COMPLETE THE SQUARE FRANKLIN CITY HALL MASTER PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS ESTABLISHING THE VISION 01 INTRODUCTION 02 VISION & SUCCESS CRITERIA 08 PROJECT PROCESS 10 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT 14 PROJECT FRAMEWORK 30 OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, & GOALS 36 FORMING THE VISION 49 ORGANIZATIONAL DIAGRAMS 50 FLOOR PLANS & BUILDING MASSING 56 SITE OPPORTUNITIES 66 THE VISION: COMPLETING THE SQUARE 77 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 89
01 Master Plan Franklin City Hall ESTABLISHING THE VISION Introduction • Executive Summary • History of the Site Vision & Success Criteria Project Process Community Engagement Report Project Framework • Zoning • Historic Preservation Overlay District • Building Program Opportunities, Challenges, and Goals • Completing the Square with a Civic Presence • Sensitivity to Surrounding Context • Access to the Building • Sustainability • Community Vision • Building Design Goals
02 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan The existing City Hall is an anomaly in the rich, historic downtown fabric. The existing City Hall facility is a re-purposedmall building built in 1974. Lasting only a few years, the mall did not prove to be successful. In 1981, the building was re-purposed to house City Hall. The existing one-story structure covers the entire city block from Public Square to Church Street along 3rd Avenue South. The existing building has very few exterior windows and is lacking in architectural character inherent in the surrounding historic structures, making City Hall appear very unwelcoming from the exterior. Being a mall building, the structure is not well suited for City Hall functions. The City leadership and staff have made this building work for over four decades, but now the building has outlived its lifespan and is in a state of disrepair, requiring costly continual maintenance. The design of the newCity Hall building in this prominent location is an opportunity to contextually repair this quadrant of the Square and continue the vibrancy of downtown along 3rd Avenue South. Prior to the Mall building, this quadrant of the Square was the center of downtown activity throughout the early history of the City, housing mule barns and a general store, making this quadrant a destination for the citizens and a gathering place for the community. The design of the new City Hall should serve as a gateway to the City with a welcoming, inviting presence, promoting a sense of community for the citizens of Franklin. Downtown Franklin is well known for its annual festivals and parades including: Pumpkin Fest in October; the Veterans Day Parade in November; and Dickens of a Christmas in December. Thousands of tourists visit Franklin each year to enjoy the festivals and explore the elegant shops, restaurants, and galleries located in the historic downtown core. The design of the new City Hall should provide a destination for the visitors to learn about the unique history of Franklin, and gather information about the many things to do and sites to see on their visit. The new City Hall building will serve as a hub for the community providing many opportunities for citizens to become more connected to their community, to their elected officials, to the City staff while conducting business, and to the history and story of Franklin. The new City Hall should provide a secure building for the staff to work, while providing a welcoming, accessible destination for the community, combined with potential supporting uses on 3rd Avenue and Church Street. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION
03 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan Site: 1. Provide open space that responds to the surrounding context 2. Support a variety of community uses and gatherings in outdoor spaces 3. Improve streetscape 4. Upgrade utilities 5. Promote sustainable site design 6. Provide additional parking for city staff and the public Purpose of the Master Plan The Master Plan will serve as the road map for the future design and development of the entire City Hall site. The vision of the Master Plan is the result of an extensive process of research and information gathering, case study investigation, and public outreach that began in Fall of 2020. The existing one story repurposed mall building will be demolished and replaced with a state-of-the-art City Hall facility on the Southeast quadrant of Public Square. The facility will be designed with the goal of providing flexibility for the future growth and the evolving needs of the city. Based on the results of the community survey and stakeholder meetings from the public engagement process, other supporting uses and community amenities were identified and incorporated into the conceptual master plan. These uses and amenities include the following: • Exterior open space for community gathering • Visitor Information Center • Public art opportunities • Interior meeting rooms for community use • Additional parking • Green roof spaces for public and staff The vision of the building and site is one that responds to the rich historic fabric of downtown Franklin in a responsible and sensitive way while providing a modern, yet timeless City Hall building to facilitate the continuation of the high standard of services and care for the citizens of Franklin. Goals of the Master Plan Building: 1. Welcoming City Hall that provides the highest level of service to the citizens of Franklin 2. Respond to the context with appropriate height, massing, and scale 3. Flexibility in the design to accommodate growth and change 4. More meeting space 5. Improved daylighting, health, and wellness for staff 6. Improved connectivity between departments 7. Implement technology for improved efficiency and innovative service delivery 8. Improved security 9. Implement sustainabledesign for improvedenergyefficiency and occupant health
04 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan Historic Williamson County Courthouse Pie Wagon Historic City Offices Watering Trough D.B. Cliffe Garden Cotton’s Livery Stables Blacksmith/Bearden Buggy Cornerstone Church Wagner & Co Laundry/ DT Crocket General Store Historic Main Street 7. 4. 6. 5. 2. 3. 1. 10. 8. 9. N HISTORY OF THE SITE INTRODUCTION Key Features
