Agenda - 03-20-2001-6a - Laserfiche WebLink

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9 quarters by the deconstruction of the former Hudson-McDade House, once located in the first block of West Franklin Street. They, recently were displaced from their location in the Bank of America building and now are temporarily located in an office on the lower floor of the Old Post Office, where the District Attorney formerly had offices. (This arrangement was authorized by the Manager as a temporary use so that the Welcome Center operation would be able to continue.) The Downtown Commission earlier attempted to work out an arrangement that would have resulted in a small Welcome Center in the lobby of the Old Post Office. Objections about the insertion of such a facility. in the lobby azea ultimately led. the Commission to search for other options. We believe that it is desirable to have a Welcome Center in the downtown to serve visitors to our community .and that the Old Post Office would be a good location for such a center. In our inspection of the building, we determined. that it would be possible to locate a Welcome Center in an azea now used by the Postal Service as a break room for employees. The break room could be replaced by space now designated as a Court conference room, with minimal modifications. The Court conference room space could be replaced by a minor reconfiguration of space behind the courtroom. At our request, the Manager discussed this possibility with Chief District. Judge Buckner and Postmaster Lockhart. Both agreed that the arrangement was feasible and stated that they would have no objection. We believe that such an arrangement would provide a community benefit at minimal cost. We understand that the Downtown Commission has funds that could be used to pay for the modifications. We recommend that the Manager be authorized to negotiate necessary agreements with the Court, the Postal Service, and the Downtown Commission to allow installation of a Welcome Center at the Old Post Office, with final design details and other terms subject to approval by the Council. We also recommend that the Council direct the Manager to negotiate a lease with the Downtown Commission for considerataan by the Council. CONCLUSION The Town is fortunate to own the Old Post Offlce,• a building and site of great value to our community. ~VVe believe that the building should be preserved and enhanced as a community facility and gathering place. Cooperation among the Town Council, the County Commission, the District Court, the Postal Service, the Downtown Commission, .the Teen Center and all those who have an interest in this valuable public asset is needed to develop along-range use plan for the facility. RECOMMENDATION 1Q We recommend that the Council adopt the attached resolution.