THE DALLES — During its April 9 meeting, the Federal Street ad hoc committee was presented a finalized concept design by Michael Zilis, Reif Larsen and San Chun, of Walker-Macy Landscape Architecture Urban Design and Planning.
The finalized concept — which Larsen noted finalizes the first stage of a longer process — will involve further refinement in documentation and construction of the design. Walker-Macy also designed the initial “River City” and “Basalt” concept designs that were presented to the public in an open house on Feb. 12.
As previously reported by Columbia Gorge News, “the ‘River City’ concept features a shade structure, porch swings, a splash pad and a bike hub designed to attract cyclists traveling the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail,” while “the ‘Basalt’ design offers canopy structures for shade, movable seating and a public gathering space.”
Following the input received from both the public and the committee, it was decided to move forward with the “River City” concept as the basis for the design — using elements like the porch swings, bike hub and water feature — while incorporating favored elements of the “Basalt” concept into it, such as the organic formations, certain canopy structures and basalt-style seating.
“We were really impressed by the turnout and the enthusiasm expressed for the project,” Larsen said. “We had many great conversations with people and members of the community who were instrumental as we refined the design of the plaza.”
In the presentation, Zilis noted that 20% more green space was incorporated into the design following public feedback. Other additions included traffic bollards to inform drivers of the closed-off area, and restriped and reorganized parking lots to accommodate larger vehicles.
A final cost estimate given in the presentation came to $4.5 million, with $2.5 million credited towards direct construction costs including demo and site prep, site improvements and utilities and lighting; $2 million was factored towards general requirements and contingencies, including construction contingencies, insurance, tariffs and economic uncertainties.
City Manager Mathew Kelbs noted during the meeting that $4.9 million was factored into the proposed budget towards the project. City of The Dalles budget committee meetings are scheduled to begin on May 5.
The committee discussed elements of the presented design, with Mayor Rich Mays expressing interest in the incorporation of a previously discussed “Art Wall,” the decision to construct two new ADA accessible bathrooms on the east side of the transportation building while installing the plaza’s water feature circulation and pumping system into the building’s current restroom. The committee also discussed the addition of curb extensions, or “bulb outs” on the south side of second street along with north side of the street for pedestrian safety and connectivity with the plaza.
With the plan to recommend the design to The Dalles City council on April 28, the committee discussed whether to continue meeting as a committee for the next six months or to reform after the concept is presented. It was ultimately agreed upon by committee members to continue working under the mandate of seeing the project through to the creation of construction documents, as well as filling a currently empty seat on the committee.
Ultimately, in a motion so made by Committee Secretary Bets Stelzer and seconded by Councilor Dan Richardson, the committee unanimously passed the motion to recommend the presented design to city council, with the addition of the relocated restrooms, interior water pump house, art wall and bulb outs for the south side of second street at an estimated cost of $4.7 million following the recommended additions, and to extend the committee for an additional six months.
Full meeting agenda with concept designs can be viewed at www.thedalles.org.
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