HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-30-1997 - 8o I
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Action Agenda
Item No.
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 30, 1997
SUBJECT: ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES RE: SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
DEPARTMENT: PURCHASING AND Public Hearing: No
CENTRAL SERVICES Budget Amendment Reqd? No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
PAM JONES, ext. 2650
Telephone Number-
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 967-9251
Mebane 227-2031
Durham 688-7331
PURPOSE: To consider approving the architectural firm of Dixon/Weinstein Architects for design
work at the Skills Development Center.
BACKGROUND: The County acquired the building at 503 West Franklin Street in July, 1996 to
begin development of a Skills Development Center. This new and innovative approach will
involve the collaboration of several agencies whose common goal is to ensure that anyone
needing a job can find one and to provide the training as necessary for them to do so. This type
of facility will be one of the first in the State.
The architectural firms of Corley, Redfoot/Zack and Giles Blunden have provided pro bono work
and in collaboration with the County and others, have developed the floor plan for the Center.
However, since the development of construction documents encompasses considerably more
hours than can reasonably be expected tube donated to the County, paid architectural services
were sought in the following areas:
• Completion of working drawings, including HVAC, electrical and plumbing engineering work;
• Construction drawings and specifications suitable for bidding the project; and
• Limited construction supervision. (An individual with expertise in this area will provide pro
bono supervision time, but the Architect will provide supervision to the extent(s)he is satisfied
that the intended design is being constructed.)
A Request for Proposal for these services was solicited and interviews were held with two firms.
Dixon/Weinstein of Chapel Hill received the recommendation. The recommendation is based on,
but not limited to:
• The firm's demonstrated strength in designing projects similar to ours(instructional
areas/offices/conference areas);
• Their design of a substantial number of renovation projects(including the County's Animal
Control Offices on Revere Road);
• Their track record in bringing these projects in at the design budget;
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• Their familiarity with the Franklin Street environment(they have designed other projects on
Franklin Street);
• Their familiarity with the Chapel Hill planning and inspections process;
• While not a primary consideration, it is certainly to the County's advantage that the office of
Dixon/Weinstein is located directly across the street from our project.
They are proposing a fee not to exceed $45,075.
Energy efficient systems as well as the use of daylighting, used in a budget conscious manner,
have long been goals for this facility. The team assembled to design this project is well qualified
to meet these goals. Giles Blunden Architects will continue to provide services throughout the
project. The County is fortunate that a member of his staff has significant experience in
daylighting for school buildings.
This project has moved forward at a significant pace during the past several months. If the
anticipated timeline is maintained, the project will bid in early Fall, 1997, with completion by
January, 1998.
RECOMMENDATION: The Manager recommends that the Board authorize the use of the
architectural firm of Dixon/Weinstein Architects for design services associated with the Skills
Development Center at a fee not to exceed $45,075; and authorize the Manager to sign an
agreement, contingent upon Attorney and Staff review.