Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with the Franklin Park Conservatory for the administration and implementation of the Franklin Park Master Plan and related capital improvement projects. The amount being authorized by this ordinance is $500,000.00.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens requested capital support from the City of Columbus in 2022 to fund three capital projects. This $500,000.00 commitment from the City of Columbus supports starting the full design process for the future renovation of the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House and Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse, taking the process from the current concept status, developed by architectural firm AECOM and FPCBG in 2021, into the schematic design phase of the process. It will also support replacing the 30-year-old emergency backup generator that supports building life-safety systems, café kitchen operations, and front desk ticketing operations for continued safe and revenue-generating operations during power outages. Replacement would utilize modern and energy-efficient equipment, provide improved reliability and reduce operating and maintenance costs. Lastly, this commitment will support replacing the 30-year-old greenhouse biome air handler that supports plant collection heating, cooling and air circulation for optimum plant growth as well as visitor comfort. Replacement would utilize modern and energy-efficient equipment and provide improved climate control for plants and people, as well as reduce operating and maintenance costs. The full facility investigation completed by architects at Abbot Studios informed the decision of Franklin Park Conservatory to begin these projects in 2022. These behind-the-scenes projects are in preparation for the full restoration of the 126-year-old, John F. Wolfe Palm House and Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse: the physical backbone of the Conservatory and most iconic building ...
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