City OKs design services for Vet Hall City OKs design services for Vet Hall (March 19, 2004)

Plan calls for upgrades while maintaining historic features
by Dolores Fox Ciardelli

The City Council on Tuesday approved a contract for design services for the $3 million renovation of the Veterans Memorial Building on Main Street. Noll and Tam Architects were awarded the design contract, with all design work not to exceed $354,833.

In December 2000, the city hired Architectural Resources Group to develop a master plan for the renovation. The Group worked closely with a task force, city staff and commission members on a plan for improvement and upgrades that maintain the 1932 building's historic integrity.

The design services will include architectural and landscape design, civil engineering coordination, structural engineering, and mechanical and electrical engineering.

The council reviewed the master plan in July 2003, and Councilman Steve Brozosky noted at that time that some of the renovation costs seemed high and asked whether that was because it was a historic building. City landscape architect Mike Fulford agreed that part of the expense was because of its historic nature and noted there is a lot of handwork to be done on the stenciled beams.

The project is unusual because it is a historic structure that is being renovated for use by veterans' groups as well as community activities. Both the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ambrose D. Regalia Post 6298 and the American Legion Post 237 meet in the facility, and the VFW offers coffee and donuts there every Saturday morning. The $3 million price tag includes the cost of relocating the veterans' meeting space during the construction period.

The building, at 301 Main St., was designed by Henry H. Meyers, one of 10 built in Alameda County. In 1973, Pleasanton took over its management, and in 1997, the building and the property were transferred to the city.

Renovations will preserve the outside appearance and restore the distinctive inside features as much as possible, while making the building comply to current codes. Systems will be upgraded for telecommunications and modern data systems, and to make the building energy efficient. Also more toilet facilities will be added, and the kitchen will be upgraded for catering.

The main roof will be replaced using existing tiles, and steel-framed windows will be added to seismically strengthen the building. Lighting will be upgraded, and a fire protection and security system will be installed. Renovations will also include air conditioning and heating systems.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.