Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-82-0447RESOLUTION NO. 82-+447, A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE LITTLE HAVANA COMMUNITY CENTER AS A CATEGORY B PROJECT WITH RESPECT TO CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, DRAWINGS, SPECIFICATIONS AND CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION FOR THE RENOVATION OF BUILDING A, 900 S.W. 1ST STREET, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBSECTION (a) OF SECTION 18-77.2 OF THE CITY CODE, WHICH ESTABLISHES PROCEDURES IN CONTRACTING FOR SAID PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AND ALSO ESTABLISHES COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION REQUIREMENTS WITH REGARD TO FURNISHING OF SUCH SERVICES; FURTHER APPOINTING CATHY LEFF, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, AS CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMPETITIVE SELECTION COM- MITTEE,IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBSECTION (c) OF SECTION 13-77.2 OF THE CITY CODE. WHEREAS, the City of Miami has a master plan for the renovation of Building A of the Little Havana Community Center; and WHEREAS, in order to implement the master plan, professional architectural/engineering services are re- quired for contract documents, drawings, specifications and construction administration; and WHEREAS, the City Manager recommends that the Little Havana Community Center be designated a Category B project, in accordance with the provisions of Subsection (a) of Section 18-77..2 of the City Code; and WHEREAS, the City Manager recommends that Cathy Leff, Assistant Director to the Department of Community Develop- ment, be appointed Chairperson of the Competitive Selection Committee, in accordance with the provisions of Subsection (c) of Section 18-77.2 of the City Code; and WHEREAS, funds for said services are available in the 8th Year Community Development program earmarked for Little Havana Community Center improvements; CITY COMMISSION MEETING OF MAY282844'7 wown% No.....»............... NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA: Section 1. The Little Havana Community Center is hereby designated as a Category B project with respect to acquiring professional services for the preparation of contract documents, drawings, specifications and construction administration for the renovation of Building A in accordance with Subsection (a) of Section 18-77.2 of the City Code, which establishes procedures in contracting for certain pro- fessional services and establishes competitive negotiation requirements with regard to the furnishing of such services. Section 2. Cathy Leff. Assistant Director of the Department of Community Development, is hereby appointed as Chairperson of the Competitive Selection Committee, in accordance with the provisions of Subsection (c) of Section 18-77.2 of the City Code. PASSED AND ADOPTED this day of MAURICE A. FERRE M A Y O R T: LPH G. ONGIE, CITY CLERW- PREPARED AND APPROVED BY: 00 ROBERT F. CLA DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY AP011-OVED AS TO 1Fp AND CORRECTNESS: VVL�V CITY TTORP , 1982. Howard V. Gary April 15, 1982 =` City Manager Renovation of Little — Havana Community Center LZc Fay 13, 1982 Dena Spillman, Director Commission Agenda Department of Community Development It is recommended that the City Commission 03 authorize the City Manager to acquire the ZEE — services of an architectural/engin e ing fir tm o provide professionaT services to — �' inc ude contract documents, drawings, spec- — t- ifications and construction administration for the renovation of Buildinq A of the �- Little Havana Community Center according to the design concept outlined the attached Zr Cr__ Master Plan. There are funds available in a the 8th Year Community Development program N for Little Havana Community Center improve- ments. It is further recommended that this project be designated a Category B project in accordance with Subsection cf Section 18-77.2 of tt-e City of Miami Code and that Cathy Leff, Assistant Director, Depart- ment of Community Development, be appoin3=ea— as Chairperson of the Competitive Selection Committee, in accordance with Subsection (5) 0, Section 1.8-77.2 of the City Code, per the attached resolution. In May 1981, the City Commission authorized the City Manager to retain the services of Sasaki and Associates to prepare a master plan and design concept for the renovation of Building A of the Little Havana Community Center and the adjacent vacant site pre- viously occupied by Building B. The master plan was to address code deficiencies as well as alternatives for the use of the large auditorium area and existing office space. On October 7, 1981, Sasaki and Associates made a presentation before the City Commission on the proposed renovation scheme for Building A and the design for an urban mini -plaza on the former Building B site. At that meeting, the City Commission authorized the City Manager to Proceed with the development of the mini - plaza utilizing existing Community Development funds designated for that purpose. 'this process is currently underway. 82-44'7 N fioward V. Gary 5/17/82 Pg . 2 With regards to the renovation of Building A, the master plan recommends that the 1263 seat auditorium area be reduced to a 500 seat fully equipped theatre which will also create an additional 4045 sq.ft. of office space for social services and/or community programs. The plan suggests how the renovation, which is estimated at $1.5 million excluding architect fees, can be accomplished in phases as Community Development funds and/or other funds are iden- tified for same. This plan has been reviewed and endorsed by_ the Little Havana Community Development Forum. There is presently $100,000 available in 8th Year Community Develop- ment funds earmarked for Little Havana Community Center improvements. It is recommended that the City Commission authorize the City Manager to utilize these funds to retain the services of an architectural/ engineering firm to provide contract documents, drawings, and specifications in accordance with the design concept recommended by the master plan. These documents must be prepared prior to beginning any construction work. Construction administration would be contin- gent upon identification of funds to actually implement each phase of the renovation, however, it is recommended that the selected firm oversee the project to its completion. If this meets the approval of the City Commission, it is recommended that the project be designated Category B in accordance with Sub- section (a) of Section 18-77.2 of the City Code and that the following individuals be appointed to serve on the Competitive Selection Committee in accordance with Subsections (bii) and (c) of Section 18-77.2 of the City Code: Chairperson: Cathy Leff, Assistant Director, Department of Community Development, representing administrative and user department. Committee members: Walter Pierce, Assistant to the City Manager Pete Long, Assistant Director, Construction Division, Department of Public Works Santiago Ventura, Building & Zoning Inspection Department Carlos Garcia, Director, Department of Finance Gail Baldwin, Architect Conchita Blanc, Community representative /Mal 82-447. 