05 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan 1. Lunn’s Blacksmith/ Bearden Buggy 2. Cotton’s Livery Stables 3. Watering Trough 4. D.B. Cliffe Garden 5. Wagner & Co Laundry/ DT Crocket General Store 6. Chapman’s Pie Wagon 7. Historic Williamson County Courthouse 8. Historic Main Street 1815 to mid-1850’s 9. Cornerstone Presbyterian Church Originally First Baptist Church, built in 1849 10. Historic City Offices Built in 1890's Quadrant of Square demolished in 1968 for Harpeth Square Mall Built in early 1900's Demolished prior to 1946 Built in 1890's Quadrant of Square demolished in 1968 for Harpeth Square Mall Early 1900's Began Post Civil War and the Cliffe Family kept it alive for three generations - Famous for its flowers Rebuilt after 1888 fire. City Offices moved to Bethurum Funeral Home building in 1958, then to Harpeth Square Mall in 1981. 1920's-1940's Became Smithwick's Pie Wagon in the 1950s Built in the 1850's Damaged in 1871 tornado but was restored
06 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan Current Franklin City Hall Williamson County Courthouse Pull-Tight Theater 2nd Ave Parking Garage Cornerstone Church Williamson County Courthouse Historic Franklin City Hall Offices Cotton’s Livery Stable Cornerstone Church HISTORY OF THE SITE THEN & NOW INTRODUCTION Key Historical Site Features City Hall site has seen continuous change in services, architecture, and scale over the years. Historically, the businesses once located on this site served the community. These included grocery stores, stables, horse watering, buggy repair, and automotive sales & service. • The Corner of Third Avenue South has always been anchored with solid architecture. • Stables and transportation have established this corner as a place to meet, gather & access transportation. • Dr. D.B. Cliffe maintained a garden along Second Avenue that was famous for its flowers. His grandson, Joe Cliffe, who was an Alderman for many years and continued the tradition of the community garden for several years. Both Dr. Cliffe and Joe Cliffe lived on Second Avenue South. • Chapman’s Pie Wagon was originally located adjacent to the courthouse on Third Avenue South before relocating to the Northwest corner of square with a change of ownership to Mrs. Smithwick in the early 1940’s. • The Corner of Third Avenue South was known as the “Water Trough Corner”. It is suspected that the water trough was part of D.T. Crockett’s Grocery Store (aka Wagner’s Grocery), providing a place for visitors to bring their horses to water while shopping Downtown. This may provide an opportunity to recall the history with a water feature as part of the new City Hall site improvements. Architectural Expression of the Livery Stables • Historic stables & an auction house served all citizens of Franklin & the surrounding area. • Architectural expression of the Livery Stables was more consistent with vernacular than typical horse barn. • Stepped parapet, brick construction, corbelling details created a unique architectural expression. • Grand arch sized to be large enough to drive horse & buggies into livery stables.
07 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan 02 historic today arch 01 historic today arch 03 historic today arch 04 historic today arch * The historic livery stable buildings and their iconic gateway arches are no longer in existence today. Arched architectural elements of varying scale and proportions can be found in many of the historic buildings in downtown Franklin today.
08 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan ALIGNED WITH THE MISSION OF FRANKLIN City of Franklin Mission: The mission of the City of Franklin is to foster community cooperation, innovation, and opportunity by providing quality services to Franklin residents and businesses in an efficient, effective, and economical manner. City of Franklin Vision: Franklin will continually strive to be a community of choice for individuals, families, and businesses to grow and prosper through an excellent quality of life supported by exceptional, responsive, and cost effective City services. City of Franklin Key Principles: • Excellence. Our goal is the delivery of high quality service to citizens and co-workers alike. We are proud of our level of service and our continuous improvement efforts. We measure ourselves against the “best in class” in both the public and private sector. • Innovation. We are open to new ideas and methods of providing services and meeting community needs. • Ideas and approaches are “mined” from a variety of sources including those outside of government service. • Teamwork. Resources are shared. Problem solving should be expected of each individual but is also a shared endeavor. Collaborationisafundamental skillbothwithintheorganization and with other community-serving entities. Department directors establish positive working relationships with their counterparts at the county, within other municipalities, and with key state government officials. Employees throughout the organization know they are valued. • Integrity. Our actions and words are in harmony. If you make a mistake, own it, take action to correct the situation, and move on. • Action-Oriented. Team members act with a sense of urgency to meet the needs of citizens, co-workers, and the community. We seek to make a difference every day. We will always make the most of the opportunities presented to us. VISION & SUCCESS CRITERIA Servethe community Provide an efficient, flexible facility to support exceptional delivery of services to the citizens of Franklin that speaks to the mission and key principals of Franklin. Welcomethe community Promote citizen engagement by inspiring pride in the community and providing a wide range of indoor and outdoor services and amenities for Franklin’s diverse community. Lead the community Be a model for responsible development that responds to the rich fabric of downtown Franklin while implementing fiscal and environmentally sustainable strategies.
