97-017 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

066 with science exhibitry. Phase I of the proposed project would be developed on a 3.5-acm site and would provide parking and a bus passenger drop-off area. Phase I involves enlarging the existing two-story 40,000 sf building to 59,205 sr. This phase includes complete interior and exterior building rehabilitation and construction of a cube structure. The Phase Il construction process would add additional exhibit areas, a 350-seat large format theater, expansion of dining and store areas, and the construction of a multi-level parking structure on the vacant site northwest of the creek. Ill. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT A broad range of alternatives were considered including those considered by the applicant and the City. The alternatives to the proposed project included, (A) the No Project Alternative, (B) development of Phase I only, (C) development of Phase I at the present location with development of Phase II at another site, (D) development of both phases at other sites in Santa Ana, and (E) development of the Project at other sites outside of Santa Ana. Alternatives C, D, and E were eliminated from further evaluation as infeasible due to the following ratiouale: Alternative C: Construction and Operation of Phase I with Phase I1 Operations at Satellite Locations. This alternative would include construction and operation of Phase I at the present location with construction and operation of Phase II at other site(s) - satellite site(s) would be used for the theater and expanded exhibits. The proposed project, which would be developed in two phases, is intended to function as one integrated facility. If portions of the facility were to be located in other areas, the objective of having one facility to serve Orange County as a learning center would be greatly diminished. The development that would result from both phases combined would consist of 95,000 square feet, which is not considered to be a large facility for this type of use. If the facility were separated by location, the amount of science education that school-age children would be able to see in one location would be lessened and the benefit to the community would be lessened. This alternative would decrease the attractiveness of the site for school uses and would potentially reduce revenues for tbe center. It might also increase impacts to air quality and traffic through the necessity for travel between the two locations. Alternative D: Other Sites in the City of Santa Ana. Several other sites within the City of Santa Ana underwent preliminary evaluation to determine whether or not they were feasible for development of the Discovery Science Center. Only one site, which is located adjacent to the Bowers Museum, was found to hold a potential for development. However, for that site to be feasible, the Redevelopment Agency would have to acquire the funding necessary for site condemnation and acquisition. Because the agency is unable to do that, the site is no longer considered feasible.