8i� -447 MASTER PLAN FOR THE RENOVATION OF THE LITTLE HAVANA COMMUNITY CENTER Prepared for the CITY OF MIAMI by SASAKI ASSOCIATES, INC. Planning/Architecture/Landscape Architecture Coral Gables, Florida Consulting Engineers: De Zarraga and Donnell, Inc. P.A.C.E., Inc. 92-447 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 I I . Building Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Interior Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Exterior. . Building Significance 11 11 Building and Zoning . . . . . . . . . . 12 Space Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Structural Analysis . . . . . . . . . . 20 Electrical and Mechanical Analysis. . . 21 III. Site Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 IV. Program Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Existing Program. . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Existing Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Comparable Facilities . . . . . . . . . 29 -�' V. Evaluation of Alternative Solutions . . . . 30 Design Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Auditorium Options. . . . . . . . . . . 30 VI. Proposed Master Plan and Program. . . . . . 34 Program 34 Master Plan 35 Building Description . . . . . . . . . 40 Plaza Description . . . . . . . . . . . 42 VII. Implementation Procedures and Costs . . . . 43 Implementation Schedule . . . . . . . . 43 Projected Project Duration. . . . . . . 45 Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 ii 82-447 LIST OF FIGURES Number 1 View of the Facade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 View of Existing Parcel Area. . 3 View of Existing Lobby. . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Views of Existing Auditorium. . . . . . . . . 5 Existing Building First Floor Plan. . . . . . 6 Exisitng Building Second Floor Plan . . . . . 7 Existing Building Third Floor Plan . . . . . 8 Location Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Little Havana Area Map. . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Little Havana Community Center Site Diagram . — 11 Alternative 1: Large Auditorium . . . . . . . 12 Alternative 2: Large Theater. . . . . . . . . 13 Alternative 3: Small Theater at rear. . . . . 14 Alternative 4: Small Theater at front . . . . 15 Proposed Master Plan - Site and First Floor Plan . . . . . . . . . . 16 Proposed Master Plan - Second Floor Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1' 17 Proposed Master Plan- _ — Third Floor Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Proposed Master Plan - Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T_ t Page 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 25 26 26 31 31 32 32 i i i 02 37 38 39 -- Page 1 SA 1060 _�. I. INTRODUCTION The Little Havana Community Center (referred to as LHCC) at 900 S.W. 1st Street was created more than six years ago to serve the special needs of the growing Latin community in the City of Miami as part of the Department of Community Development. Beginning in 1959, after the establishment of the Castro regime in Cuba, Miami became a haven for an ever increasing number of Cuban refugees. Over the years, this exodus has been supplemented by the influx of refugees from other Latin American countries. Most of these refugees have remained in Miami forming ethnic neighborhoods which serve as hubs for each group. Cubans initially clustered in an area in the southwest section near the downtown area and although the Cuban population has scattered since then, this area has remained the heart of the exiled community, becoming known as "Little Havana", a three and one half square mile area between Southwest 1st and 27th Avenues and Northwest 7th and Southwest 17th Streets with a population of 88,503, according to the City of Miami Planning Department estimate. In 1975, the City recognized the need for a neighborhood facility in this area and the Riverside Baptist Church was acquired and transformed into a Neighborhood Center. As the community has grown and developed, the Center has expanded to improve and increase the facilities available. The LHCC provides a large number of services, not only for those living in Little Havana, but for Latins of other areas and the residents of South Florida in general. The ,- Center manages the scheduling of activities, rents office and meeting space to community groups, disseminates information, provides referral services to social service ,. agencies, and sponsors recreational and educational programs. The LHCC is a thriving operation despite the inconsistency between the design of the building and the present usage which produces inefficient use of space, possible lack of required compliance with applicable codes, and impedes the expansion of services. Realizing these problems, the City of Miami has attempted to identify the options for the eventual renovation of the building. Page 3 SA 1060 II. BUILDING ANALYSIS The building, originally the Riverside Baptist Church, was designed by architect William Merriam and built in 1959. -� The construction is well documented since complete sets of prints of the on inal drawings have been kept by the Department of Public Works of the City of Miami. These drawings accurately detail the building as it is today. Inspections of the building show that few major alterations have been made since its construction. The original design included an auditorium with 860 seats, balcony with 403 seats, pulpit and baptistry area, pastor's offices, choir rooms, nursery and classrooms, in approximately 27,000 sq. ft. INTERIOR LAYOUT The building is divided, both horizontally and vertically, into two basic areas: the auditorium and the offices (see Figures 3, 4 and 5). The auditorium, which occupies a large portion of the building, has inclined seating on two levels (first floor and balcony) and a vaulted ceiling. The lobby, with a sloping ceiling, is flanked by the ornamental staircases leading to the balcony which wraps around the auditorium and is linked to the third floor of l the office area. This rear area has three floors with a fourth level at the roof, housing mechanical equipment. A few modifications have been made to the layout of the building to accommodate the present functions. A stage was built over part of the pulpit to facilitate the use of the auditorium for theatrical productions. The church offices are now the administrative offices of the LHCC and community organizations. Some spaces which required changes to make them usable have been left unoccupied. Most of the work done on the building has been to repair and maintain existing conditions and not to make improvements or modifications. t i r View of the Facade Figure 1 View of Existing Parcel Area Figure 2 82-44'7 r Views of Existing Lobby t a • , .. -W, I. Ift �4 0 ow 114 J115 I 11SA ,1$ 119 120 �17 • I 116 till 1 112 108 .