HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-08-05 CAC MINUTES•
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City of Englewood
Cultural Arts Commission
Minutes of August 5, 1998
The regularly scheduled meeting of the City of Englewood Cultural Arts Commission was
called to order at 5:47pm by Chairperson Wolosyn at the Englewood Public Library , Perrin Room.
Members Present:
Members Absent :
Also present:
Wolosyn , Krueger, LaPorta, Spangenberg, Warner, Heberling, Black ex
officio ·
Lindsey, Tomasso
Gary Hultberg, Manager of Recreation
Alex Habenicht, City Council Liaison
Bob Simpson, Director of Neighborhood and Business Development
Suzette Emerson , David Tryba & Associates
Director Black introduced Bob Simpson , Director of Neighborhood and Business Development
and Suzette Emerson of David Tryba & Associates , architects for the Cinderella City site . Black
ex plained that Director Simpson is coordinating the development of the Cinderella City site and Ms.
Emerson is involved with the project. Simpson and E merson were invited to discuss the Cinderella City
development with members of the Cultural Arts Commission.
Vice-Chairperson Spangenberg arrived at 5 :50pm.
Director Simpson began discussion. Simpson stated the new site will be a transit-oriented
development site , meaning a site where development is focused on and supports the transit-oriented
district. In this case , the light rail. Simpson ex plained that the project is designed to be its own
c ommunity. T he Ci ty of Englewood is the first in the Denver market to do such a project and in doing
so , has received national recognition .
Discu ss ion followed regarding time taken for the project. Director Simpson explained that the
project is complicated because it involves the combining of light rail , civic , retail and residential. It
was ex plained that demolition has been difficult due to the unique structural constraints. The last six
months has been used for the removal of asbestos . Discussion followed regarding financing of the
project. Simpson explained that financing for the project will be funded primarily by Certificates of
Participation .
Simpson announced that demolition of the site has begun. A demolition celebration will be held
on Tuesday, August 18 , 1998 at lO:OOa.m . Construction is expected to begin in the Spring of 1999 ,
with everything operating by June of 2000 .
Discussion was turned over to Ms . Emerson. Ms. Emerson discussed plans for the site. It was
• explained that the project consists of three zones : 1) Walmart, including the larger box retail, 2)
Re s idential with smaller business , and 3) Civic Area including RTD , Sony and City Hall building.
Plans for the project were displayed. Ms. Emerson discussed access into the site, noting the
importance of a connection to and from Broadway .
Director Simpson expressed how the project provides excellent opportunities for cultural arts.
Ms. Emerson discussed opportunities for public art throughout the site, including the piazza area and
streets and pathways. Discussion followed regarding the phasing in of fountains, etc. due to financial
constraints.
In regards to a name for the site, Director Simpson indicated that it is being discussed. Staff
met with City Council to review suggestions and a final decision would be presented to City Council in
the near future. Simpson emphasized that the name needs to fit within the marketing of the site.
Commission member Krueger left the meeting at 6:30pm.
Vice-Chairperson Spangenberg asked if Sony is still considering the use of one theater for a
stage. Director Simpson responded that they have said they would consider the request but that it would
be difficult to make it work. Sony has indicated that they would open a theater on non-time for
speaking engagements , and senior and children groups. City Council member Habenicht noted that a
group in Boston is asking the same question. Simpson reported that the initial phase would consist of
twenty-four theaters . Six additional theaters would eventually be phased in. Simpson thought it would
be possible that Sony would consider the request for the second phase. Simpson stated that he would
definitely pursue the question.
Ms. Emerson explained the plans for the City Hall building. The building would have two main
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entrances with the Library being located on the first floor , fine arts and municipal court on the second •
and municipal offices on the third floor . The center of the building would be open to a skylight. Plans
could possibly include the fine arts area opening out to a sculpture garden on the second level.
