TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Caryn Gardner-Young, Assistant City Manager
THROUGH: Mark R. Lauzier, City Manager
DATE: November 20, 2017
Title
MOTION TO APPROVE COMPONENTS OF THE OLD SCHOOL SQUARE MASTER PLAN
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
City Commission to provide direction on which components of the Old School Square Master Plan they recommend.
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Background:
Old School Square is a 5-acre site at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Swinton Avenue, anchoring Delray's downtown shopping district. The campus includes restored early 20th century school buildings, formerly Delray Elementary and Delray High School, which were re-adapted as the Cornell Art Museum, Creative Arts School, Crest Theatre and Fieldhouse, formerly known as the Vintage Gymnasium. The campus also includes the Pavilion, completed in 2002, in the center grounds, which is an outdoor entertainment stage with grass seating area, as well as the Old School Square Park just to the east. The Crest Theatre is housed in the restored 1913 Delray High School building. It was dedicated in 1993 as the performing arts center of Old School Square. Originally the high school auditorium, the Crest Theatre was re-designed as a charming, 323-seat, state-of-the-art facility combining the original high school color (blue) with warm burgundy and gold accents. The original stage was only 12 feet deep; therefore two stories of additional space were added during restoration to provide backstage, dressing room and storage areas. The Creative Arts School is located on the second floor of the Crest Theatre building. The School offers beginner through master level classes, for all ages, during fall/winter and spring/summer session. The Cornell Art Museum is housed in the restored Delray Elementary School building where the Museum strives to show nationally and internationally recognized, contemporary artists who create innovative and provocative works of art. The Cornell Art Museum was dedicated in 1990 and named in honor of Delray Beach residents Harriet W. and George D. Cornell. The architecture, formally known as “Masonry Vernacular,” makes the building unique in the downtown area. While the Fieldhouse is no longer used for sporting events, the original backboards remain in place. The loft, which held bleacher seating for the “away” teams, now provides space for seating or displays. The facility includes an adjacent food preparation/load-in area and the former locker rooms were converted to beautifully appointed restrooms.
In 2016, the City of Delray Beach (City) conducted a series of public engagement meeting to provide public input for the exterior uses of the Old School Square Campus/Park. Currie and Sowards was hired as architects to assist in the creation of the Old School Square Master Plan. The Master Plan has been completed and Old School Square is seeking approval from the City Commission on the components included in the Master Plan. Old School Square will be making a presentation at the November 20, 2017 City Commission meeting. Attached is a copy of the proposed PowerPoint presentation.
City Attorney Review:
N/A
Finance Department Review:
N/A
Funding Source:
N/A
Timing of Request:
Old School Square is seeking City Commission approval to strengthen their ability to obtain donations for the implementation of the Old School Square Master Plan.