HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.cfb.19770707.~^o~o~u~,~.,.~co.o~.v~ RECORD O F PROC EE D I N GS
the Physics Institute on July 7, 1977. Those members present were: Edgar
Stern, Dick Carter, Janet Landry, King Woodward and Wes Pouliout.
HOLY CROSS BUILDING Janet Landry introduced the task force report to the
members on the Holy Cross Building. She feels that
the task force developed into a very effective group
and each person worked very hard and put a lot into
the development of this proposal. The outside area of
the Holy Cross was also a primary consideration in this
project as well as the historic significance of this
building. Their recommendation for this building is
to be used as a community visual arts center with
emphasis on exibitions, but able to accomodate
educational, social, and other compatible community
programs. The task force feels thatiit is imperative
the plan for this building be part of a comprehensive
community facilities plan which includes interface with
all of the adjoining properties and their relationship
with the rest of the community. They are also rec-
ommending that the Community F~¢ilities Board strongly
consider setting up a system for the review of progress
concerning the~implementa~ion of the plans and programs
incorporated in this recommendation for the use_of the
Ho~ly Cross building and also those incorporated in the
recommendations of the other two task forces.
The MAA had asked for office space, a request had been
made for a teen center, and these were some of the
considerations in the development of their recommendatio]
on this building. A subcommittee was developed to
help in deciding the use of this building. A management
proposal was developed. Missey Thorne developed a
projected calendar for the uses of this building that
adequately shows the variety of community activities
that can be incorporated into the use of this building.
A consultant helped with the management plan. The
task force decided that the day to day running of the
building was going to be very important. Three
alternatives were considered for handling this problem.
A Director would be responsible for the staff, and the
Director would report to a Board of Directors appointed
by the City Council. They felt that th~s, however would
be too political and suggested an Arts Council as a
possible alternative to this proposal. A Board of
Directors of a non-profit type was felt to be the best
solution to the problem. Finding a good Director is
going to be the main problem. Stanford presented a
site plan of the Holy Cross property and reviewed the
trail system and how this building will fit into it.
The Roaring Fork Greenway plan was discussed. Before
any major commitment can be made for this property,
however, the flood plain problem must be addressed.
One possible solution would be re-routing the-river
back to its regular course which would bypass this
property. The Aspen Foundation of the Arts had made
a presentation to the task force on the physical
layout of the building. The 1st floor would be for
exibits of art work. The second floor would have
meeting rooms and. additional storage would be provided
on the third floor. An elevator would be included.
Ms. Landry feels that the uses of this building are
flexible and incorporates a wide variety of groups.
A dollar figure of $239,000.00 was given for the
entire project.
King Woodward and Dick Carter further discussed the
idea of the board of directors. Financing of this
project was also disucssed. Maintenance and upkeep
were suggested to be the responsibility of the City
possibly as in kind services. Once the building is
functioning, a operating budget of about $75,000
is projected.
Woodward moved to accept this proposal made by the
Holy Cross Task Force. Pat Tierney seconded, all members
were in favor and the motion carried.
Bill Kane discussed the aspect of the City leasing that
property to a Board and feels it has political overtones.
If it was on~a subsidized basis it would have to be
justified, and he feels that the City maintaining the
building may not be at all feasible~ It w&s pointed out
that in making this~presentation to City Council it
should be important to point out that the uses are not
strictly for "art" but for the total community. This
is best illustrated through the calendar.
WHEELER OPERA HOUSE King Woodward discussed the task force recommendation
on this building. After being given the preliminary
direction by the CFB on using this building for
community and cultural facilities the task force also
felt that the building should, in some way, support
itself. The MAA was also considered in the uses of this
building. Chick Collins acted as consultant on this
project, and suggested pitching the floor and adding
more seats. The building has to be brought up to code
before it can be used. A building committee was asked
to look into the problem of accomplishing this. It
was felt that the present businesses in that building
should be allocated space, but that they should be
compatible with the uses of the building. He suggested
a Board leasing the building and hiring a manager who
would be responsible to the City Council, such as the
current arrangment with Swales, who now holds the lease
for that building. The cost of this project was discuss-
ed with the members. There are two concepts: one min-
inum with the least cost and the second with overall
improvements and most expensive. The second plan also
incorporates the two Shaw lots adjacent to'the WOH.
There are now 450 seats, and after renovation there
would be 435, with a maximum of 465. Under the first
plan there would be an orchestra pit that could be
covered with platforms and used as stage area. There
would be a mezzinne level from the Chamber of Commerce
looking down into the lobby. There would be two
elevators, one passenger and one freight.
Under the second plan the seating would be raked
and the stage would be lowered by 3 feet. The pit area
would be lo~red mechanically and an all new curtain
system would be installed. There would be 37' of stage
space. Ballet West and large musicals would be the only
activities that could not feasibly use this space. Small
productions could use this space. The balcony would be
raised about two feet. A restaurant, bar operation would
be one way of bringing in revenue. The task force is
recommending that Council purchase the two adjacent Shaw
lots and constructing a new building adjacent to the WOH.
The cost estimates are as follows: for plan ~A minor,
$250,800; and Plan #B $443,420.00. Cost of remodelling
basement and 1/2 of second floors $155,780-. Total cost
of the more exfensive project would b~ $850,000.00.
The $850,000 cost includes purchase of the two Shaw lots.
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The management concept and basic responsibilities
for management were discussed, which included dealing
with the projected staff and the new theatre aspect
of the building. A ten member board is recommended
who would be appointed by Council.
Stanford also reviewed the operating budget and staff
which would be $55,000 for staff, $52,500 for utilities,
upkeep, etc. The total operating budget would be
projected about abour $107,500.00. A calendar for uses
of this building was also developed by Tom Ward.
In answer to a question of whether the task force had
considered a plan for youth in their consideration
Woodward felt that the building should be run by a
private group instead of by the City. 1/3 of the
ground level of about 1500 sq. feet would be used for
commercial space.
Ms. Landry moved to approve this recommendation by the
WOH task force. Dick Carter seconded, all members were
in favor, motion carried.
Bill Kane asked if, in view of this recommendation and
extensive plan, the members felt there would be a need
for another performing arts center in Aspen. He further
explained that a 2,000 seat building iS being proposed
for Snowmass which would handle the convention needs of
the community. Ballet West will be about the only
activity that their needs have not been met. Financing
was discussed, and Kane suggested some type of Bond
issue to finance these improvements.
O~D HOSPITAL Dick Lee is out of town and Betty Erickson discussed
the report from the Hospital task force with the CFB
members. Their recommendation is that this site be
used as a community center, with accomodations for a
care center for the elderly, at the residential level,
and for community activities. The task force also
recognizes the desire of the community to develop a
program for intermediate and skilled nursing care for
senior citizens. It is the feeling of the task force
that nursing care supervision should most appropriately
be under the administration of the Hospital District.
A1 Blomquist worked with this task force, and feels that
if this type of operation is under the direction of some
government such as the county, the~ seem to follow through
more closely and there is more hope for success. Two
wings will be used for care of the elderly, and the
remainder will be for community facilities groups.
Costs are estimated at $370,000.
The members of the CFB are extremley interested in
having chairman Lee present this proposal. Landry
moved to table acceptance of this proposal until he
could return to make this presentaiton to Council.
Woodward seconded, all members were in favor, motion
carried.
Ms. Landry requested that the need for a citizens group
that is listed on the itenary for this meeting be add-
ressed at the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 6:~5.
Ellen Atkins, Deputy Clerk