1997-05-02 Redevelopment Authority Minutes

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South Bend Redevelopment Authority • Regular Meeting -May 2, 1997 4. NEW BUSINESS a. Authority approval requested for Resolution No. 113, a Resolution of the South Bend Redevelopment Authority establishing its intent to issue Redevelopment Authority lease rental revenue bonds and that certain preliminary costs be reimbursed from the proceeds of said bonds. Ms. Kolata noted that this resolution is related to the transformation of the Morris Civic Auditorium to the Morris Performing Arts Center. This action will begin the bond process. Ms. Kolata noted that there are three major components to the project, the stage house, the auditorium and the Palais Royale Ballroom. The first phase includes the demolition of the current stage at the Morris. The stage is very narrow, it is only 27 feet from the curtain to the back wall with very little space on either side of it. She noted that the plan is to totally demolish the old stage and build a new stage house. The new stage house will be - approximately 50 feet in depth. The new stage house will be larger, taller and deeper in depth. There will be two loading docks for semi-trucks and a van access • drive-up. This will be a multi-story structure with dressing rooms, rehearsal space, storage areas and support spaces. This also includes theatrical rigging and equipment. The next phase is the auditorium itself. The heating and cooling system in the auditorium will be restructured in its entirety. The rest of the auditorium will have cosmetic changes which will include architectural painting, historical painting, improvements to lighting and new seating. There will be improved concession areas and restrooms. All public areas will be upgraded and improved. The third phase is the Palais Royale Ballroom. She noted that the Redevelopment Commission is currently leasing the Palais Royale from the Redevelopment Authority and there is an existing bond issue on the building itself. This resolution won't replace the existing lease but will allow remodeling of the ballroom, as part of the new project. The project includes renovation of the grand stairway entrance to the ballroom, located on Colfax Street. Elevator access will be provided to the ballroom from Colfax Street, and the marquee on Colfax Street will be installed. The ballroom's heating system, electrical fixtures and lighting fixtures and the floors will be reconstructed. The entire ballroom will be repainted. The kitchen will be designed to operate as a catering facility to give the Morris Performing Arts Center the ability to operate as an events center to hold receptions, conferences and other events of this nature. The balcony area in the • Palais Royale, will become office space with at least one conference room. 2