing structure in its entirety and constructing an entirely new facility. The Board also authorized the Manager to engage a professional design firm for the project through a standard request for qualifications ( "RFQ ") process. Additional information from the Board's November 8, 2012 consideration of this project (Agenda Item 7 -a — "Northern Human Services Center Project — Next Steps ") is available at http: / /www.co.orange. nc. us /occlerks /121108. pd f. History The former Cedar Grove Elementary school was built in 1950 to serve the African - American community in northern Orange County (note Attachment A, Site Locator'). As a result of de- segregation in public schools, the facility was transferred to County control in 1976, with a deed restriction that the facility be used for a "public purpose ". The 37,000 square foot facility housed numerous County services, including a branch library, social services, educational offerings (including Durham Technical College classes), Head Start programs, other child care services, and recreation programs.