--��.1 qn7 108 M7 Fast noor Plan Existing Building Figure 5 2 tot Second Floor Plan Existing Building Figure 6 305 Third Floor Plan Existigg Building 94=Ld Figure 7 82-44'7 Page 11 SA 1060 EXTERIOR The exterior of the building was designed along classical lines (see Figure 1). The facade, facing S.W. 1st Street, is characterized by the gabled roof, columned portico, and distinctive steeple. The symmetrical long sides are accentuated by the expression of the structural columns and accompanying windows with decorative mouldings. The three story area at the rear is devoid of decoration and although the former window openings are still expressed, they have either been blocked up (on the ground floor) or enclosed with glass blocks on the upper floors. In general, the building's exterior finish is in good condition. The roof was replaced recently and the walls and decorative trims are painted and well maintained. Only the wood window frames and mouldings show need for repair. Recent roof leaks at the gutters seem to have been satisfactorily repaired. BUILDING SIGNIFICANCE In 1980 the Historical Preservation Division of Dade County conducted a historical survey of buildings in the County using the criteria developed for the National Register of Historic Places. The Riverside Baptist Church was included and is one of several buildings in the area that was deemed architecturally significant. According to the survey, the church building was assigned a one rating --given to those buildings of major significance which should be preserved. Other buildings in the immediate area which received the same rating were the Ada Merritt Jr. High School at 660 S.W. 3rd Street, and the Templo Adventista del Septimodia at 862 S.W. 4th Street. These buildings, as well as the Riverside Church, exemplify established architectural styles. These buildings, because of their location, also have contributed to the development of Miami in general and of the recent Latin community. Page 12 SA 1060 BUILDING AND ZONING One of the purposes of the renovation is to ensure compliance with current code requirements. Modifications are usually necessary when there is a change in use, especially in older buildings. In this case, Building Department officials have allowed the Center to operate in the building, for the time being, by restricting the use and capacity of the auditorium to maintain safety standards. The major deficiencies to be corrected are related to fire rating and egress requirements. Because of its size, some of the existing conditions in the auditorium do not provide the minimum protection needed. Whatever the scope of the renovation, there will be a certain amount of work attributable to complying with code requirements. SPACE SURVEY One important element in the evaluation of the building is the examination of existing spaces by identifying the sizes, configuration, use, materials and the condition of all the rooms contained in the structure. This survey is a summary of the information compiled through on site inspections and the examination of original drawings. All the rooms have been numbered as shown on Figures 3, 4 and 5 to facilitate their identification. Examples of some of the existing spaces are shown in Figure 2. General Notes: Rooms are in good condition unless otherwise noted. Wall and ceiling materials painted unless otherwise noted. N.A. - not accessible. 101 Lobby: 1,000 sq. ft. F: 2' x 2' marble tiles W: Plaster with wood wainscot (3'-0") and wood cornice C: Painted sprayed asbestos. It is a sus ended ceiling with a vaulted configuration. Special Features: Has three large chandeliers, generally in very good condition. Use: For auditorium functions, sometimes for craft classes. Page 13 SA 1060 102 Usher/Bride Rms: 440 sq. ft. F: Carpet in poor condition with wood base. W: Plaster. C: Plaster. Special Features: Has a glass window connecting to main auditorium with louvered doors. Use: None. 103 Toilet: 30 sq. ft. F: Ceramic tile, needs cleanin W: Ceramic tile wainscot (4'-0'), plaster. C: Plaster. Use: For auditorium functions. 104 Storage Closets: 50 sq. ft. F: Vinyl in poor condition with wood base. W: Plaster in poor condition. C: Plaster in poor condition. Special Features: Middle closet has a raised wood frame floor. Use: Odds and ends. 105 Auditorium: 8,175 sq; ft. F: Carpet at aisles in good to poor conditon (very poor condition near pulpit) with vinyl tile at pews. W: Plaster (slight water damage near front sides) with wood wainscot (height varies), perforated hardboard at rear wall for soundproofing. C: Plaster in vaulted configuration (high point 38'-0" a.f.f.), acoustical tile below balcony (8'-6" to ll'-6" a.f.f.). Special Features: Original pews still in use, in pretty good condition. Use: For community functions. 106 Stage: 700 sq. ft. F: N.A. (originally carpet). W: Plaster with wood wainscot, grille cloth windows in good to poor condition. C: Plaster, continuation of auditorium ceiling. Special Features: Wood altar piece and glass window to baptistry at rear wall, stepped floor covered by temporary wood frame stage. Use: Temporary stage. Page 14 SA 1060 107 Vestibule: 240 sq. ft. F: Vinyl tile with rubber base. W: Plaster. C: Plaster. Use: Secondary lobby serving office area. 108 Hall: 500 sq. ft. F: Vinyl tile with rubber base. W: Plaster. C: Plaster. Special Features: Drinking fountain at west end. 109 Stairs: 125 sq. ft. F: Carpet in poor condition. W: Plaster with wood handrails (natural varnish). C: Plaster. 110 Stairs: 225 sq. ft. F: Carpet in poor condition. W. Plaster with wood handrails (natural varnish). C: Plaster. Use: Not generally used. 111 Janitor's Closets: 110 sq. ft. F: Concrete, some stains. W. Plaster, needs painting, wood shelving. C: Plaster (large hole in west closet). Special Features: Utility sink in east closet. Use: Lawn equipment storage in west closet, janitor's equipment in east closet. 112 Toilets: 170 sq. ft. F: Ceramic tile. W: Ceramic tile wainscot (4'-0"), plaster. C: Plaster. Special Features: Fixtures in usable to good condition. Use: By employees. 113 Toilet: 100 sq. ft. F: Ceramic tile. W: Ceramic tile wainscot (4'-0"), plaster. C: Plaster. Special Features: In very good condition, has a shower. Use: For Director. Page 15 SA 1060 114 Office: 250 sq. ft. F: Carpet. W: Wood panelling and shelving in natural finish. C: Plaster. Special Features: Walls covered by shelving and panelling, all in very good condition. Use: LHCC Director's office. 115 Office: 400 sq. ft. 115A F: Carpet. W: Plaster. C. Suspended acoustical tile. Special Features: Glass window to hall in 115A. Use: LHCC offices. 