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information is included in the "Basis of Design", which is available for review in the <br /> Council Study. <br /> <br /> The following discussion in the staff report is primarily from the "Basis of Design <br /> Report." <br /> <br /> Issues <br /> 1. Physical Condition of the Buildin~q. Through inspection of the building and a review <br /> of improvement plans for previous renovations, it is evident that the building is in <br /> very good shape, and no immediate correction is necessary. <br /> <br /> Following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, San Mateo County initiated a seismic <br /> upgrade program, which has strengthened the internal structure of the building, and <br /> also installed seismic anchors in the stonework on the outside of the building. <br /> <br /> The existing mechanical, electrical, and elevator are in very good condition and <br /> should need no additional work. The elevator meets current ADA standards. The <br /> museum has been able to receive rehabilitation grants for additional work, including <br /> remodeling of the bathrooms, and is continuing with internal improvements. <br /> <br /> The Courthouse Dome, which consists of an inner and outer dome, is also being <br /> renovated. The inner dome is stained glass and was renovated and seismically <br /> upgraded, following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Currently there is a <br /> contractor on site, who is rebuilding the outer dome to make sure it is waterproof. <br /> <br />2. ADA Access to the Buildina. Since the main entrance to the Historic Courthouse is <br /> approximately eight feet "~ove gr~cle, ADA access cannot be achieved through a <br /> ramp. The design propc ~ shows an ADA lift (small open elevator) built into the <br /> rebuilt portico. This lift r~eets ADA access requirements, and is more convenient <br /> than a ramp. The lift will be designed so that access to it can be locked when the <br /> museum is not open, and is not a visual blight on the building. An example of such <br /> a lift (although not very attractive) can be found at the Seaport Conference Center. <br /> Attachment "A" shows one possible design for the lift. <br /> <br />3. Restoration to be Done. The portico and entry steps are the obvious and most <br /> expensive items to be added as part of the restoration. Another large part of the <br /> restoration is the replacement of the pediment and parapet details on the roof, <br /> including the eagles. Smaller eagles will also be replicated and installed on the <br /> base of the dome. <br /> <br /> Nearly all of the windows at the base of the building will have to be replaced. Many <br /> are deteriorated due to weather, and some are damaged due to installation of air <br /> conditioning units and ductwork. The upper floor windows will need some minor <br /> repair and painting. One large upper floor window will be replaced with a large <br /> removable window to facilitate the moving of large exhibit objects into and out of the <br /> building. <br /> <br /> -2- <br /> <br /> <br />