Posting Language
Title
Approve an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Building Services Department Capital Budget (Ordinance No. 20210811-001) to increase appropriations by $27,000,000 for the Municipal Building renovations. Related to Items #10, and #15.
De
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Fiscal Note
Funding is available from General Obligation Certificates of Obligation to be issued August 2022 or later. A fiscal note is attached.
Prior Council Action:
November 16, 2021 - Council briefing on Downtown Austin Community Court relocation recommendation
For More Information:
Kim Olivares, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, 512-974-2924
Additional Backup Information:
The City of Austin is actively working to significantly reduce its reliance on leased space through the acquisition or renovation of City owned space. This amendment will allow for the complete renovation of the City owned Municipal Building located at 124 West 8th Street. The building requires new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, as well as lead and asbestos abatement. The exterior was deemed an Austin landmark in 2002 while the interior is unrestricted in its renovation.
Following completion of the renovation, the Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) will move its court and offices to this location. The DACC was previously located at 719 East 6th Street, but following the expiration of its lease, temporarily moved to its current location at One Texas Center (505 Barton Springs Road). Staff was directed to identify a permanent location for the DACC to be occupied by 2024. The Municipal Building is ideal for the DACC because it is located central to its downtown area jurisdiction, provides ample space for its operations, has immediate access to a transit line, and the renovation can be completed within the required timeline. DACC is a court of law with a mission to administer justice equitably and compassionately, to foster trust and accountability. DACC cases involve non-violent public order offenses and provides voluntary walk-in services connecting individuals to basic needs and social services. It operates 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday only, and employs extensive security measures inside and outside of its facility. The majority of individuals who are assigned to long-term case management are provided services where they are in the community, rather than at DACC’s office location. In the time since the DACC has operated from One Texas Center, the City is unaware of any complaints from the surrounding community.
The DACC will utilize approximately half of the building. The remainder is available for other uses. In response to previous Council direction, staff are collaborating with the Austin Economic Development Corporation on potential cultural uses that would make the building more publicly accessible. Any use of the space must comply with legal limitations of Certificates of Obligation.
Strategic Outcome(s)
Strategic Outcome(s):
Government that Works for All.