75A - PH - ZONING 2500 N MAIN ST

Home Browse Search

Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2012 -02 Site Plan Review No. 2012 -06 November 13, 2012 Page 2 Proiect Description The proposed project consists of the renovation to the existing 59,205 square foot two -story Grand Hall of Science. The alterations include 5,440 square feet of remodeled area to house the Welcome Center and Launch Pad Science Store, a traveling exhibit room, food court, new technology exhibits and existing exhibit areas. As part of Phase If of the approved master plan, the applicant is proposing an expansion of the facility on the northwest portion of Site 1 currently used as a surface parking lot to include 45,853 square feet of additional exhibit, administrative office, dining and theater space (Phase IIA). The main feature of the expansion will be the Showcase Theater used to house blockbuster and world traveling exhibits. Its flexible space design will allow the 9,618 square foot area to be utilized as either a main exhibition hall or a 500 seat theater for larger events. Additional outdoor dining areas are also part of the proposed project. During the interim construction of Phase IIA, the DSC is proposing to utilize its shared parking agreements with various off -site parking lots within walking distance of the Center for over -flow parking during periods of peak usage and special events. The parking lots used for over -flow operations include the Citibank garage and the Wells Fargo parking lot across the street from the center, which combined contained over 600 parking spaces. In addition, a parking management plan is proposed to control the Center's parking demands prior to the construction of the four -level on -site parking garage to be constructed as part of Phase IIB of the project. At completion, the DSC will provide a total of 105,058 square feet of gross building area, including approximately 72,134 square feet of public space, 9,261 square feet of office space, and up to 630 theater seats in two separate theaters. Primary access to the project will be provided from Main Street (Exhibits 4 through 10). Proiect Background The Discovery Science Center received final entitlements from the City Council in July 1998 with the adoption of Specific Development No. (SD -65). Prior to the July action, the City Council had taken other entitlement actions in 1997, including a Development Agreement, a variance and the certification of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR 96 -1) for a two phased development project. The Discovery Museum of Orange County (DMOC) also entered into a Disposition and Development Agreement with the Redevelopment Agency to establish terms and conditions for financial assistance. In 1998, the DSC received approval for variances from the development standards related to signs, landscaping and roof mounted equipment (VA Nos. 98 -1, 11, 12). 75A-4