Commission on the Arts

A SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE HAMPTON COMMISSION ON THE ARTS Thursday, March 7, 2024 4:00 PM The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center THE HAMPTON ARTS FOUNDATION BOARD AND THE CHARLES H. TAYLOR VISUAL ARTS CENTER TRUSTEES Thursday, March 7, 2024 In Attendance: Present: Brian DeProfio, Michael Hamar, Courtney Hampton, Hope Harper, Rebekah Hill, Martha Mugler, Tekey Wallace, Karen Ward (Chair), Aiya Williams. Absent: Derrick Brooks, Cherelle Cotton, Thomas Cagley Staff Present: Coliseum/Arts Department: Diana Blanchard-Gross, Carena Novak, Terri Vander Vennet, City of Hampton: Bonnie Brown (Director, Community Development), Greg Goetz (Development Services Center Manager), Jason Mitchell (Public Works Director), Hannah Sabo (Deputy Director, Community Development) Guests: The Hampton Arts Foundation Board Present In-Person: David Bowen (President), Sheryl Crawley, Letia Drewry, Mark Duncan, Dana Gray, Denine Miller, Martha Mugler, Hansford Post, Merle Rivas, Karen Spaulding, Karen Ward The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center Trustees Present In-Person: Richard Bagley, Sheryl Crawley, Raymond Haynes, Douglas Miller, Debbie Scott (President) I. Call to Order Terri Vander Vennet called the meeting to order at 4:20 PM. 1 II. The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center Expansion Terri Vander Vennet stated that the purpose of the meeting was to begin creating a road map for the expansion of the Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center (CHTVAC). She introduced City of Hampton Administrators/Staff and Board Presidents/Chairs in attendance. Karen Ward introduced the new Hampton Commission on the Arts members Michael Hamar and Tekey Wallace. Hannah Sabo shared project steps. After discussion (see CHTVAC classification below), it was determined that expansion can proceed by right (no use permit required). The administrative process will begin with site plan reviews with an engineer, usually 3 reviews over 3 to 6 months. Next, design plans will be considered. Terri Vander Vennet showed and commented on the conceptual rendering by RRMM Architects. The juxtaposition of modern glass and metal against the existing building will be among the items to be revisited with the architects. Community Development is available to give general feedback regarding the design, and they will handle green areas, setbacks, parking, etc. The final decision regarding aesthetics will be made by the boards, although, with a financial investment by the City, Community Development, Planning, and City Council will make known certain things they would like to see. The architects will make construction documents to be put out for advertising that the project is proceeding/RFPs. Discussion of/questions regarding a variety of topics followed: • How is the CHTVAC classified? The land and building were conveyed in trust for the benefit and use of the residents of what is now the City of Hampton – the trust owns both, and the City, a long-term tenant ($1 total lease amount), maintains the grounds and maintains and operates the building. • Which should come first, the budget or the building design? Brian DeProfio said to start with the building design we are interested in pursuing. • It was confirmed that the project funding will be a combination of monies raised through a capital campaign and City funding. • Jason Mitchell elaborated on the site plan process. Where the existing building and expansion footprint will be situated on the property will be 2  defined by the architectural site plans/aerial footprint of the concept and evaluation of survey boundaries to determine existing and suggested setbacks. A variance may be needed. A due diligence process regarding the footprint, setbacks, utility needs, water/sewer capacity, parking requirements (for the Hampton Public Library, CHTVAC, and Darling Stadium), etc., will be done. Mr. Mitchell recommended choosing a good architect and engineering firm with experience in Hampton. Brian DeProfio assured that the City will do what it can to make the project successful. • Doug Miller asked to hear about what the boards envision. David Bowen asked if the City is interested in this kind of project. Brian DeProfio replied yes. The City does not know the full scope of the project, but wants to move forward with support. Karen Spaulding commented that the use of museum, in reference to the CHTVAC, rather visual arts center, sounds limiting in terms of the breadth of offerings. Other responses to Mr. Miller’s question included a user-friendly space with larger exhibit and classroom/education spaces, improved lighting, and ADA compliance. Terri Vander Vennet mentioned rental space, and the Hampton Arts Education mission – so much more can be done. We want to grow. That the facility is already so well used is a plus. Martha Mugler pointed out that the RRMM rendering is not ADA compliant because the design did not address the existing split elevation connecting the entry and middle galleries. Merle Rivas stated that we want CHTVAC to be a pre-eminent visual arts center on the Peninsula. Debbie Scott asked if we should vote to go forward or vote to break the expansion into segments. Martha Mugler confirmed with the CHTVAC trustees that they should vote first, followed by the Commission and Foundation. After a motion to continue pursuing the CHTVAC expansion was made (with no specifics re: phasing in changes), Ms. Scott indicated that the trustees have already decided that we can proceed. The Commission and Foundation will vote during their individual, regular meetings. • Will we continue with RRMM or choose another architectural firm? 3  • Rick Bagley asked about a drop back position if the scope of the project is too ambitious. Martha Mugler indicated that we need a starting point with the consultant re: the design – she has talked with The Curtis Group, well known for developing fundraising tactics with nonprofits designated 501c3, about building our base of givers and a capital campaign. Jason Mitchell said that after the huge elevation of construction costs after Covid, he would estimate costs in 1-1 ½ years to be $400 per square foot. Brian DeProfio suggested that a practical way to phase in changes might be to make second floor access and bathrooms a priority. Next, more functional space. Bonnie Brown echoed Ms. Sabo’s reassurance that Community Development can direct us early in the process so that there are no surprises. • Is the building historic? Debbie Scott responded that it is not registered and that should be explored. Information about the building is available in the Virginiana Room of the Hampton Public Library. • Karen Spaulding suggested that individual boards talk about the RRMM concept rendering with CHTVAC/Hampton Arts staff and administration to develop a response to the architects. Terri Vander Vennet will send out the RRMM design. III. Artistic Director Update Terri Vander Vennet announced that Jody Madaras has accepted the position of Artistic Director Hampton Coliseum/Hampton Arts Commission and will begin on Monday, March 11, 2024. A partial resume was distributed. IV. The meeting was adjourned tat 5:20 PM. 4