116 Office: 175 sq. ft. F: Vinyl tile. W: Plaster. C: Suspended acoustical tile. Use: LHCC offices. 117 Office: 175 sq. ft. F: Carpet. W: Plaster. C: Plaster. Use: LHCC offices. 118 Kitchen: 140 sq. ft. F: Vinyl tile. W: Plaster. C: Plaster. Special Features: Sink, Range, Refrigerator, with wall and base cabinets. Use: LHCC staff. 119 Office: 330 sq. ft. F: Carpet. W: Plaster. C: Plaster. Use: LHCC offices. 120 Office: 550 sq. ft. F: Vinyl tile. W: Plaster. C: Acoustical Tile. Use: Community organizations. 82-447 121 122 Page 16 SA 1060 Closet: 10 sq. ft. F: Vinyl tile. W: Plaster. C: Plaster. Use: Telephone equipment. Storage: 80 sq. ft. F: Unpainted concrete. W: Exposed, unpainted concrete block. C: Exposed, unpainted concrete, underside of stepped pulpit floor. Special Features: Contains electric meters. Use: General storage, including spare light bulbs, trash cans, paper products. 201 Stairs: 300 sq. ft. F: Concrete with metal nosings (dirty needs painting). 9 W: Plaster with wood handrails (natural finish). C: Plaster. 202 Hall: 400 sq. ft. F: Vinyl tile. W: Plaster. C: Acoustical tile. 203 Closet: 15 sq. ft. F: Vinyl tile. W: Plaster. C: Plaster. Special Features: Shallow, built in. Use: Generally empty. 204 Storage: 185 sq. ft. F: Vinyl tile. W: Plaster. C: Plaster. Use: West storage although N.A., is supposedly used as a wardrobe, east storage generally empty. 205 Office: 300 sq. ft. F: Vinyl tile. W: Plaster. C: Acoustical tile. Special Features: Area at window has ceiling at 6'8" a.f.f., built-in closet has floor at 3'0" a.f.f. Use: Community organizations. Page 17 SA 1060 206 Storage Closet: N.A. 207 Office: 440 sq. ft. F: Vinyl tile. W: Plaster. C: Acoustical tile. Special Features: Folding partition divides office into two. Use: Community organizations. 208 Office: 760 sq. ft. F: Vinyl tile. W: Plaster. C: Acoustical tile. Special Features: Folding partition divides office into three. Use: Community organizations. 209 Office: 440 sq. ft. 209A F: Vinyl tile. W: Plaster. C: Acoustical tile. Special Features: Built in wood shelves in 209A. Use: Community organizations. 210 Office: 300 sq. ft. F: Vinyl tile. W: Plaster. C: Acoustical tile. Special Features: Closet N.A., area at window. Use: Community organizations. 301 Stairs: 60 sq. ft. F: Marble and carpet (carpeting in poor condition). W: Plaster, ornamental metal railing with brass top rail. C: Plaster. Page 18 SA 1060 302 Balcony: 4,440 sq. ft. F: Carpet in poor condition including water damage. W: Plaster with wood wainscot and wood cornice. C: Plaster in vaulted configuration over auditorium, plaster (14'-0" a.f.f.) at balcony, curved plaster in front of projection room. Special Features: Original built-in seating still in use. Use: Seldom used. 303 Control Room: 200 sq. ft. F: Vinyl tile. W: Plaster. C: Acoustical tile. Special Features: Cabinets for audio, lighting, TV controls, very little equipment remains, only the lighting and speaker systems are functional. Use: During functions in auditorium, if required. 304 Storage: 140 sq. ft. F: Vinyl tile. W: Plaster. C: Acoustical tile. Special Features: West storage has access to A/C equipment loft above. Use: Generally empty. 305 Stairs: 350 sq. ft. (same as 201). 306 Halls: 200 sq. ft. F: Vinyl tile. W: Plaster. C: Acoustical tile. 307 Office: N.A., 440 sq. ft. Use: Community organizations. 308 Auditorium/Meeting Room: 965 sq. ft. F: Stepping rows configuration with vinyl tile. W: Plaster. C: Acoustical tile, some water damage. Special Features: Fixed seating for 100 on 5 stepping rows, blackboard and drinking fountain. Use: Community meetings. Page 19 SA 1060 309 Office: 175 sq. ft. F: Vinyl tile. W: Plaster. C: Acoustical tile. Use: Community organizations. 310 Office: 260 sq. ft. F: Vinyl tile. W: Plaster. C: Acoustical tile. Use: Community organizations. 311 Toilets: 250 sq. ft. F: Ceramic tile. W: Ceramic the wainscot (4'-0"), plaster. C: Plaster. Use: For general public. 312 Closet: 15 sq. ft. (same as 203). 313 Baptistry: 200 sq. ft. F: Ceramic tile. W: Ceramic tile wainscot, plaster. C: Plaster. Special Features: Steps down to baptistry pool, glass window to pulpit and auditorium. Use: Unusable. 314 Storage: 385 sq. ft. F: Concrete. W: Plaster, grille cloth windows to auditorium in good to poor condition. C. Plaster, curved in some areas. Special Features: Floor + 2'0" above landing providing access; this room has ladder access to mechanical equipment room on fourth level. Use: Generally empty, some storage. 401 Mechanical Equipment Rooms: 1,450 sq. ft. F: Concrete. W: Exposed, unpainted concrete block. C: Acoustical tile. Use: A/C equipment. 3 Page 20 SA 1060 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS f Visual inspections of the building showed that the structural components are in good condition and correspond to what is detailed on the structural drawings available. Description The structural system consists of: Foundations: square pad footings at ,. columns and continuous footings below exterior masonry walls Floors: First - concrete slab on grade, sloping at auditorium, stepped at pulpit - others - concrete Balcony - cantileved steel frame supporting stepping concrete slab Columns: Auditorium - concrete encased steel I columns Offices - concrete Beams: steel and concrete Walls: Exterior - masonry (non -bearing) Interior - wood frame Walls: concrete �• (bearing) Roof: steel frame with wood decking - the roof over the Auditorium has a clear span of 84 feet -� Recommendations The existing structure can easily handle the renovation. �. The most complicated item will be the proscenium wall which will have to be laterally braced and will punch through the roof. Proper coordination of the work is needed to insure access to working areas, demolition material removal and other complications associated with renovation work. New construction will be load bearing wasonry suppurtine, concrctc slabs on new footings. Page 21 SA 1060 ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ANALYSIS A determination of the type and condition of the building's systems was made by correlating the results of the visual inspections of the building with the existing drawings. The site adjacent to the building has no electrical or water service and will be connected to the building's systems if the design requires it. Electrical Description The building is served from a main electrical room located below the toilets on the first floor. The existing system voltage is 120/240v - 10-3W for general purpose loads and lighting, plus a 120/24OW system for the air conditioning loads. The switchgear, panels and conduit equipment are in good condition and can be used with minor repairs. Most of the existing lighting fixtures can be used if they can be incorporated into the renovation plans. The lighting, dimming, and sound systems presently used in the auditorium are inadequate for a performing arts theater. The building lacks the necessary fire alarm and suppression system and a security system. (For example, most of the equipment controlling the auditorium sound system was stolen several years ago and has not been replaced.) Recommendations The existing electrical service is adequate to handle the projected needs of the renovation of the building. New conduit and fixtures will be necessary in the new theater/auditorium area to meet the lighting requirements of this new function. In the office area, if there are few modifications, the existing fixtures can remain. In general, existing fixtures should be replaced, where possible, to provide more efficient and energy conserving lighting. 