09 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan SUCCESS CRITERIA IMPROVED QUALITY OF SERVICES TO THE CITIZEN OF FRANKLIN SHOW FISCAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT ENHANCE FRANKLIN’S UNIQUE DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD • Implement effective security measures without sacrificing a welcoming and accessible City Hall for the citizens • Further enhance the level of City services • Flexibility in systems and design to allow for change and growth over time • Use technology to improveefficiencyandexpandcapabilities • Implement sustainable strategies that are proven to be energy efficient thereby reducing life cycle costs of the building • Balance state of the art systems with initial construction and ongoing maintenance costs • Demonstrate strategic use of the site and resources • Provide Open Space that responds to the surrounding context andprovides enjoyable outdoor spaces for gathering and respite • Provide additional amenities for the community such as meeting space and parking • A building design that is respectful to the height, massing and scale of the surrounding built environment • A building design that is Civic in nature but blends with the historic character of Franklin's unique downtown fabric • Complete the Southeast quadrant of Franklin's Public Square with a City Hall that is both inviting and timeless • Improve access to city services and activities • Provide flexible and adaptable spaces for community use • Provide cultural and community resources such as educational opportunities and public art by local artists
10 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan Kelly Dannenfelser, Assistant Director of Planning & Sustainability Andrew Orr, Long Range Planning Supervisor Annette Dalrymple, Land Planner CITY OF FRANKLIN LONG RANGE PLANNING & THE PHASE 1 DESIGN TEAM Board of Mayor & Alderman Historic Design Review Committee Planning Commission Design Professionals & Developers Civic Leaders & Stakeholders Downtown Neighborhood Association Public Arts Commission City Hall Staff Community & Citizens COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Vernon Gerth, Assistant City Administrator Kelly Dannenfelser, Assistant Director of Planning & Sustainability Joe Marlo, Staff Engineer III Brad Wilson, Facilities Project Manager CITY OF FRANKLIN EXECUTIVE TEAM FUNCTIONAL SPACE GROUP Representives from the following City Departments: City Executive Team Administration Department Finance Department Planning & Sustainability Department Information Technology Department Engineering Department Building & Neighborhood Services Department Fire Administration Department Recorder / Revenue Department Municipal Court Department Communications Department Human Resources Department Legal Department Purchasing Department PHASE 1 DESIGN TEAM OHM Advisors, Architecture Studio 8 Design, Archirecture & Project Managment BRANDid, Interior Design Kiser Vogrin Design, Landscape Planning & Landscape Architecture Genesis Engineering, Structural, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Henderson Engineers, AV/Broadcasting/Smart Building, & Lighting Design Consultant The Parent Company, Pre-Construction Cost Estimating Optimized Design Solutions, LEED Consultant SRMC, Security Consultant METHODOLOGY & TEAM ORGANIZATION PROJECT PROCESS TEAM ORGANIZATION Round Two of Community Engagement will follow the release of this Conceptual Master Plan booklet in order to gain feedback on the proposed Master Plan design. Revisions will be made to the Conceptual Master Plan based on the feedback received from Round Two of Community Engagement culminating in a Preliminary Master Plan that the Design Team will present to BOMA for their review and consideration in early 2022. The timeline shown to the right and on the following page is a graphic summary of the process described above. The Phase One project team is shown in the graphic on the right. The City Executive Team led the programming and visioning effort for the City. Members of the Long Range Planning group led the Community Engagement portion of Phase One. The City ExecutiveTeamdevelopedaFunctional SpaceGroupconsistingof representatives from all City departments. The Functional Space Group participated in a kick-off Site Walk meeting, Departmental Interviews, Case Study presentations, and tours of local modern corporate offices and a furniture vendor showroom. The Design Team did extensive case study research on the following topics and made presentations to the City staff: • City Hall and Corporate Office Design • Site Design • New Buildings in a Historic Context • Building Systems including Sustainable Design Strategies and Incorporation of Modern Technology The Design Team developed questionnaires and hosted Zoom Interviews with representatives from each department and documented the findings from the questionnaire and interview process for the City Executive Team review. This documentation and the City Executive Team’s feedback served as the basis for the development of the building program. The Design Team created a programming document that defines the square footage needs of the building, departmental adjacencies, overall building organization, and space standards for each programmatic element. This document will serve as the basis for the subsequent design phases after Phase One is complete. For theCommunityEngagement portionof PhaseOne, theDesign Team worked closely with representatives from the Long Range Planning Department. The Design Team developed a Community Engagement Plan that consists of two rounds of community engagement. This Conceptual Master Plan document is the result of Round One of the Community Engagement process. For Round One, the Design Team created and hosted a project website that included information about the project, a link to a community survey, and a comment box where citizens could submit their thoughts and questions about the project. Round One also included a series of community meetings with key stakeholder groups and City staff. A survey was also distributed to City staff to gain further insight into what staff would like to see incorporated into the new City Hall.
