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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda CC 10.08.1991�od 1� Council Meeting Date: 10-08-91 Item No. AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET SUBJECT Approval of the Grace Church Relocation Plan and review of Task Force Report. ITEM SUMMARY In a meeting on March 12, 1991, the Council agreed to accept, from the Episcopal Church Diocese of Houston the old Grace Episcopal Church facility (currently located on University Avenue) with the understanding that the City would move the Church to a location within the City. The Mayor appointed a Task Force to study locations and make recommendations for the placement of this facility. A copy of the recommendations of the Task Force is attached. A plan for the proposed placement of the Church on the corner of 9th and Main Streets, is also attached. The placement of the restroom in relation to the Church is also detailed with the plan, as well as the development of the Cain Property at 8th & Church Streets, which will include parking and parkland use. If the Council approves the relocation plan for the Church, the staff will proceed with developing and obtaining approval by the Planning Department of a site plan and proceed with the advertising for bids for moving the Church from the University Avenue location to the approved location. The Relocation Plan, as proposed, provides a highly visible site for the Church, appropriate restroom location, good traffic flow to off-street parking, space for park area, and tour bus parking. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS The Episcopal Church Diocese has requested that we move the Church by December 1, 1991, which gives us 60 days. FINANCIAL IMPACT The cost of moving the Church from the University Avenue location to the 9th & Main Street location is estimated to be $19,000.00, which would include foundation preparation according to City code. These funds have been approved in the FY 1991/92 Operating Budget. Additional costs for building renovation, electrical work, and HVAC replacement are estimated to be up to $30,000.00. COMMENTS None ATTArUMCKITC 1. Task Force Report 2. Relocation Plan Submitted By: Hartley Sappington, Director of Community Services GRACEPLN. S REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE RELOCATION OF THE OLD GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH BUILDING GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH BUILDING RELOCATION TASK FORCE Mayor W- H. Connor Councilman Bob Schrawger Linda Flory McCalla Jack Hunnicutt Joan King Sharon Rowley Elizabeth Taylor, Staff May, 1991 A detailed site plan map will show the total concept of the relocation, with considerations made for construction of a public restroom facility on the site - adjacent to but not attached to the Church - consideration for a pocket park to commemorate the historic site at the corner of 9th & Church, and consideration for public parking for the convenience of downtown merchants and visitors. The Committee felt that there are two sensitive issues to consider at both of the above -named locations -- the historic site and public parking. It is the Committee's complete wish to be fair to both issues and provide the most efficient and effective site for the relocation of the Church building in consideration for its possible uses. In looking at the total use of the site and addressing a master plan concept for the site the Committee focused on three main issues: 1_ Relocate the Church to a site which would serve the community in the most efficient and effective manner, and would address the historic character of the downtown area, particularly the Cain property. 2. Provide for public restroom facilities for shoppers and visitors to our downtown area. 3. Preserve downtown parking for the merchants, visitors and shoppers to Georgetown. There are some housekeeping items which need to be addressed at this point. All of these items are critical to the success of the master plan for this site. The Committee recommends that attempts to acquire clear title to the Cain property continue, and that development of that property according to this plan be phased in such a manner to allow for the least possible loss to the City of development, if the Cain family were to actually re-claim the land. *** In keeping with the design of this plan, the existing stucco structure at 107 E. Ninth St. (Cain property), would need to be moved to allow for plan development_ In speaking with the City Attorney informally, she indicated that might be possible with the money retained in case the Cain family does re-claim the property. *** The Committee recommends that acquisition of the vacant lot at 815 Main be pursued immediately to complete the total picture of this site, and to "square" off the site. **NOTE- Gnmmitt = reco mends that con act be mad with the owners of 915 Main to aet approval for use of that lot for parking in the interim time while site preparations and construction is occurring in the existing parking lot The space could be used by the community for a variety of small meetings, workshops, lectures, seminars, and possibly be made available for small weddings or receptions. The Committee also recognizes that at the beginning, the use of this space will be limited and that over the years use of the building will expand_ s 120.01 � 1 Z 4 5 6 7 8 1 16 1/ 12 21.01.E 2 N Ns o leoo1 W PARKING 13 141 15 16 17 16 1' 2D I 21 I 22 ?Z z* RELOCATED CHURCH REST HANDICAP u: ROOAA8 31 I KIOSK HANDICAP---'----"� TOUR BUS PARKING NINTH STREET VOELTEA ASSOCIATES INC. O� E in 41.01 E 251 •• O PARK 27 0 v O 90. 1 PROPOSED RELOCATION OF GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH SCALE 111 a 30'-0' I Council Meeting Date: 05/14/91 Item No. AGENDA ITEM COMER SHEET SUBJECT Resolution approving recommendations of Old Grace Episcopal Church Relocation Task Force on relocation site and possible uses. ITEM SUMMARY The attached report from the Task Force includes recommendations for relocation and possible uses of church building.The resolution authorizes the Task Force to continue relocation plans, seek bids, and determine cost estimates for completion of project. