Project Scope

The Central Park block encompasses the Adult Recreation Center located on the southeast quadrant of the site, the Central Library with on-site parking located along the entire northerly portion of the site spanning from Louise Street to the east and the public parking and alley to the west, and open space including landscaping, shade trees, walkways, and seating areas.   The proposed development of a 59,800 square-foot museum will be located on a 52,450 square-foot portion of the Central Park block located in the southwest quadrant of the site.  The remaining portion of the site, between the proposed museum and the existing Central Library, and the area east of the library, and north of the existing Adult Recreation Center, will be improved and programmed with a central open space Central Park to create a focal heart of the block that connects various paseos and surrounding public programs.  More importantly, this new open space will provide for a variety of diverse community events and programming, complementary to the proposed Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California and other public uses.  

Funding

Funding for the project will require the City to leverage various resources to support the capital costs associated with the cost of construction. Staff is recommending the following funding plan:

$2.0 M from one time funds (CDD Capital Improvement Funds)- Already appropriated. $2.0 M from identified DIE Funds for new infrastructure- Already appropriated. $12.0 M from former 2011 RDA bond proceeds- Not yet secured. $1.5 M from future Measure W funds- Not yet secured. $1.0 M from future, not yet programmed DIF funds- Not yet secured.

Status Update

The City Council approved the Central Park Block schematic design on June 4, 2019 with direction to proceed with design development, including obtaining proposals for design development, construction documents, bidding and construction administration.