Explanation
Background:
This ordinance will authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Franklin Park Conservatory for the administration of the implementation of the Franklin Park Master plan in the amount of $950,000.00.
It has been determined that it will be beneficial to have the Franklin Park Conservatory perform the administration of this project to help allow the least disruption to the daily operation of the Conservatory business. The funds will be used to reimburse the Conservatory for expenditures to support the implementation of the Phase One of the Master Plan for the Conservatory and Franklin Park and capital improvement projects for the Conservatory
Phase One of the Master Plan includes three major projects:
The first project, Palm House Additions, includes two 5,000 square foot additions to the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House, roof top gardens, a bride's garden, and a permanent lighting installation in the Palm House by world-renowned artist James Turrell. The expansion of the Conservatory's gardens and facilities will provide an opportunity to increase earned-revenue from event sales and catering while enhancing the value proposition for the visitors and clients. The project was completed and dedicated on Aug. 8, 2008.
The second project, Community Garden Campus, includes restoration of the historic Caretaker's House, construction of an Education Pavilion, Apiary Building, Summer Kitchen, Community Gardening Shed, a live Fire Cooking Theatre, commercial and residential rain gardens, and numerous horticultural display gardens. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus will serve as a living classroom for the Conservatory's educational programs and will be a catalyst for an expansion of the community gardening program titled "Growing to Green". The project was completed on schedule and on budget and was dedicated on Sept. 9, 2009.
The third project, a 9,300 square foot Production Greenhouse, was...
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