11 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan Research & Analysis Generate Wish List Develop Wish List Establish Goals and Objectives of the Master Plan 01 Develop the Master Plan 03 November 2020 -Executive Team Kick-Off -Review Space Needs Analysis and Establish Project Goals -LEED Charette -City Hall Case Study Research -Aerial Drone Footage of Site December 2020 -Building Program Research February 2021 -Develop the Building Program & Space Standards -Evaluate Site for Future Development January 2021 -Departmental Interviews -Case Study Presentations March 2021 -Kick-Off Specialty Consultants [Security & Technology] -Specialty Consultant Draft Basis of Design Document Developemnt -Engineering Narrative Draft Document Development -Community Engagement Website Launch -Historic Design Review Committee Meeting #1 -Civil, Utility, & Streetscape Drawing Development 02Engage the Public in Conceptual Master Plan Development April 2021 Community Engagement Round 01 -Community & Staff Survey Release -Franklin Public Arts Commission Meeting -Civic Stakeholders Meeting -Downtown Neighborhood Association Meeting -City Employee Family Room Chat May 2021 Community Engagment Round 01 -Design Professionals & Developers Meeting -Community Family Room Chat #1 -Historic Design Review Committee [Meeting #2 - Site Walk] -BOMA Worksession -BOMA/FMPC Joint Conceptual Workshop June-July2021 -Compile Round 01 Community Engagement Feedback -Develop Round 01 Community Engagement Report -Develop the Preliminary Master Plan September 2021 -Release Round 01 Community Engagement Report & Preliminary Master Plan you are here TIMELINE TO DATE PHASE 01
12 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan Programming, Charrette and Preliminary Master Plan 01 PHASE 02Schematic Design PHASE PHASE 02.A Executive Team Kick-Off PHASE 02.B BOMA/FMPC Joint Conceptual Workshop PHASE 02.C BOMA Worksession MILESTONE 03: BOMA Meeting Resolution to Approve Schematic Design & Preliminary Construction Cost Estimate PHASE 03.A Executive Team Kick-Off PHASE 03.B Site Plan Submittals - Pre-Application Document Production & Review Process PHASE 03.C FHZC Application & Submittal & Review Process FMPC Application & Submittal & Review Process Design Development 03 PHASE September - December 2021 Round 02 Community Engagement -Special BOMA Worksession (Current Board) -Community Family Room Chat #2 -Historic Design Review Committee Meeting #3 -BOMA/FMPC Joint Conceptual Worksop -BOMA Worksession (New Board) December 2021 - February 2022 Refinements to Preliminary Master Plan based on Feedback from Round 02 Community Engagement February 2022 BOMA Worksession MILESTONE 01: BOMA Meeting Resolution to Approve Preliminary Master Plan & Preliminary Construction Cost Estimate March 2022 Update Project Scope, Schedule, & Fee Proposals BOMA Worksession MILESTONE 02: BOMA Meeting Resolution to Approve Amended Project Scope, Schedule, & Fees you are here TIMELINE FROM NOW UNTIL CITY HALL OPENS PROJECT PROCESS This timeline begins with Round Two of the Community Engagement Process. Phase One will end with Milestone One, which is the BOMA Meeting to approve the Master Plan and Milestone Twowhich is the BOMAMeeting to approve proceeding with the remaining design and construction phases. Overall, the timeline from the beginning of Phase One to the time that City Hall opens is estimated to be a duration of 5+ years.
13 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan City Hall Opens 2026 04Construction Documents PHASE PHASE 04.A Executive Team Kick-Off PHASE 04.B 50% Construction Documents Update Construction Cost Estimate PHASE 04.C 100% Contract Documents 06Construction Administration & Project Close Out PHASE PHASE 06.A Construction Begins PHASE 06.B Project Close-Out LEED Commissioning PHASE 05.A Bidding & Negotation LEED Design Compliance Review by USGBC PHASE 05.B BOMA Worksession MILESTONE 04: BOMA Meeting Resolution to Approve Bid Award PHASE 06.C City Issues Use & Occupancy Certificate Move-In PHASE 05.C Permit Approval Contractor Notice to Proceed Permitting, LEED Design Compliance Review, and Bidding & Negotiation 05 PHASE
14 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan Community Engagement Round 01 Timeline you are here Historic Design Review Committee Meeting # 1 March 2021 Community & Staff Survey Release April 2021 Civic Stakeholders Meeting April 2021 Downtown Neighborhood Association Meeting April 2021 Public Arts Commission April 2021 Design Professional & Developers Meeting May 2021 Community Family Room Chat #1 May 2021 Historic Design Review Committee [Meeting #2 - Site Walk] May 2021 BOMA Worksession May 2021 BOMA/FMPC Joint Conceptual Workshop May 2021 Compile Round 01 Community Engagement Feedback June 2021 Develop Round 01 Community Engagement Report July 2021 Release Round 01 Community Engagement Report September 2021 City Employee Family Room Chat April 2021 STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT SUMMARY The Design Team conducted ten stakeholder meetings during Round One of the Community Engagement process over the course of eight weeks from March 2021 to May 2021. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all meetings were virtual until the COVID restrictions were lifted, allowing the Historic DRC second meeting, BOMAWorksession and BOMA/FMPC Joint Conceptual Workshop to be in-person meetings in the latter portion of Round One. Below is a list of the meetings hosted during Round One of Community Engagement: • Historic Design Review Committee Meeting #1 • Public Arts Commission • Downtown Neighborhood Association • Civic Stakeholders (Executive Directors of Civic Non-Profits) • City Employees (Two Meetings) • Design Professionals/Developers Group • Large Family Room Chat with the General Public • Historic Design Review Committee Meeting #2 • BOMA Worksession • BOMA/FMPC Joint Conceptual Workshop