62-447 Page 22 SA 1060 Mechanical Description The air conditioning of the building is provided by different systems in the office and auditorium areas. The offices are served by self-contained water cooled air cooled air conditioning units with cooling tower and pumps located in the fourth level room above the control room in a space on the fourth level. Both systems are presently operational, but are not reliable and are expensive to run. Some of this equipment is not in good condition, especially in the office area where most of the equipment should be replaced. In the auditorium, the air handling and condensing units can be reused, but not the cooling tower and pumps. Recommendations —■' It is recommended that the equipment serving the offices be replaced and the air distribution system improved or changed, if necesary, to an energy —.- efficient system. The changes in the auditorium space will require the redesign of the distribution - system. The existing air handling and condensing units can be used to separately serve the stage and 7' audience spaces, but the cooling tower and pump will - — need to be replaced. The stage and audience also require the installation of a sprinkler system. -r Page 23 SA 1060 III. SITE ANALYSIS The LHCC is located in the Little Havana section of the City of Miami (see Figures 6 and 7) on S.W. 1st Street between 9th and loth Avenues. Its proximity to the downtown area makes it accessible to even the outlying residential areas through the network of expressways serving downtown. First Street is a one-way street -' (movement west to east) replacing Flagler as an artery for I inbound downtown traffic in the area thus increasing its use. Improvements to the vehicular traffic and sidewalks are encouraging more pedestrian movement although not as heavy as on S.W. 8th Street which has long been recognized as the "main street" of the neighborhood. Because the Little Havana neighborhood is small in area, its limits are less than 2 miles from the LHCC and, therefore, easily reachable by foot. Several bus routes travel on 1st ' Street including routes from Coral Gables, Sweetwater, Hialeah, Miami Beach and North Dade. The Center site covers close to 3 acres and currently includes three buildings (see Figure 8). Building C was built in 1979 and contains offices and meeting rooms. Building A, previously the church, was part of the original cluster of buildings which were located on the LHCC property. It is the only original structure remaining since the others have been demolished due to deterioration. An auditorium and several offices make up the building. The recently completed Building B contains apartments for the elderly and is not part of the Center. The playground behind this building is used by the day-care center in Building C and the residents of Building B. The empty area between Buildings A and B was created when the small building which occupied that site I was demolished in 1981. The remaining areas of the site are devoted to parking. Page 24 SA 1060 The housing for the elderly, since it is situated between the two Center buildings, hampers the interaction of the different functions of the Center. Although the building has an east to west breezeway on the ground floor, the orientation of Building A is presently towards the two streets and no improvements have been made to the empty lot adjacent to the west face of the building to provide access to the entrance located on that side. Due to the above conditions, the buildings basically function separately and are oriented to the street only. The presently empty parcel abutting Building A on the west is roughly 7,000 square feet in area and is contiguous to the building, the street and the rear parking area. This lot has no vegetation or paved areas and is unusable in its present condition. NW W �hi LHCC s i a, c 3 SW 11th St et � > Q Q' Q N -c N iz r r N 3 3 SW 3 17th Street 3 `^ Little Havana Area Map Figure 9 SW Second Street parking Ernesto Lemons Park BuINInE B BOOM C SW First Street 4� LHCC Site Diagram nts N Figure 10 Page 27 SA 1060 IV. PROGRAM ANALYSIS Based on the space survey conducted, a program was prepared outlining the existing use of the building area. EXISTING PROGRAM Square footage First floor Portico (500 sq. ft.) Lobby 1,000 Auditorium (seats 1,260) 8,175 Stage 700 Offices 2,020 Toilets 790 Stairs 370 Storage & Miscellaneous 200 Circulation 740 13,995 Second Floor Offices 2,240 Stairs 400 Storage & Miscellaneous 200 Circulation 400 �b Third Floor Balcony 4,440 Control Room 200 Offices 875 Aud./Mtg. Room (Seats 100) 965 Toilets 250 Stairs 420 Storage & Miscellaneous 740 Circulation 200 $ ,-SU Fourth Level Mechanical Equipment 1,450 Total Building Area 26,775 Total Parcel Area 7,000 82-447 Page 28 SA 1060 EXISTING USES Building The administrative offices of the center occupy 1,240 square feet on the ground floor of the building which, in addition to providing the services related to the center's function, are responsible for the maintenance and security of both buildings. The remaining office space is used by community groups and agencies. The Florida State Commission on Hispanic Affairs, the Industrial Home for the Blind, the Cuban Museum and the Cuban Architects, Dentists and Journalists Associations are a few of the groups presently occupying offices at the center. The small conference room is used by the different groups for their meetings and also for classes and conferences, mostly during weekdays. When a larger space is needed, or for weekend functions, they use the auditorium, which also serves as a meeting place for city-wide organizations, for musical and dramatic presentations, movies and other performing arts presentations. Graduation services are held there as well as it being used as a polling place _ during elections. Several problems exist with the present layout and use of the spaces which were mentioned during discussions with the representatives of the Center and Community Development. The office area works well, but they would benefit from having more flexibility and more space in the office area. The auditorium is inadequate for several