Title
Approval of Architect for Depot Gardens Houses in Porters (NB)
This item proposes to authorize the City Manager or his designee to negotiate a contract price and execute a contract with Karson and Associates, Inc to design the houses and the site layout for the Depot Gardens development.
Explanation
At the November 13, 2000 City Commission Meeting, the City Commission: 1) approved the acquisition of Southwest 8th Avenue (Tax parcel #13317-000-000); 2) approved the purchase price of $45,000 plus closing costs to effect the sale; 3) authorized the City Manager or his designee to execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement and other relevant documents necessary to complete the acquisition of the property; 4) accepted the Special Warranty Deed from Gene Robinson, as required to effect the conveyance of the property, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality; and 5) approved the Housing Division developing this property as affordable housing.
On May 22, 2006, the Purchasing Division issued a Request for Statement of Qualifications for Architectural Services from prospective bidders for the Depot Gardens development. Three firms attended the mandatory pre-bid meeting but only one firm responded. After reviewing the one bid submitted and meeting with the bidder, the evaluation team is recommending that the City negotiate a contract price and execute a contract with Karson and Associates, Inc to design houses, floor plans and the site for the Depot Gardens Development.
The development is intended to provide five houses of traditional Florida architecture, with houses facing Depot Avenue being tall, two-story structures of urban character and the others facing north being one-and -a-half or two stories. The development should be designed so as to be urban in character because of the urbanizing nature of the Depot Road corridor, but should create an appropriate transition on the north side of the site so as to fit into the context of the existing, established Porters neighborhood. This development has the opportunity to reinforce the design character of the Depot Avenue corridor, provide a well designed development that helps to stabilize and enhance the Porters neighborhood, and to provide housing for a mix of income levels (with three at market rate and two assisted, or two at market rate and three assisted).
Fiscal Note
The Housing Division's HOME budget has $50,000 available to cover the cost of the services.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the City Manager or his designee to: 1) negotiate a contract price with Karson and Associates, Inc to design houses, floor plans and the site for the Depot Gardens development; and 2) execute a contract with Karson and Associates, Inc, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.
Alternative Recommendation A:
The City Commission could choose to approve the recommendation and require that the house and site plans be presented to Commission at a later date.