15 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan BY THE NUMBERS 300+ MEETING ATTENDANCE 10 MEETINGS 145+ ATTENDEES COMMENT 25+ TOPIC BASED QUESTIONS NEW CITY HALL FACILITY | FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE 25 & 27 MAY 2021 7 OF 19 PAGE ESTABLISHING MASTER PLAN GOALS What is most important to you when considering the development of a City Hall in Downtown Franklin? D.T. Crockett Store; Public Square Wagner & Co; Corner of Public Square & Third Ave S Cotton’s Livery Stable & Auction House; Third Avenue Historical site map showing water trough corner and D.B. Cliffe gardens Historically, the businesses once located on this site served the community and established this corner as a place to meet, gather, and access transportation. These uses included grocery stores, stables, horse watering, buggy repair, and automobile sales and services. Pie Wagon HISTORICAL CONTEXT NEW CITY HALL FACILITY | FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE 25 & 27 MAY 2021 8 OF 19 PAGE ESTABLISHING MASTER PLAN GOALS What is most important to you when considering the development of a City Hall in Downtown Franklin? Relationship to Public Square and the integration into the surrounding built context Welcoming and Inviting to all visitors Historic City Office Building; Franklin, TN Public Square Williamson County Court House 306 Public Square Franklin, TN Main entrance to the Historic City Office Building was on Public Square City Hall site has seen continuous change in services, architecture, and scale over the years The corner of Third Ave South has always been anchored with solid architecture SITE CONTEXT - PUBLIC SQUARE NEW CITY HALL FACILITY | FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE 25 & 27 MAY 2021 14 OF 19 PAGE Boston, MA City Hall Buda, TX City Hall THE ROLE OF CITY HALL IN THE COMMUNITY What role should a City Hall play in the community? Provide places for the community to gather beyond the City Hall functions Embrace neighborhood partnerships Museum component - public art or historic display Visitor information center Educational component for the community Mount Pleasant, SC City Hall Provide something for all ages Independence Visitor Center, Philadelphia, PA NEW CITY HALL FACILITY | FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE 25 & 27 MAY 2021 15 OF 19 PAGE FUNCTIONALITY What is most important to you in creating a functional workplace? Build purposeful settings Emphasize community & culture Encourage circulation and connection Break down the barriers between departments Plan for growth Mufreesboro Police Department Cardinal Health South Campus; Dublin, OH West River Group; Seattle, WA Conference Room Breakroom NEW CITY HALL FACILITY | FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE 25 & 27 MAY 2021 16 OF 19 PAGE Windsor City Hall; Windsor, Ontario Steelcase Collaboration Table City of Albany Customer Service Boston, MA City Hall CUSTOMER INTERFACE In your opinion, what would be most beneficial in improving customer interface? Informal gathering and waiting areas Efficient and frictionless transactions Ease of accessibility and wayfinding Coffee shop in the Lobby Inviting and secure lobby Lobby connection to all public interfacing services NEW CITY HALL FACILITY | FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE 25 & 27 MAY 2021 17 OF 19 PAGE SUPPORTING USES What type of supporting uses do you envision on this block in addition to City Hall? Gatherings/Events/Fairs/Festivals Performances Gardens, Parks, Plazas, Courtyards Visitor Information Historic Display Incubator Space Commercial Uses DPR Construction; Sacramento, CA Incubator Space / Community Meeting Space Public Art Pedestrian Connector Puckett’s; Franklin, TN Community Meeting Space
16 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE [DRC] The Design Team hosted two meetings with the Historic Design Review Committee. The first meeting was a virtual case study presentation of new buildings in a historical context with a focus on the historical relevance of the City Hall site in downtown Franklin. The second meeting was held as an in-person site walk meeting. During this meeting, the attendees walked the perimeter of the site to discuss appropriate height, massing, and scale of the building in relation to the surrounding context. “Respect the edge of the Historical County Courthouse” “Entrance to City Hall on Public Square is symbolic to the history of the City’s civic services on the Square” “Speak to the history by incorporating MEETING #01 virtual slide presentation March 22, 2021 15 attendees Feedback & Takeaways: • Building height should not exceed 3 stories with 231 Public Square as a contextual reference, as well as the Williamson County Courthouse. The building should respect the Courthouse and not overpower in massing. • Retail uses are not appropriate on this site due its volatile nature, as well as the need to support other local businesses along the Main Street corridor. • Entrance of City Hall should face the historic Public Square. • 3rd Avenue should be activated with interior uses as well as exterior, public uses. • Building materials should be traditional and blend well with the existing context. • Respect the existing contextual edge of the Courthouse along the Square. • Building scale should step down along 3rd Avenue toward Church Street and incorporate green, softened edges. • Building entrance should stand out with some contrast in materials and scale. MEETING #02 on-site walk-through May 24, 2021 15 attendees Feedback & Takeaways: • Entrance at Public Square should incorporate a small plaza with covered and open areas for the public. • Implement small courtyards or pocket parks similar to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. • Underground parking should be maximized for employee parking and city vehicles should be stored at homes or off-site. • Demolition of the existing City Hall should implement sustainable strategies. • Entrance on Public Square is symbolic to the history of the city’s civic services on the Square. • Prefers the building height between the Courthouse eave and roof ridge. Birmingham AL, City Hall 1904’s Homestead Building the livery stables Multi-Family Infill, Washington DC
17 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan arches and water feature reminiscent of PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION TheDesign Teamhostedonemeetingwith the FranklinPublicArts Commission to discuss potential opportunities to incorporate public art into the Master Plan. The Design Team shared case study imagery of different ways art could be incorporated into outdoor plazas, courtyards, streetscape, and civic buildings. “Retail and commercial uses are not appropriate for City Hall site” MEETING virtual slide presentation April 7, 2021 13 attendees Feedback & Takeaways: • Rotating exhibits in green spaces. • Water feature at the Square that revives the historic water trough location • Distinct streetscape zones with street furnishings, plenty of room for pedestrians, as well as zones for gathering • Interactive art for children similar to Greenville, SC’s “Mice on Main” • Extension of the Midnight Sun Scavenger Hunt with multiple horses at City Hall that could be a small scale scavenger hunt within the larger hunt • Green space along Church Street that could become a gateway