7.3C. SR 08-15-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Project Narrative June 27, 2016 Sherburne County Government Center Addition and Renovation The Sherburne County Government Center was originally constructed in 1978 with expansions in 1988, 1994, 1997, 2000 and most recently 2004. The older portions of the facility's infrastructure (boilers, cooling, etc.) are beyond their useful lifespans and are no longer able to be properly serviced or controlled. Replacement of old equipment and components, repairs to serviceable equipment and components, system back-up, and an overall control system is an integral part of the construction project. These improvements will improve the ability of the Government Center to operate efficiently, reliably, and serve the County into the future. There is also a demand for increased services. Recently, the County was named the 11`h fastest growing county in the State and this rapid growth has led to the need for additional space in several departments - especially crucial in the public safety and human services departments. An in-depth analysis of current and future department requirements informs the proposed configuration so that it meets County needs through 2027 to house xxx employees. This includes space for agency partners to improve the County's ability to provide services in a cost effective and convenient manner. Due to the limitations within the current building, the existing courts facilities present significant circulation, security, accessibility, and technological challenges. Courtroom size, support areas, and configuration impede the ability of the Courts to meet the needs of the County and Judiciary, as well as prohibit routine utilization of current information systems employed by the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Moving court functions to a new building addition best addresses these issues for citizens, staff and judges. The proposal for the site is to include a new main entry to the site from the Western portion of the parcel along Business Center Drive. The existing entry to the site will become an "exit only" in order to help serve the elevated exiting of car traffic at key times of the day. The site work is adding parking on-site to accommodate the additional square footage of the addition. The design team has calculated parking requirements based on the programmatic requirements of each individual program use within the new and existing building. These calculations, confirmed with City staff, indicate that 960 stalls are required. The submitted plans call for a total on-site parking of 969 stalls. The 99,250 SF addition is proposed to house 5 new courtrooms, 2 potential future courtrooms, and a variety of administrative and public spaces associated to serve the courtrooms. The West facade of the addition will introduce a new public entry to the Sherburne County Government Center. The materials of the addition are meant to work with and complement the existing building. The exterior materials consist of brick to match the existing, metal panel, and glass. There will be one mechanical unit on the roof of the second level addition. The intent is that this mechanical unit will be screened along the North facade and the addition will help screen the other sides from the main entry. There are two exterior signs proposed. One lit monument sign at the entrance to the site off of Business Center Drive. The location and size are indicated on the submitted plans. The second monument sign will be located at the building entry. There are no proposed outdoor storage areas. Hours of operation and number of employees are not changing as part of this project.