reasons: it does not have the ancilliary spaces or equipment required for theatrical productions, the seating capacity exceeds the needs of the Center, audience sight lines are restricted, and the lighting and sound systems are minimal or nonexistent. Under the present conditions, the auditorium is almost 60% of the area of the building, but because of its size and design is not used to capacity. Only 25% of the total building area is rentable office space and the office area is only 56% efficient (of the 11,160 sq. ft. of office area, only 6,200 sq. ft. are actually offices). i Page 29 -; 1 SA 1060 Parcel Presently there is no use associated with this area of open space. The housing for the elderly overlooks it and `- there is an entrance to the offices in the building from this space that is not used because of the condition of i the site. There is no need for additional structures for the Center that could be located there, therefore, this space should be a visually appealing, passive plaza type open space. This plaza could provide a break from the continuous line of buildings on the block while creating a place for congregations either for theater functions or for casual passersby. COMPARABLE FACILITIES In an attempt to determine the optimum size for the auditorium, a survey was made of similar facilities in the ._ area. These are listed below with their respective seating capacities. Their locations are shown on Figure 6. 1. Miami Beach Theater of the Performing Arts 1700 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach 2,900 2. Dade County Auditorium -- 2901 W. Flagler Street, Miami 2,501 3. Gusman Cultural Center 174 E. Flagler Street, Miami 1,800 4. Players State Theater of Miami 3500 Main Highway, Miami 1,144 AM 5. Joseph Caleb Community Center 5400 N.W. 22 Avenue, Miami 1,000 6. University of Miami Gusman Concert Hall 600 7. University of Miami Ring Theater 1380 Miller Drive, Coral Gables 312 �! 8. Museum of Science Space Transit Planetarium Complex 280 3280 S. Miami Avenue, Miami 9. Las Mascaras 957 S.W. 27th Avenue, Miami 126 s 10. James L. Knight Center (Proposed) 4,000 11. University of Miami Conference Center �'! (Proposed) 500 Page 30 SA 1060 V. EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS DESIGN PARAMETERS Based on the analysis conducted, the following criteria have been developed to serve as guidelines for the designs of the Master Plan: - Maintain the architectural integrity of the building as a landmark. - Minimize changes while complying with code regulations. - Organize the different functions to improve flexibility, interaction and utilization. - Develop a relationship between the different buildings. - Maximize use of existing equipment fixtures, finishes and furnishings. AUDITORIUM OPTIONS The solution of the auditorium lies in one of two directions. The first is to maintain the present seating capacity, whether it remains an auditorium or converts to a performing arts theater. We can eliminate the latter solution since, in addition to the problems of dealing with large assemblies, a erforming arts theater would require the loss of valuable office space at the rear of the building to provide the backstage area necessary (see Figure 10). Examination of the scheduled performances at the auditorium show that very few attracted large audiences. The groups that generally use the services of the Center appeal to specific community groups and seem to prefer to keep the functions they sponsor on a more controllable personal level. The present design of the auditorium does not have the flexibility to reduce the size to fit the needs of each group. The auditorium, therefore, is not very efficient in its current condition (See Figure 9). For these reasons, it is not viable to keep the auditorium "as is," and a reduction in its size is the preferred solution. c Seating for 1200 (existing) Lobby (existing) Go Large Auditorium Alternative 1 5 '� Figure 11 ON Ba*ckst4geµ_ Seating for 1200 (existing) Lobby (existing) Large Theater Alternative 2 5. Figure 12 9 Seating for 500 1 Small Theater at rear Alternative 3 s�o Figure 13 Seating for 500 Lobby (existing) Small Theater at front Alternative 4 see Figure 14 Page 33 SA 1060 An advantage to reducing the auditorium is that the remaining area can be used for other functions. This additional space could either be used to create extra offices or provide a backstage for the auditorium. Since the addition of office space is not the main priority of the Center (although the certainly do not want to decrease the office area , the creation of a smaller performing arts theater with a working stage not only provides the Center with a more manageable auditorium but one that has the flexibility and space for professional performing arts presentations. The available auditorium space on the ground floor can easily accommodate a combination of audience area -backstage area with seating for approximately 300-350 people. Possible arrangements for this solution are shown by alternatives 3 and 4 (Figures 11 and 12). The best solution is alternative 4 (Figure 12), which places the audience area at the front of the building. This layout does not affect the office area, and utilizes the existing lobby to serve the new theater. It also allows use of the existing balcony to increase the seating capacity without major structural modifications which would be required with the layout shown in alternative 3. Lft Page 33 SA 1060 An advantage to reducing the auditorium is that the remaining area can be used for other functions. This additional space could either be used to create extra offices or provide a backstage for the auditorium. Since the addition of office space is not the main priority of the Center (although the certainly do not want to decrease the office area), the creation of a smaller performing arts theater with a working stage not only provides the Center with a more manageable auditorium but one that has the flexibility and space for professional performing arts presentations. The available auditorium space on the ground floor can easily accommodate a combination of audience area -backstage area with seating for approximately 300-350 people. Possible arrangements for this solution are shown by alternatives 3 and 4 (Figures 11 and 12). The best solution is alternative 4 (Figure 12), which places the audience area at the front of the building. This layout does not affect the office area, and utilizes the existing lobby to serve the new theater. It also allows use of the existing balcony to increase the seating capacity without major structural modifications which would be required with the layout shown in alternative 3. Page 34 SA 1060 VI. PROPOSED MASTER PLAN AND PROGRAM PROGRAM Having established the condition of the building and the area available for renovation, a program was developed which would be responsive to the needs of the