to the 2nd Avenue district and art galleries • Streetscape along Church Street has a distinct effect on the galleries along 2nd and should be welcoming • Building could have two main entries, one at the Square and one along 3rd Avenue DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION The Design Team hosted one meeting with the Downtown Neighborhood Association to gain insight into what the downtown neighboring businesses may want to see incorporated into the Master Plan. The Design Team shared a presentation of case study imagery related to the topics of the role of a City Hall in the community, historical and site context, city operations, community amenities, supporting uses, and architectural style. The following questions were posed during the presentation in order to facilitate feedback from the attendees: Why does Franklin need a new City Hall? What role should a City Hall play in the community? What is most important to you when considering the development of a City Hall in Downtown Franklin? What type of supporting uses do you envision on this block in addition to City Hall? What type of Architecture would you like to see? “Need more community meeting space on the interior and exterior of the building” MEETING virtual slide presentation April 6, 2021 18 attendees Feedback & Takeaways: • Need for upscale community space for a variety of meetings • Incorporate Visitor Information • Easy access to public restrooms • Sub-grade parking would be preferable over an above ground parking structure • City Hall should be welcoming and designed for the community • Incorporate arches reminiscent of the Livery Stables as an entry • Third Avenue streetscape improvements, including burying utilities, should be a priority • Concern with incorporating retail at the ground level • In favor of additional park space and green roofs for the community • Make security, safety, and traffic control a priority • Reduce carbon footprint • Concern with incorporation of incubator space as a supporting use • Mt Pleasant City Hall case study is too contemporary • Main entrance to City Hall should be on the Square CIVIC STAKEHOLDERS The Design Team hosted one meeting with the Executive Directors of Civic Non-Profit Organizations in the Community to gain insight into what community nonprofits may want to see incorporated into the Master Plan. The Design Team shared a presentation of case study imagery related to the topics of the role of a City Hall in the community, historical and site context, city operations, community amenities, supporting uses, and architectural style. The following questions were posed during the presentation in order to facilitate feedback from the attendees: Why does Franklin need a new City Hall? What role should a City Hall play in the community? What is most important to you when considering the development of a City Hall in Downtown Franklin? What type of supporting uses do you envision on this block in addition to City Hall? What type of Architecture would you like to see? MEETING virtual slide presentation April 6, 2021 23 attendees Feedback & Takeaways: • Consider COVID impacts on future office design • Provide community meeting space • In favor of a museum component and/or monument to tell the story of Franklin • Maintain transit stop somewhere on the site • Maintain access to public restrooms • Provide an outdoor gathering space on the Square with a Civic presence • Provide more free public parking • Incorporate a visitor center • Favor visitor and community engagement opportunities over retail as a supporting use • Potential satellite presence of community non-profits or other businesses • Provide plenty of daylight for the employees • One cohesive building that melds traditional and modern design that appropriately responds to the physical context of downtown Franklin and watering trough”
18 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan “Provide daylight and views for City Employees” “Provide additional parking for the public and dedicated parking for staff. Sub-grade parking is preferred” “Provide a plaza on the Square for community gatherings and support for festivals and events” CITY EMPLOYEE LARGE FAMILY ROOM CHATS The Design Team hosted two meetings with the City Employees to gain insight into what the City staff sees as a priority in the design of the new City Hall. The Design Team shared a presentation of case study imagery related to the topics of functionality, customer interface, health and wellness, security and accessibility, amenity spaces, parking, and other potential supporting uses to incorporate into the Master Plan. The following questions were posed during the presentation in order to facilitate feedback from the attendees: What is important to you in creating a functional workspace? What types of meeting spaces do you think would enhance collaboration and functionality? In your opinion, what would be most beneficial in improving customer interface? What types of features are most important to you to promote health and wellness in the workplace? What types of indoor and outdoor amenities would you like to see incorporated into City Hall for employee use? The City plans to retain the 2nd Avenue Parking garage. Should additional parking be incorporated as part of the future City Hall? What supporting uses or public amenities would you like to see incorporated on the City block? MEETING virtual slide presentation May 05, 2021 42 attendees Feedback & Takeaways: • Consider a plaza space on the Square for public gathering and festivals • Provide transparency into the building interior • Provide rooftop gathering spaces and park spaces • City Hall should be a welcoming environment for staff, citizens, and tourists • Consider a visitor information center • Consider a museum component that tells the story of Franklin • Provide additional parking • Provide flexibility in the Board Room with vestibules to control sound travel from the Lobby • Important to break up the massing along Third Avenue since it is such a long facade • Provide touchdown space and parking for visiting City staff that do not work in City Hall • Provide exercise facilities with natural light and views • Consider sub-grade dedicated parking for City employees • Incorporate arched entries reminiscent of the Livery stables • Consider food or coffee options for the public and staff • In favor of the entrance on the Square or on the corner of the Square and Third Avenue • In favor of public art inside or outside the building • Focus on the design of the pedestrian corridor from Second Avenue parking garage between 231 Public Square and City