SR-6-M (5)
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JAN 2 4 1989
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Council Meeting: 01/24/89
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Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City staff
SUBJECT: Reco~mendation to Authorize the City Manager to
Negotiate and Execute a Contract with Richard Altuna
Architecture to Provide Architectural and Engineering
Services for Public and Commercial Facilities at the
West End of the Municipal Pier
Introduction
This report presents a summary of the process used to select
architectural and engineering services for the public and
commercial facilities to be located at the west end of the
reconstructed Municipal Pier.
The report recommends that the
City Council authorize the city Manager to negotiate and execute
a contract with Richard Al tuna Architecture for a sum not to
exceed $ 75,000.
Background
On March 29, 1988, the City Council approved the design for the
reconstruction of the west end of the Municipal Pier. This final
phase of the Pier's reconstruction rebuilds the 420 foot section
destroyed in the 1983 storms. The design approved by the Council
included the traditional hammerhead configuration of the pier
platform and site improvements such as lighting fixtures,
benches, and trash containers. The contract for Municipal pier
reconstruction was executed in the first half of January, 1989,
and the project is expected to be completed by January, 1990.
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JAN 2 ~ 1989
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Municipal pier Improvements
As the various phases of Pier reconstruction have proceeded, city
staff has continued to work closely with the Pier Restoration
corporation (PRC) on planning the program of uses for the
reconstructed portions. Historically 1 the Municipal pier has
been the public recreational area of the Pier with its emphasis
on fishing and ocean viewing, while the Pleasure Pier has been
the site of commercial activity and amusement uses. The PRe's
development program, approved by the City council in February,
1988, recognizes and continues this separation of activities.
The conceptual program of uses seeks to re-establish and
recapture successful elements of the pre-storm west end. In
addition, key aspects such as preserving open vistas, creating
both public and private congregating areas, and maintaining
accessibility around the entire perimeter are to be incorporated
in the design of the facilities.
The intention has always been that the facilities would be
minimal and support the recreational nature of this part of the
Pier. The public buildings may include an office for Pier
security staff as well as facilities for use by the LA County
Lifeguards. There will also be public restrooms and a utility
room to house electrical equipment. The popular historic photo
exhibit will be recreated, and expanded to include educational
exhibits of the geology and marine life of Santa Monica Bay. The
commercial facilities will be limited to a cafe of approximately
3,000 square feet and a bait shop.
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The design priorities for the reconstructed Municipal Pier have
been established in conjunction with the pier Restoration
corporation Development COlllmittee, and represent at least six
months of discussion regarding the ultimate mix of uses at the
end of the Pier. Some of the user groups who have participated
in this review process include the Harbor Division staff, County
lifeguards, and various members of the public. The pier
Restoration corporation has formally endorsed these design
priorities.
During the discussions on the program of uses, the pier
Restoration Corporation recommended that the City design and
construct the cafe and bait shop as well as the public facilities
since it would be unrealistic to expect tenants of these small
operations to build the structures. The PRe is currently seeking
operators for these businesses. The selected tenants will be
involved in the design process to ensure the development of
functional facilities. The cafe and bait shop operators will be
responsible for the design and construction of their respective
tenant improvements.
Selection Process
Since the improvements for the west end of the Pier will be
highly visible and significant in setting the look of the pier,
staff decided to expand upon the standard Request for Proposals
(RFP) process. A limited number of firms were invited to submit
design concepts based on the conceptual program of uses. Since
there are a number of fine architectural firms which have been
involved with the pier over the past ten years, the invitation to
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submit a design concept was based on the firm's demonstrated
experience with and understanding of the pier restoration
program. The invited firms include Richard Altuna Architecture,
Thirtieth street Architects, Moore Ruble Yudell, Barton Phelps,
Solberg and Lowe, and Kaplan McLaughlin Oiaz. Each firm that
submitted a design concept was paid a fee of $1,000.
Four firms submitted designs: Richard Altuna Architecture,
Barton Phelps, Solberg & Lowe, and Thirtieth Street Architects.
A selection conanittee made up of city and PRC staff along with
architect John Ruble reviewed each of the designs and interviewed
the two top firms. John Ruble was asked to sit on the selection
conanittee as his firm declined to submit a proposal due to other
pressing workload. His previous involvement in the coordination
of the Carousel Park design and other Pier-related projects made
him a strong asset to the selection process.
Richard Altuna Architecture was selected because its design
offers a creative solution which is sensitive to the needs of the
users and which creates a sense of place consistent with the pier
Design Guidelines. The scale and placement of the buildings as
well as the use of materials are evocative of the character and
charm of the former west end. It should be noted that the design
is conceptual and represents a starting point which will be
refined during the design process. The PRC Board has reviewed
and endorses the Selection Committee's choice.
Richard Altuna Architecture worked with the pier Restoration
Corporation during a critical period in the evolution of the
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development program. The responsiveness and flexibility
demonstrated at that time will be extremely important during the
design of these facilities which involve interacting with and
balancing the needs of different user groups. Richard Al tuna
Architecture is an architectural firm with emphasis on public
projects such as the Exploratorium and California Marine Mammal
Center, and commercial projects such as The Cannery and Rincon
Center. Principals of the firm also own and operate a cafe on
the San Francisco waterfront.
Scope of Services
The architectural and engineering services include the following
scope of services:
A. Refine Building Program
1. Refine the conceptual design and program of uses in
consultation with City staff and PRC.
B. Design Development
1. Design and develop detailed dimensional drawings for
architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and
electrical systems.
2. Design and develop a schematic space plan including a
plan for interior furniture and equipment layout for the
public restrooms, and the pier security office.
3. Prepare a project schedule and statement of estimated
construction costs.
C. Construction Contract Documents
1. Based on approved design development documents, complete
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all working drawings and specifications suitable for
bidding.
2. Prepare final estimate of construction cost and proposed
project schedule.
3. Obtain final approvals and permits.
D. Bidding and Construction Administration
1. Provide clarification of contract documents during
bidding process.
2. Answer questions regarding plans and specifications and
review all drawings or contractor submittals.
E. Participation in Public and User Meetings
1. Meet with City staff, PRC, and representatives from
organizations planning to occupy the project to refine
the building program.
2. Attend up to two meetings with each of the following:
pier Restoration Corporation, Architectural Review Board,
Landmarks Commission.
3. Attend up to three additional public meetings, including
one with the Coastal commission.
It should be noted that the Pier Restoration Corporation staff
will be involved throughout the entire design process. At
appropriate points during the process, design issues will be
taken to the PRC Development committee as well as the full PRe
Board.
The proposed fee for these services is not to exceed $75,000.
The estimated cost of construction of the buildings is $700,000.
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This does not include the design and construction of tenant
improvements for the cafe and bait shop. The estimated time for
performance of the design work is six months. This will enable
the construction of the facilities to coincide with the
completion of the reconstruction of the pier platform.
Budget Impact
Funds for the design of these facilities are available in Account
30-740-625-000-944, Pier Common Area Improvements.
Of the
estimated $775,000 cost of design and construction, approximately
$200,000 is eligible for reimbursement by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency.
Recommendation
staff respectfully recommends that Council authorize the City
Manager to negotiate and execute a contract with Richard Altuna
Architecture to provide architectural and engineering services
for the public and commercial facilities at the west end of the
Municipal pier for an amount not to exceed $75,000.
Prepared by: Stan Scholl, Director of General Services
Judith Meister, pier Manager
craig Perkins, Adminstrative services Manager
Desi Alvarez, City Engineer
(sr0124p)
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