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS None FINANCIAL IMPACT To be determined COMMENTS None ATTACHMENTS 1. Resolution 2. Task Force Report Elizabeth Taylor, Convention & Visitors Bureau Dir. Hartley Sappington, Director of Community Services May b6 considered for consent agenda: Yes No X GRACETSK.LT Council Meeting Date: 05/14/91 Item No. AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET SUBJECT Resolution considering and approving recommendations of Old Grace Episcopal Church Relocation Task Force on relocation site and possible uses. ITEM SUMMARY Written report from Task Force regarding the recommendations for relocation of church building and possible uses for building and authorizing the Task Force to continue relocation plans, seek bids, and determine cost estimates for completion of project. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS " None FINANCIAL IMPACT To be determined COMMENTS None ATTACHMENTS 1. Resolution 2. Task Force Report Sub TXted, B�yL-. Elizabeth Taylor, Convention & Visitors Bureau Dir. Hartley Sappington, Director of Community Services May be consideked for consent agenda: Yes No x GRACETSK.LT RESOLUTION NO_ A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS TO APPROVE THE RECOt2ffNDATIONS OF THE OLD GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH RELOCATION TASK FORCE ON THE RELOCATION SITE AND POSSIBLE USES FOR THAT BUILDING AFTER RELOCATION; AND AUTHORIZING THE TASK FORCE AND STAFF TO CONTINUE WITH RELOCATION PLANS, SEEK BIDS AND ESTABLISH COST ESTIMATES FOR THE RELOCATION AND RENOVATION OF THE BUILDING_ WHEREAS, the City of Georgetown, Texas, ("City") seeks to promote historic preservation, cultural activity and convention and visitor activities within the City; and WHEREAS, the City has accepted as a donation from the Episcopal Diocese in Houston, the gift of the Old Grace Episcopal Church building in Georgetown, Texas; and WHEREAS, the Old Grace Episcopal Church Relocation Task Force has looked at several possible sites and discussed many possible uses for this building; and WHEREAS, the recommendations on site relocation and possible uses from the Task Force are included in a written report which is attached to this resolution; and WHEREAS, the Task Force and Staff seeks direction from the City to continue with relocation plans, seeking bids and establishing cost estimates for the relocation and renovation; WHEREAS, the City Council has found that this action implements Historic Preservation and Urban Design Policy 1 of the Century Plan - Policy Plan Element, and is not found to be inconsistent or in conflict with any other Century Plan Policies, as required by Section 2.03 of the Administrative Chapter of the Policy Plan; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, that: The facts and recitations contained in the preamble of this resolution are hereby found and declared to be true and correct, and are incorporated by reference herein and expressly made a part hereof, as if copied verbatim. The City approves the recommendations from the Old Grace Episcopal Church Relocation Task Force regarding the relocation site and possible uses for that building as contained in the written report attached to this resolution, and authorizes the Task Force to continue with relocation and renovation plans and seek bids and cost estimates on the relocation and renovation of the building. The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute, and the City Secretary to attest. This resolution shall be effective immediately upon adoption. RESOLVED this 14th day of May, 1991. CITY OF GEORGETOWN [:va APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST: Marianne Landers Banks City Attorney I.H. Connor, Mayor Elizabeth Gray City Secretary CHURCHSI.DOC REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE RELOCATION OF THE OLD GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH BUILDING _S bmitt oval Tue s y , GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH BUILDING RELOCATION TASK FORCE Mayor W. H. Connor Councilman Bob Schrawger Linda Flory McCalla Jack Hunnicutt Joan King Sharon Rowley Elizabeth Taylor, Staff M(,--, � �Y� � POSSIBLE LOCATIONS: This Task Force was given a charge from the City Council to review and make recommendations on possible sites in Georgetown on which to relocate the Old Grace Episcopal Church Building, donated to the City by the Episcopal Diocese in Houston; and, to recommend some possible uses for the building after relocation. During the first meeting of the Task Force, several sites were discussed and a consensus of the committee was that the Church should be relocated as close to the downtown historic square area as possible. This recommendation has historic basis, as well as functional possibilities. The Church was originally located in the downtown area, we believe at the site of the current location of Mikeska"s Barbecue Restaurant building at loth & Main. Bringing the Church back downtown would then enable the community to enjoy an authenticity to the location. Plus, it would be a wonderful story to tell visitors, reuniting the Church and downtown. Functionally, the Church could provide some needed service area for the downtown area, and ultimately the entire community. These possibilities will be discussed more thoroughly in the section on POSSIBLE USES. Based on the strong feelings about relocating the Church in the downtown area, the Committee was able to narrow down its list of possible sites. The next factor which came into play in discussions on possible sites was the availability of the land. In the interest of time and money, the consensus of the Committee was to relocate the building onto City -owned land, if possible. This factor caused the Committee to again narrow its focus on possible sites for the relocation of the Church. With all of this information, two possible downtown sites were considered by the Committee. The City -owned parking lot at 9th & Main, across from the Main Fire Station, and the Cain property, located at 814 Church and 107 E. Ninth. In the opinion of the Committee, the Cain property is possibly the best location for the Church. It