AGENDA DATE: 4/21/2021
TITLE:.Title
Update on Completion of Courts Project Programming Phase
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Receive update on General Courts Project Programming Phase and Approve Commencement of Schematic Design Phase
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Henry, Stewart, Abplanalp
PRESENTER (S): Trevor Henry, Lance Stewart, Blake Abplanalp
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: On December 17, 2018, Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville executed an inter-governmental agreement to redevelop the Levy Opera House and site located at 350 Park Street to serve as a co-located General District Court (GDC) and to house the Albemarle Commonwealth’s Attorney (ACA) offices. This project includes the design, demolition, renovations and new construction associated with the joint City-County General District Court operations. The project also includes renovation of the historical Albemarle County Courts Complex to serve the Albemarle County Circuit Court.
On July 2, 2020, the design services contract with Fentress Architects was fully executed. The Programming Phase of design began with review and confirmation of three programming studies from 2012, 2015, and 2017. This work also included multiple stakeholder meetings, review of population and courts caseload data, and consultations with the Virginia Judicial System and Thomas Jefferson Area Community Criminal Justice Board.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Quality Government Operations - Ensure County government’s capacity to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities.
DISCUSSION: The focus of the presentation will be on the Programming Phase of design. Programming requirements are the biggest factor in determining the size and layout of the facilities for this construction project. The programming is paired with adjacency blocking and stacking diagrams, which allow the project team to create the best “fit” of use, space, personnel, furnishings, and equipment.
During the presentation to the Board, staff will provide an introduction to the architectural firm, Fentress Architects, and programming consultant, Fentress Inc. The project team will share details pertaining to how the programming was conducted, the results, the impact those results have on anticipated schematic design of the General District and Circuit Courts, and a milestone schedule and budget update.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budgetary impact beyond the funds currently appropriated to this project ($5,822,136) .
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board receive this update and approve moving into the Schematic Design phase of this project.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Courts Project Programming Summary