tenants and user groups. From their viewpoint, as expressed by the Center staff, the Community Development Department and the community, emphasis should be placed on the development of the performing arts theater and the expansion of the office area, where possible, to allow the inclusion of arts and crafts rooms and studios to supplement the function of the theater and its use by the community. First Floor Theater Porticos (500 sq. Lobby/Box Office Auditorium (seats Stage/Off-Stage Dressing Rooms Workshops Storage/Delivery Toilets Stairs Offices Office Space Toilets Stairs Storage Circulation First Floor Total Square Footage ft. existing 320) Second Floor Offices Office Space -Studios Toilets Stairs Storage Circulation Total Second Floor Area + 300 sq. ft. new) 1,060 3,820 2,060 725 730 300 460 360 9,515 2,855 130 120 120 875 13,615 2,850 230 240 30 590 Page 35 SA 1060 Third Floor Square Footage Theater Auditorium Balcony (seats 180) 1,810 Control Room 200 Lighting Equipment 560 Stage Lighting Area 530 Stairs 310 Storage �0r45,0 Offices Office Space 4,.840 Toilets 250 Stairs 350 Circulation _5,��, Total Third Floor Area 9,515 Fourth Level Mechanical equipment 1,450 Total Area Theater 13,315 Total Area Offices 15,205 Total Area Building 28,520 Total Area Parcel 7,000 - MASTER PLAN -� Based on the proposed program, a review of the alternatives presented led to the development of the Master Plan for the renovation of the building and adjacent site. F The three major elements of the plan are: a small theater with approximately 500 seats containing ancilliary backstage functions; modified office area including studio/classroom spaces; and a multi -purpose plaza to serve the renovated building and the Center. The proposed Master Plan can be divided into two parts: the building and the plaza (see Figure 13). The site plan integrates both elements showing the plaza and the lower of the three levels of the building. The plans of the other two levels are also included as well as a schematic section (in Figures 14, 15 and 16). These drawings diagram the design described below. i La` Gift.. 0.00 04G� � MKq• � � •Af•w•�M MYIG i a z 3 G11MG - S W HOST STRfFT SITE AND FIRST FLOOR PLAN �- Proposed Master Plan Figure 15 SECOND FLOOR PLAN Pp Qposed Master Plan Figure 16 06 ifllii �»� iulww. wl64 W ,t4w /Illii di/ ww - nKnq stage w�.. *too Uii111q • hilt iwl �. ' tiN ww� or 1 11�•tht nN�lq w.►w iNN• lost woos 1M �rw w rR THIRD FLOOR PLAN Proposed Master Ptan Figure 17 SECTION Figure 18 Page 40 SA 1060 BUILDING DESCRIPTION The existing layout of the building physically separates r the auditorium from the rear spaces. The new plan maintains this geometry through the location of the backstage area as the buffer between the theater and the offices. This approach simplifies the deliniation of the different occupancy classifications for fire rating requirements and minimizes changes to the structure. Each one of the two main building areas (theater and offices), designed to be able to function independent of each other, are detailed separately. The Theater 64 The proposed theater contains seating for 320 on the first floor, with 180 balcony seats supplementing the main auditorium space for larger functions. The size of the existing lobby is adequate, proportionally to the theater, and in good condition. The new toilets and box office are located in the unused rooms Mr flanking the lobby. Good audience sight lines are — created using the standard seating layout and the adjustment of the floor slope. The stage and support facilities cover most of the remainder of the former auditorium space, thereby reducing the total building area occupied by the theater to less than 50%. The design of the theater eliminates the use of the seating on the side wings of the balcony. The central seating area is used with few alterations reducing the seating capacity and creating new rooms in these areas. The additional side balcony space is adapted to provide required stairs, stage lighting area, and increase the office space providing a connection between the upper levels of the theater and offices. The control room will retain its function with the addition of the necessary equipment presently nonexistent. The new stairs serve both the balcony and office areas as emergency exits which allow the existing lobby stairs to remain as ornamental staircases. The existing auditorium ceiling needs little or no modifications because the proposed layout of the space below does not affect its overall acoustical properties. The required proscenium wall is the only massive and complex element and an effort has been made to keep it simple minimizing its impact on the structure. Page 41 SA 1060 The backstage area connects the workshops therein with the office area and provides access to the theater. This facilitates the dual use of the workshops for theater set design and in conjunction with other Center activities. Since these spaces require less ceiling height, it is possible to cover the workshops and storage areas of the theater creating additional floor area as shown on this section (Figure 16). Other areas of the theater do not lend themselves to this solution because they utilize the existing volume. Part of the existing stage space is to be demolished to become part of the office space at the rear, also increasing the area of the offices. The Offices The major effort in dealing with the offices is to improve the efficiency of the use of the space. To increase the size and layout of the offices the circulation was simplified, the duplicity of stairs and storage spaces eliminated and the remaining special purpose rooms such as the baptistry and organ chamber were altered to integrate them with the other spaces. The office area is increased from 11,160 square feet to 15,205 square feet (40% increase from present square footage) with the efficiency increased to 75% (more area is used for actual rentable office space). This increase in office space decreases the dominance of the theater (area -wise), thereby equalizing the importance of both the theater and office functions. Additional improvements to the offices include the addition of an elevator and toilet facilities on each level. Page 42 SA 1060 PLAZA DESCRIPTION The main characteristic of the plaza is that it is a very -I open space, as a plaza should be. There are several reasons for this openness, principally to create an area for assemblies outdoors either in conjunction with the -� functions of the theater, for organized activities of the Center, or unplanned, casual gatherings. The uncluttered, - hard surface quality of the plaza that makes it highly visible from the street and the housing building help insure safety of its users. The area is completely paved, -_ several planters with trees provide some shade from the afternoon sun and kiosks supply tidbits to passersby. A -� portico has been carved out of the building to enhance the accesssto the plaza and buildings beyond. A platform serves as a stage for informal presentations. The plaza has been designed to function separately, i.e., without _r depending on what is happening inside the building. This -- allows the construction of the plaza without limiting the options available for the design of the building which --� will probably not be renovated until later. 