Hall • Align front wall with the Courthouse front wall • Provide a storm shelter for public and employees • In favor of Daxton Hotel and Montclair, NJ case studies DESIGN PROFESSIONALS & DEVELOPERS The Design Team attended the Franklin Design Professionals and Developers Group monthly meeting to gain insight into what the design and development community may want to see incorporated into the Master Plan. The Design Team shared a presentation of case study imagery related to the topics of the role of a City Hall in the Community, historical and site context, city operations, community amenities, supporting uses, and architectural style. The following questions were posed during the presentation in order to facilitate feedback from the attendees: Why does Franklin need a new City Hall? What role should a City Hall play in the community? What is most important to you when considering the development of a City Hall in Downtown Franklin? What type of supporting uses do you envision on this block in addition to City Hall? What type of Architecture would you like to see? MEETING #01 virtual slide presentation April 20, 2021 106 attendees Feedback & Takeaways: • Provide daylight and views • Provide a variety of workspaces that allows choice in where employees can do their work • In favor of Cameron Industrial Office Interior (Case Study provided by design team) • Concerned about noise in open office environment • Provide bike storage • More modern branding but with historic appeal • Provide sub-grade parking for employees • If staff parks in 2nd Avenue garage, consider a bridge connector to the garage • Parking garage should allow ample space for larger vehicles to turn and park • Provide convenient short term parking for customers • Consider assigned parking spaces • Consider a brick memorial wall instead of the brick pavers (tripping hazard) • Incorporate an employee celebration wall on the interior MEETING #02 virtual slide presentation April 21, 2021 12 attendees Feedback & Takeaways: • Provide community meeting space • Court Room should be shared with other uses (not frequent enough) • Incorporate a water feature • Consider COVID implication in the office design - improved air quality • Provide small meeting spaces for a virtual meeting separate from open office space • More space and focus on customer interface. Provide spaces for a private conversation with customers adjacent to service counter • Provide a welcoming main entrance with a greeter that is warm and welcoming • Provide comfortable and appealing furniture • Make security a priority in the design without sacrificing the inviting feel to the building • Consider a museum component that tells the story of Franklin
19 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMAN WORK SESSION The Design Team attended a regularly scheduled BOMA Worksession in May 2021 to gain insight into what the Board of Mayor and Aldermen may want to see incorporated into the Master Plan. The Design Team shared a presentation of case study imagery related to the topics of the role of a City Hall in the Community, historical and site context, city operations, community amenities, supporting uses, and architectural style. The following questions were posed during the presentation in order to facilitate feedback from the attendees: Why does Franklin need a new City Hall? What is most important to you when considering the development of a City Hall in Downtown Franklin? What type of Architecture would you like to see? What role should a City Hall play in the community? What is most important to you in creating a functional workspace? In your opinion, what would be most beneficial in improving customer interface? What type of supporting uses do you envision on this block in addition to City Hall? “Balance security with a welcoming City Hall” MEETING in person May 25, 2021 Agenda Item #13 Feedback & Takeaways: • Maintain access to public restrooms • In favor of a entry plaza • Do not duplicate services - partner with existing visitor center • Beverage sale or retail competes with other local businesses • Maximize efficiency in the design of the office spaces • Building needs to accommodate staff, visitors, and the citizens • Consider growth of Franklin and growth needs of City staff in planning • Consider impact of remote working on square footage needs • Consider a statue of Benjamin Franklin - the town’s namesake • Consider a monumental stair in the Lobby - important in way-finding for visitors • Provide Lobby space for gathering but not too vast with wasted space • Implement modern, timeless design • Incorporate flexible meetings spaces with movable partitions • Convenience and accessibility for citizens should not suffer due to security measures • Support for museum component • Start with programmatic needs of City Hall before incorporating supporting uses and amenities • Concerns expressed regarding water table and sub-grade parking • Incorporate habitable green roof space • Incorporate warm and inviting interior design • Entry could be on the corner of Third Avenue and the Square rather than facing the Square MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION BOMA/ FMPC JOINT CONCEPTUAL WORKSHOP The Design Team attended a regularly scheduled BOMA/FMPC Joint Conceptual Workshop in May 2021 to gain insight into what the Board of Mayor and Aldermen may want to see incorporated into the Master Plan. The Design Team shared a presentation of case study imagery related to the topics of the role of a City Hall in the Community, historical and site context, city operations, community amenities, supporting uses, and architectural style. The following questions were posed during the presentation in order to facilitate feedback from the attendees: Why does Franklin need a new City Hall? What is most important to you when considering the development of a City Hall in Downtown Franklin? What type of Architecture would you like to see? What role should a City Hall play in the community? What is most important to you in creating a functional workspace? In your opinion, what would be most beneficial in improving customer interface? What type of supporting uses do you envision on this block in addition to City Hall? “Incorporate public art on the interior and exterior” MEETING in person May 27, 2021 Agenda Item #2 Feedback & Takeaways: • Architecture is not too overwhelming • Entrance on the Square with room for a stage /plaza • Architecture is not contemporary - needs to look timeless • Scale of plaza needs to be appropriate for downtown Franklin • Balance security with a welcoming City Hall • Repair the geometry of the