Discussion followed regarding the Museum of Outdoor Arts coming to the site and available
square footage . Simpson stated that they would be talkin g with MOA to determine what their specific
needs are . Vice-Chairperson Spangenberg and Commission member LaPorta were recognized for their
initial involvement with MOA 's interest in moving to Englewood. Simpson explained of MOA 's hope
to become a Tier II organization through SCFD by consolidating themselves and bringing on an
identity. Simpson reported that MOA is working well with the City of Englewood and is very
interested in the Englewood community. Director Black reminded Commission members that City
Council has asked that the MOA agreement go before the Cultural Arts Commission for its review.
Commission member LaPorta asked in regards to a Cultural Arts Center. Director Simpson
stated that it all depends on financial realms.
Vice-Chairperson Spangenberg suggested inviting Mr. Lontine to a Cultural Arts Commission
to discuss ideas and to remove any misconceptions. Director Simpson suggested it would be more
appropriate to invite him after the cost benefit analysis is completed. Spangenberg stated she would
keep that in mind.
Commission members thanked Director Simpson and Ms . Emerson.
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Director Simpson and Ms. Emerson left the meeting at 7:20pm.
Discussion moved to regular business. Chairman Wolosyn asked if there were any additions or
• corrections to the minutes of July 1, 1998. There were none. A motion was made that the minutes be
approved as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Wolosyn reported that the next RTD meeting would be August 11, 1998. Drawings of the
station would be brought to the meeting.
In regards to the Plaza Statue, Commission members would discuss options for the next four
months at the September meeting . Hultberg reported that he has had two inquiries concerning Art at the
Plaza and over 100 for Art at the Station.
Chairperson Wolosyn reported that Commission members LaPorta, Warner, Tomasso and
herself have met to discuss Procedures. A draft has been created and will pe sent to Commission
members.
An Art in Public Places meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 1998, at 7:00pm at
LaPorta Art Gallery .
Vice-Chairman Spangenberg reported that there has been no action on the Centennial
Celebration.
Information was distributed to Commission members regarding the Feasibility Study.
• Commission members would review and make suggestions for the study and return it at the August 12,
1998, Art in Public Places meeting. Chairman Wolosyn suggested that once the study is completed,
commission members need to review it with staff and Director Simpson.
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Commission members commented on the usefulness of the feasibility study if MOA decides not
to come to the Cinderella City site and if the fine arts area became available. Council member
Habenicht added that it could also be a tool in working with MOA. Discussion ensued regarding the
potential partnership between MOA and the City of Englewood , and the opportunities for funding.
Commission members discussed the potential of a performing arts center/theater.
Commission member LaPorta stated she had brought in a Bev Doolittle painting to be used for a
drawing for those who donated towards the Feasibility Study.
In regards to the money that was donated towards the feasibility study, it was suggested that a
newsletter be composed that would inform what the money is intended to go towards and the status of
the study . Recreation Manager Hultberg stated that an option needs to be made available where the
donor could ask for his donation to be returned.
Discussion followed regarding City Council's intent to match funds for the Feasibility Study .
Chairperson Wolosyn asked what is being done with the $1500 .00 that was donated, and if it
would be used towards the mailings or a further study. Director Black stated that he preferred that the
money not be used for mailings.
Recreation Manager Hultberg announced the first annual Olde Tyme Fair would be Saturday,
August 22 and Sunday, August 23 at the Miller Field. The event would consist of on-going
entertainment, booths, field games and food. ·-
Hultberg reported that he had sent information to departments and directors regarding the
inventory of art in city facilities. Hultberg stated that so far he has had no response, but had given until
August 14, 1998 as the deadline. Council member Habenicht commented that the sundial at Romans
Park should be included in the inventory. Discussion ensued regarding the playground models designed
by Packy Romans that were on display at Recreation facilities. The models would be on display for the
next Cultural Arts Commission meeting.
Council member Habenicht announced the theme for the upcoming Holiday Parade would be
"Englewood Renaissance -on the verge of a new millennium".
In regards to the inventory of art, Youth member Heberling reported that he was made aware of
the possibility of a gargoyle being located in the basement of a firehouse. Heberling would research.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20pm.
Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary
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