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ITEM 1-PROPOSED CONCEPT FOR MIDDLEFIELD-MAIN PROJECT Housing Coordinator Debbi Jones-Thomas explained the Housing Department is looking for the Commission's input on a proposed City development project at Middlefield Road and Main Street. She said the project is a mixed use project with retail commercial space on the ground floor and affordable housing units on the second floor. The housing units will contain studio/lofts up to three bedroom units and the studios will be separated from the family units. She said the Housing Department is concerned about the amount of vacant retail space downtown and is trying to program the space before the project is built. They are looking at placing a restaurant facing the Main Library and also having a Head Start facility on the ground floor. Ms. Jones-Thomas said the remaining space could be used for some type of cultural area. She said she has spoken with board members of the Art Center to determine if this area might be compatible with their needs. It appears this retail space will be available about the same time as the demolition of the old police station so the timing might be right for the Art Center artists to move into this retail space. Ms. Jones-Thomas said this matter will be going to the Redevelopment Agency at the end of January for concept approval. If the concept is approved, she would work with the Art Center group to better define the parameters and include that in the design specifications. She said the Housing Department has brought this conceptual idea before several groups and is looking for the Cultural Commission's conceptual approval of the project. Commissioner Filippi said he would like to see the facility have space for a gallery, exhibits, performances, and meeting space. He would like a performing center and was thinking of this in conjunction with the new City Hall. He inquired if the Chamber of Commerce could be re-located to this office space. Ms. Jones-Thomas said the project should be constructed before the new City Hall. She explained that if the concept is approved, the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) would be sent out the last week of January and would be returned by mid-April. The decision process would take 30-45 days and the development process would begin after that. Anticipated construction would begin Fall 1994 and would be completed approximately 9-12 months later. Ms. Jones-Thomas said the Art Center board members thought that 8,800 square feet of space would be about right for their needs. She said the facility would need to be able to finance itself. Cost of the retail space is estimated at $1.00 per square foot and $1.50 per square foot for the restaurant space. She explained the Redevelopment Agency would hopefully begin to re-cover its costs in 12 to 15 years. The Commissioners noted that if the gallery is built in the retail space, it could serve as a site for different types of cultural events.