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Board reviews Branch Connection renovation renderings; LVT flooring and lobby redesign highlighted
Summary
Senior Advisory Board members reviewed renderings and material samples for the Branch Connection renovation, including new luxury vinyl tile flooring, lobby layout changes, and phase 1 versus phase 2 scope details.
The Farmers Branch Senior Advisory Board reviewed renovation renderings, finish samples and a sequence of work the city plans for the Branch Connection building.
Staff displayed samples showing a luxury vinyl tile (LVT) finish planned for main circulation areas, a revised lobby layout with increased seating and a hospitality bar, and color palettes meant to provide “pops” of accent color against a generally neutral base. Jackie, a staff member, said the LVT was chosen because it provides a smoother surface for walkers and rolling carts and is easier to clean than ceramic tile.
“The LVT gives you a smooth surface all the way across,” Jackie said. She and other staff walked members through renderings showing the front desk remaining on the left as patrons enter, expanded seating near the coffee area, a hospitality bar, and a relocated small kitchen now designated as a library/computer room. The plans also include a renovated theater space (referred to as The Grove), a new sound room, and updated rooms for crafts and billiards.
Board members asked about which elements are in phase 1 versus phase 2 of the renovation. Staff clarified that core lobby finishes, flooring and accessibility improvements are included in phase 1; restrooms and some ballroom finishes are scheduled for later phases tied to the bond program. Staff emphasized they will bring back workbooks and additional finish samples at a future meeting to allow board review of options.
Maintenance and operating impacts were discussed. Facility maintenance will walk the building with the janitorial contractor and determine whether the new finishes change the contract scope or pricing. Staff said any change would be processed by facility maintenance and reflected in building-level budgets; operating staff will be notified if janitorial frequencies or supplies need adjustment. The meeting also confirmed that the Branch Connection will receive a backup generator; staff said plans for solar panels were not finalized.
Members raised questions about accessibility, durability and acoustics, and sought confirmation that summer program space and circulation would be workable while construction is underway. Staff said they will coordinate safe access for board visits during construction and provide additional renderings and the project workbook at the next meeting.
No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational and staff will return with additional materials for further review.