Square • Break down scale of the building along Third Avenue as it approaches the residential neighborhood • Looks historic on the exterior, but modern on the interior • Prefer Classical architecture for Civic buildings • Building should be designed to function for the City staff • Building speaks to the identity of Franklin • Look at Orlando City Hall as an example • Look for ways to activate a museum component - local artists, educational displays, basic information, focus on Franklin’s agriculture • Look at old plans that proposed a Public-Private partnership • Building should be designed from the inside out - focus on the needs of City staff • Building should be flexible to evolve over time, design trends change • Consider implementing a work from home policy to reduce square footage demands • The historical display needs to be done in a tasteful way that is respectful to all of Franklin’s diverse community. All should feel comfortable when visiting the exhibits. “Consider a Visitor Center with museum component that tells the story of Franklin” MEETING virtual slide presentation May 13, 2021 22 attendees Feedback & Takeaways: • Provide community meeting space with a variety of sizes, flexibility in hours of use, and refreshment options • Provide a welcoming, comfortable waiting area with good flow from the Board Room • Provide transparency and openness to the main Lobby • Provide a plaza space that does not interrupt the geometry of the Square • Consider incorporating a water feature that is reminiscent of the historical watering trough • Provide a community meeting space for 50-100 people with modern technology • Public restrooms easily accessible to the Square • Concern with non-profit dedicated space, amenities should be for the whole community • Provide a small, quiet courtyard close to the Square for respite • Incorporate arched entries reminiscent of the livery stable arches • Commercial and retail uses are not appropriate for City Hall • In support of public art, maybe a mural • Consider incorporation of a visitor center • Like the idea of a “front porch” area to relate to residential character • Mt Pleasant City Hall case study is too modern • Favor Montclair, NJ case study GENERAL PUBLIC The Design Team hosted a large virtual family room chat for the general public to gain insight into what the community at large may want to see incorporated into the Master Plan. The Design Team shared a presentation of case study imagery related to the topics of the role of a City Hall in the Community, historical and site context, city operations, community amenities, supporting uses, and architectural style. The following questions were posed during the presentation in order to facilitate feedback from the attendees: Why does Franklin need a new City Hall? What role should a City Hall play in the community? What is most important to you when considering the development of a City Hall in Downtown Franklin? What type of supporting uses do you envision on this block in addition to City Hall? What type of Architecture would you like to see?
20 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan Community Engagement Round 01 - Establishing the Vision The community survey was launched on April 19, 2021 and was made available online through the end of May, 2021. It was hosted on the project’s website and gathered over 650 responses. The survey consisted of 12 questions, aimed at understanding the community’s perspective on the future use, purpose and design of the new City Hall building. The majority of respondents were residents between the ages of 35 and 54. The following provides a summary on the responses. BY THE NUMBERS 650+ RESPONSES 12 QUESTIONS 06 WEEKS 74% COMPLETION RATE Saw it on social media (49.2%) By word of mouth (10.9%) Read a newspaper article ( 15.8%) This survey is the first I’ve heard of it (9.0%) Watched a City meeting (7.4%) Received an e-blast (6.4%) Heard it on the radio (0.2%) Q. How did you find out about the City’s initiative to envision a new City Hall on the Public Square? The majority of respondents found out about this initiative through social media, with a large number of people also finding out through the newspaper and word of mouth. This question helps inform the project team of the most effective method to spread the word about the project. Q. What is the typical nature of your visit to City Hall? Please check all that apply. Most respondents visit City Hall for services with City Departments and to attend board or commission meetings. Visiting City Departments for services (40.7%) Attending Board Meetings / Commission Meetings (33.8%) Use of public restrooms (25.4%) I have never visited City Hall (21.7%) Paying bills (20.9%) Attending court (4.9%) Attending special events (17.4%) Seeking information (22.0%) Other (0.6%) 1 2 COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT City Hall Service Counter, Mt Pleasant SC
21 Establishing The Vision Franklin City Hall Master Plan A place for government operations with integrated community spaces and amenities (80.7%) A place for government operations only (19.3%) Q. When thinking about the future City Hall, what do you think the purpose of the City Hall should be? The vast majority of respondents felt that the future City Hall should function as a place for government operations with integrated community spaces and amenities. Welcome Center (75.8%) Indoor community meeting spaces (65.8%) Art/gallery space (30.4%) Incubator space for non-profits (22.8%) Commercial uses (10.1%) None of the above (9.7%) Other (0.3%) Q. Would you like to see any of the following community indoor spaces and uses as part of the future City Hall? Please check up to three. A ‘welcome center that may include general information and the history of Franklin’ received the largest response. At just over 65%, many respondents also felt that indoor community meeting spaces should be included in the future City Hall. #1 Historic marker/memorial #2 Outdoor seating and furnishings #3 Plaza #4 Pocket park #5 Public park #6 Public art #7 Water feature #8 Performance area #9 Play space designed for children Q. Which outdoor spaces and amenities are you interested in seeing as part of the future City Hall? Please rank the following in order of importance from 1 to 8, where 1 is most important to you and 8 is least important to you The highest ranked feature by respondents was a historic marker/ memorial, followed by outdoor seating and furnishings. 3 4 5 Boston City Hall Plaza Flexible Community Meeting Space Outdoor Historic Memorial and Seating
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