is already recognized for its historic value, and the existing trees could add to the aesthetic beauty of the finished site. But, because of the situation involving the possibility that the Cain family might re-claim the property before the two year time limit on the tax foreclosure, the Committee feels that another site for the location of the Church must be considered as first choice. All things above considered, the Committee's recommended location for the relocation of the Church building is the City -owned land at the corner of 9th & Main, directly across from the Main Fire Station (currently a City parking lot.) A detailed site plan map will show the total concept of the relocation, with considerations made for construction of a public restroom facility on the site - adjacent to but not attached to the Church - consideration for a pocket park to commemorate the historic site at the corner of 9th & Church, and consideration for public parking for the convenience of downtown merchants and visitors_ The Committee felt that there are two sensitive issues to consider at both of the above -named locations -- the historic site and public parking. It is the Committee-s complete wish to be fair to both issues and provide the most efficient and effective site for the relocation of the Church building in consideration for its possible uses. ' In looking at the total use of the site and addressing a master plan concept for the site the Committee focused on three main issues: 1. Relocate the Church to a site which would serve the community in the most efficient and effective manner, and would address the historic character of the downtown area, particularly the Cain property_ 2. Provide for public restroom facilities for shoppers and visitors to our downtown area. 3. Preserve downtown parking for the merchants, visitors and shoppers to Georgetown. There are some housekeeping items which need to be addressed at this point. All of these items are critical to the success of the master plan for this site. *** The Committee recommends that attempts to acquire clear title to the Cain property continue, and that development of that property according to this plan be phased in such a manner to allow for the least possible loss to the City of development, if the Cain family were to actually re-claim the land_ *** In keeping with the design of this plan, the existing stucco structure at 107 E_ Ninth St. (Cain property), would need to be moved to allow for plan development_ In speaking with the City Attorney informally, she indicated that might be possible with the money retained in case the Cain family does re-claim the property. *** The Committee recommends that acquisition of the vacant lot at 815 Main be pursued immediately to complete the total picture of this site, and to "square" off the site. **NOTE- Go mittee recommPnds that contact be made with the owners of 815 Main to get approval for use of that lot for parking in the interim time while site preparations and construction is occurring in the existing parking lot MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT With all of the above -stated housekeeping items addressed the master plan for the site would be described in this manner: The Church would sit on the southwest corner of the existing parking lot, facing the Main Fire Station. sac Landscaping around the Church would compliment the site and the building and provide a pleasant greenscape for the eye. Public restroom facilities would be built on the site, possibly to the rear of the Church, with landscaping and possibly rest benches, maybe even a brochure kiosk for visitors to pick up information about Georgetown. It is the desire of the Committee that the restroom building be complimentary in design and concept to the Church building and efficient in function. A pocket park would be designed to fill the corner of the Cain property lot at 814 Church, commemorating the founding of Georgetown on that site, with landscaping, benches, sidewalks and plaques describing what took place on that site. Public parking would be extended back into the Cain property and onto the vacant lot at 815 Main. The parking area would be interspersed with landscaping to create a compatible feeling between the historic park and the Church. It is the desire of the Committee to provide more parking in that area than is currently available in the existing lot (26 spaces). POSSIBLE USES: In keeping with the historic character of the building and the potential for relocating the Church in the downtown area, the Committee feels very strongly that the building should be utilized for a variety of functional uses which would compliment the existing Visitor Information Center, as well as the rest of downtown Georgetown. With cooperative arrangements between the City and the Georgetown Heritage Society, the Committee feels that the Heritage Society office could be moved out of the current Visitor Center at 101 W. 7th St. and moved into the Church building. This would allow the existing Visitor Center more space and the ability for better service to the thousands of visitors registering at that location each month. By moving the Heritage Society into the Church the building would be guaranteed an occupant. There are a number of historic documents and photos owned by the Heritage Society, which at their current location cannot be utilized to their fullest potential because of the lack of space at 101 W. 7th. The Church building would provide the Heritage Society the ability to display more of these documents and provide for space for researchers to use them. Also, the Heritage Society has a couple of video presentations and slide presentations on Georgetown. The Church would be a wonderful place for visitors, either groups or individuals, to sit back and enjoy these presentations, and learn more about our community. v, OF . The space could be used by the community for a variety of small meetings, workshops, lectures, seminars, and possibly be made available for small weddings or receptions. The Committee also recognizes that at the beginning, the use of this space will be limited and that over the years use of the building will expand.