Agenda - 05-06-2002 - 3 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

4 further expansion far to decade the group agreed that the long-term need still exist and theta proactive approach to o development was critical Hillsborough Justice Facilities Campus Master Plan In 1999,the County Commissioners commissioned Freeman-White Architects, Charl to produce a site plan that reflected the total build-out capability ofthe site. The results of this report, presented in Apol 2000, outlined two options, one of which would allow approximately 96,000 additional square feet of building (Option A),the other approximately 105,600 square feet(Option B). It is Important to note that the study defined the scope of the master plan acts to be only Me area between the Government Services Center to the east.the Courthouse to the west, Margaret Lane to the north and the edge of the existing parking lot to the south. Each option defined building construction in four phases. Option A incorporated the panting deck into the courthouse construction,while Option B developed a 6level free-standing parking structure in the approximate location of the existing Sheriffs Department At the request of the County Commissioners,the Master Plan was also presented to the Town of Hillsborough Commissioners in June 2000. Concerns ralsed by both Boards were similar, examples of which include the following: • Parking suthcienoy and location; _ • Concern about losing the vista from Margaret Lane into River Park,and • Scale of the proposed buildings in relation to the existing structure; and • Farmers Market location. In an effort to further clarify the challenges associated with development of a court facility on Margaret Lane,iwo Commissioners, two Judges and County staff met with representatives from the Town of Hillsborough, the Historic Alliance,the Tourism Board and local citizenry. While there is general consensus that development can occur on Me site, there is significant concem Mat it be done in a manner hat embraces a strong sensitivity to historical cement of the community as well as the resulting environmental impacts, These concerns will be reflected in the criteria used in the selection of a design firm. Proposed Expansion of the Master Plan Since the completion of this Master Plan,the Board has received recommendations regarding future development of County Government buildings in the immediate vicinity. Several issues were misea during those discussions, including the potential that a parking deck could be located closer to the Government Services Center rather than being buitl as part of the Courthouse Project. Regardless of whether that should be the case, it is a forgone conclusion that Me design outcome for bath facilities will be more effective If their needs are considered in tandem. For example: • The facilities will have similar parking needs; • Pedestrian and Vehicular circulation from one site to the other should be considered; • Should the Board choose to site a Fanners Market on this site, it should be sited with considerations of both faclldiea In mind. Bemuse of the close Interaction of the two potential expansions in the Downtown Hillsborough area, it is recommended that the scope of work for architectural services for the Courthouse design be expanded to integrate all County land that lies: • South of Margaret Lane • East of Churton Street