HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/25/2008 Adjourned Meeting 1 172
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNED MEETING
MARCH 25, 2008
CAPITOL THEATRE
1. Roll Call
Present:
Council: Mayor Dave Edler, presiding, Assistant Mayor Micah Cawley, Council
Members Kathy Coffey, Rick Ensey, Norm Johnson, Bill Lover and
Neil McClure
Staff: City Manager Zais; Rita DeBord, Finance Director; Bill Cook, Director
of Community and Economic Development; Charlie Hines, Fire Chief;
and City Clerk Moore
2. Discussion with the Capitol Theatre Board regarding the Capitol Theatre,
Plaza, and Public Facility District
City Manager Zais gave a brief historical background on the Capitol Theatre and stated we
are now looking at the next phase, which is the expansion of the theatre. During the 2008
budget process, the City Council approved a policy issue regarding a million dollars
generated through the Public Facilities District. The funds'are the result of a tax credit and
enable us to support a significant bond. The Capitol Board President, Brian Roberts, also
gave a brief history and told how the vision for a production center, a pavilion and a plaza
on 3r Street, was reviewed by the Board at their retreat in October.
Steve Caffery, Chief Executive Officer, of the Capitol Theatre, outlined what they are
asking Council to consider: 1) a task force to bring stakeholders and downtown partners
together; 2) to begin planning for a pavilion building on the corner of 3rd Street and Yakima
Avenue with the eventual migration to a plaza; and 3) the recommendation to demolish the
Wilson building on the corner of 3 Street and Yakima Avenue.
A Power point presentation was shown.
• The theatre was originally built in 1920.
• It was destroyed by fire August 19, 1975.
• It was owned by the Mercy family; then a non - profit corporation was formed.
• The theatre was rebuilt using $4.2 million of private /public funds.
• It reopened November 4, 1978 with Bob Hope headlining.
• The community has chosen to establish and maintain a performing arts facility.
• The facility is owned by the City and managed by the non - profit corporation
• Currently there is a full -time staff of nine with six part time employees.
• The carpeting, curtains, stage equipment, orchestra pit are old and out of date.
• The stage is too small for many shows and the facility cannot support the
technically advanced shows.
• Current problems are limited restrooms, no lobby, no food and beverage service,
no box office, no rental space.
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Capitol Theatre Expansion — Study Session
The production center will be efficient, with street level access, and 10,000 square feet of
enclosed space. It will be capable of accommodating 40 actors each in two stage level
dressing areas. The space is flexible and can be partitioned to create a black -box theatre
for programs and receptions. The second concept of the evolution is to use the 6,500
square. foot Wilson building to complement the Capitol Theatre. In this manner they will
diversify their approach to generate more audience and more support. Mr. Caffery
emphasized that programming costs are increasing and with limited program
opportunities, ticket sales are flat. The audience profile, their support base, is narrow and
aging and individual contributions are stagnant. They need to build new audiences and
expand the market identity.
Barbara Kline, Traho Architects, gave a presentation.
• Commitment to the idea that downtown Yakima is being revitalized
• Expand on the gorgeous Italian renaissance palazzo facade
• Integrate landscape and architecture that will allow taking advantage of the site
and climate
• High quality public space has a quarter mile radius impact on public /private
development. It adds value to the quality of life in Yakima and creating more
opportunity for current businesses and those that want to move into downtown.
Ms. Kline explained the full concept of the vision. She displayed a drawing and explained
their architectural ideas for complementing the building with the outside landscape of the
plaza. She described how the police and fire departments have been involved in the
planning process. Fire Chief, Charlie Hines, said they gave input of their needs and how
the plan allows access to the building from both directions. Police Captain Jeff Schneider
said they also worked with the architect and all of their needs have been met. They see
no problem with traffic flow with the closing of 3 Street. Ms. Kline emphasized that the
plans are fluid at this point and are being refined. Further discussion covered details on
access.
Mr. Caffery spoke about future types of entertainment they would be able to support. They
hope to develop programs of interest to different market segments such as children, youth,
seniors, Hispanics, etc. Also discussed was the positive economic impact. The intent is to
build a production center and pavilion and then prepare to build a plaza. Funding has yet
been determined for that phase. They are asking to close 3 Street now in order to build
the footprint. Discussion covered the formal process required to close a street.
Rita DeBord, Finance Director, clarified that the public /private partnership is complex due
to state regulations. It is premature to develop a financial structure at this point. City
Manager Zais pointed out that it may be desirable for the theatre, current owners of the
Wilson Building, to deal with the demolition before the City gets involved in the ownership.
Ms. Kline said they are ready to communicate with the stakeholders and that 2008 is a
critical year for the technical aspects of the project. There is an entire array of utilities on
the east side of the Capitol Theatre that has to be relocated. They are currently working
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MARCH 25, 2008
Capitol Theatre Expansion — Study Session
on agreements with all the affected buildings. They are hoping for a summer /fall
construction schedule. Other activities include:
• Creating a task force
• Completing the SEPA review process
• Continuing to build the donor base
• Preparing to go out to bid in 2009 for the production center (back of house) and the
pavilion.
• Moving into the plaza phase in 2010
Following Council discussion COFFEY MOVED AND JOHNSON SECONDED TO
CREATE A TASK FORCE AND START THE PROCESS FOR THE STREET CLOSURE
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Discussion continued on whether the street closure should go
through the Transit/Transportation Committee first. The formal street closure process was
explained in detail. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
3. Audience Comments
No one came forward to speak.
4. Adjournment
JOHNSON MOVED AND CAWLEY SECONDED TO ADJOURN TO 3:00 P.M. AT THE
YAKIMA AIR TERMINAL, AIRPORT RESTAURANT BOARD ROOM, FOR A STUDY
SESSION ON THE AIRPORT OVERLAY. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY ; .. _ I , ∎ 4_ ,
COUNCIr ∎• h DATE
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OUNCIL MEMBER DATE
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK DAVID EDLER, MAYOR
Minutes prepared by Linda Watkins. A CD and DVD of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office
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