Title
Manhattan Project-Era Dormitory Project Update and Possible Action on Recommendation to Planning and Zoning Commission
Recommended Action
I move that the Board support the Manhattan Project-Era Dormitory Project and notify Planning and Zoning Commission of this support.
Body
According to historical records, the Manhattan Project-era Dormitory (formerly known at the Women's Army Corps. dormitory) was constructed in 1943 during the Manhattan Project. In 2019, the County was approached by the Christian Science Society about their desire to sell the property. County Council approved the purchase of the property and the sale closed in 2020.
To determine an appropriate renovation and reuse of the property, the County contracted with Mullen-Heller Architecture under a services agreement to perform the design and public engagement services necessary to develop the project. In 2022 after series of public meetings and development of four concepts for the property, Council selected concept 1a and final design efforts were begun. Concept 1a was a concept that included National Park Service office space and Manhattan Project National Historical Park Visitor Center with an exterior building for public restrooms. Also, part of the services performed by Mullen-Heller was the creation of a Historic Evaluation and Preservation Plan for the building. Attachment A contains this plan without appendices B, C, and D.
This item is to update the Board on the current status of this project and solicit support for continuation of this project with the next steps including bringing the site plan to Planning and Zoning Commission, submitting detail drawings for final evaluation by State Historic Preservation Office, and completing construction and bid documents.
Attachments
A - Historic Evaluation and Preservation Plan