City Hall Government Building Design Study

Program

The Technical Advisory Committee studied space needs to determine the appropriate size and content of the Civic Center Building. In addition to specific space to accommodate City Departments the Committee explored the desirability of including space for a community library, post office, leasable retail and office space, and affordable housing. All uses and functions were considered in light of current needs, future needs implied by City growth projections, the contribution each need would make toward creating a City focal point and anchor, and their impact on building massing and organization. As the study proceeded, two additional functions emerged for consideration: an education office center and a conference center.

A draft program was developed as a working document and program consideration was continued informed by urban and building design studies. The program was refined as these design studies were developed. The final program document includes the City Council Chamber, public lobbies and meeting rooms, a community computer information center, City Department office space, education office space, a community library, a multi-media conference center, expansion or leasable office space, and leasable commercial space suitable for a regional post office, community shipping and receiving center.

To become the desired community focal point and lead the way toward a future community identity, the program emphasized functions that would make the City Hall Government Building a hub for information and activities. Functions that rely on community information systems and proximity and overlap with one another were sought and included as part of the center.

1.0 Program

2.10 City Hall

2.20 Community Library

2.30 Post Office

2.40 Education Center

2.50 Conference Center

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

Plan for growth.

Acknowledge the car.

Recognize Parks and Recreation as dominant.

Give the building “presence”.

Stimulate private development.

Give the City something modern, contemporary and something to be proud of.

DESIGN CONCEPTS and IDEAS

Make the building about community, information and communication.

Embrace the car.

Create a center for an e-city.

Make a park as the center piece.

Create drive through service.

Fit structured parking behind existing buildings.

New location for existing pond.

DESIGN ELEMENTS

A civic green space for the building site.

A pond.

Vehicular access through the building.

A ceremonial entrance.

Concealed, centralized public parking.

A pedestrian way through the building.

A visible City Council chamber.