Title
GRU Site Redevelopment Update (B)
Explanation
At the November 2007 meeting, the CRA requested that Staff formally separate redevelopment planning for the GRU site and for the adjacent Depot area into two separate and distinct master planning processes. Since that time, staff has formulated an action plan for Depot Park, and brought that program to both the CRA and the City Commission. Concurrently, Staff has also been pursuing initiatives related to the GRU site. At Staff's recommendation, the CRA has approved utilizing the planning and design services of Lord-Aeck-Sargent in formulating an approach to GRU redevelopment. Lord-Aeck-Sargent provided the planning, design, and architectural components of the Technology Square project in midtown Atlanta, and are experienced in the nature of work that will be involved with a project of this type and scale. Staff feels that this experience, coupled with the firm's specialization in science facilities and mixed use development, uniquely qualifies Lord-Aeck-Sargent to provide master planning and site layout services for the project.
On June 27th, Staff met with consultants from Lord-Aeck-Sargent regarding the project. Master planning at the site is anticipated to take approximately eight weeks. Lord-Aeck-Sargent will consider generalized site layout, distribution of various uses and compatibility with surroundings, redevelopment phasing, and other planning/urban design issues. This schedule is comprised of three weeks devoted to background work and concept planning, and five weeks for the creation of the master plan. Lord-Aeck-Sargent will present findings to the CRA and to the public in a forum session at the July 21st CRA meeting.
Fiscal Note
Lord-Aeck-Sargent is contracted to provide services for $33,800, which is funded by Downtown Redevelopment Trust Fund (account# 610-790-W736-4110-5520). Once the project is completed, GRU and General Government will be charged $11,266.67 each via an inter-department billing to cover their portion of the project.
Recommendation
Executive Director to CRA: Hear an update from staff.