92-44'7 7 _ Page 43 SA 1060 T VII. IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES AND COSTS / The implementation of the proposed plan is divided into _ two stages: the Plaza and the Building. The Plaza is scheduled for construction in the near future since the F expected cost for this stage is available from present Community Development Program funds. The Building Construction schedule is divided into four phases because of the size and complexity of the renovation. This r provides more options to the City of Miami in handling the building renovation work. Should funding become available for the entire project, the divisions can be used to identify the different building areas to be renovated. It _ appears, however, that the appropriation will be available in smaller yearly amounts, varying with the budget of the Community Development Program and other funding sources. In this case, the phases establish separate construction -- components encompassing different portions of the renovation of the building. T IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE r Stage A - Plaza The Master plan for the plaza and building was presented to the City of Miami Commission on -, October 7, 1981. The Commission approved the proposed plan and agreed to proceeding with the construction of �r the plaza using funds presently available in the Community Development Program designed for that purpose. The plaza design and necessary construction document drawings are being developed to expedite the PF process preceding the construction and eventual s completion of this stage of the project. The construction of the plaza will not reduce the r� continued operation of the Center and the effect on �, the building will be minor. Page 44 SA 1060 Stage B - Theater The four phases are characterized by the following! -► The scope of each phase varies according to the complexity of the work and/or the size of the area involved. r The area included in each phase is completed and usable at the end of that phase. -T The execution of each phase does not affect other areas of the building, thereby permitting the continuous operation of the unaffected areas during -,, construction. — A portion of each phase will entail preliminary work in preparation for the next phases. — The order presented is not chronological. Phase I - Proscenium Wall and Seating Area This part centers on the construction of the proscenium wall which will divide the existing auditorium space in two. This should be considered the first building renovation phase so that the proscenium wall is erected as early as possible to minimize the difficulties caused by its size and intricacy of construction. As the first, this building phase will include the major modifications to the electrical, plumbing, mechanical and structural systems in the building for the continuation of the other phases. Since this is the largest and most expensive phase, part of the work could be postponed if the funds available cannot cover all the work involved. For example, the replacement of the seating can be delayed by changing the arrangement of the existing pews to function with the new layout. Phase II - Backstage The space created behind the proscenium wall is developed into the backstage area in this phase. The remaining balcony structure is replaced by level flooring at the third floor and the necessary rooms and the fly and all built at this time. The end of this phase concludes the basic work related to the theater which has full capabilities for the presentation of theatrical productions. 82-44'7 0 R Page 45 SA 1060 Phase III - Offices The renovation of the office area is the most flexible phase. Once the basic elements are finished (building the stair enclosure and the new office spaces created during the previous phases, installing the elevator and repairing the mechanical system), the other improvements can be completed gradually, if necessary. Finishing this phase marks the completion of the building and site renovations. Phase IV - Refinements As additional funds become available, they should be directed to the acquisition of furnishings and special equipment not provided in other phases. These improvements will increase the capabilities and flexibility of the renovated building and the LHCC. PROJECTED PROJECT DURATION The expected scheduling of the construction of the project is summarized in the following chart showing the sequence and schematic duration of the phased renovation. The dotted areas exemplify how the proposed sequence can be altered reflecting the interchangeability of some phases. Duration Project Schedule Page 46 SA 1060 COSTS Stage A: The cost of constructing the plaza is expected to be $51,524 and is detailed in Apppendix A. This project is already funded through the 4th Year Community Development Program. Stage B: The cost of the construction of the renovation of the building is estimated to be $1,500,000 and allocated to each phase as follows(Architectural fees are not included. This cost does not include fees for Architecture/Engineering service). Phase I - Theater $ 700,000 Phase II - Backstage Renovation of the theater is $ 350,000 expected to cost between $50-$60 / sq. ft. with about 30 percent of the budget for Phases I and II devoted to providing the regwired changes to the overall building systems and linking and coordinating the backstage and theater systems, respectively. Phase III - Offices The upgrading of the office area $ 250,000 is expected to cost approximately $20 / sq. ft. Phase IV - Refinements This is a rough estimate of the $ 200,000 minimum amount which should be allocated to improving the quality of the operation of the theater as soon after the completion of the previous phases as possible. Page 47 SA 1060 APPENDIX A PLAZA COST ESTIMATE & SCHEDULE The following cost estimate is based on the approved plaza design dated September 4, 1981, and shown in Figure 13. This was approved by the City of Miami Commission on October 7, 1981. GROUND WORK Grading $ 9,960 Soil 200 Irrigation 2,000 Lighting & Electrical 3,000 FINISHES Paving Concrete Pavers (small) $ 8,550 Concrete Pavers (large) 8,930 Trees 1,800 Planters 6,000 Platform 2,000 Kiosks 3,500 Trash Cans 900 $46,840 Plus 10 percent 4,684 TOTAL $51,524 The plaza is scheduled to be completed in 5 months and phased as follows: Estimated Completion Date - Construction Documents Phase June 1982 -.Bidding Phase July 1982 - Construction Phase Sept. 1982