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DeSoto provides update on Nance Farm restoration and arts building; phase 1 funding secured
Summary
City staff and Rogers Partners updated the council on the Nance Farm master plan, historic-preservation approvals, project phasing and funding; phase 1 is funded and will go to bid after permitting, while phase 2 financing remains to be identified.
The DeSoto City Council received an update May 19 on the Nance Farm master plan and project schedule, including historic-preservation approvals, a two-phase construction approach and a confirmed community meeting May 22 to review designs.
Rolanda Brigham, Arts, Cultural and Heritage Manager for the city, introduced Tyler Swanson of Rogers Partners Architects, who said the firm has worked with DeSoto about two years to update the master plan. Swanson said the team documented site conditions, held community engagement to refine allowable events and operations, and completed design and documentation; permitting is underway before the project goes to bid.
Swanson described several changes from earlier plans: an amphitheater was reconfigured as a terraced picnic area with no amplified sound to limit noise; a masonry wall is planned to contain activity; contributing historic features identified by the Texas Historical Commission will be retained and the main house will be restored. Rogers Partners provided a conservative cost estimate and proposed two phases: Phase 1 to prepare the site, construct the masonry wall, build a new arts building for classes and studios and restore the main house; Phase 2 to implement surrounding landscape work.
Deputy City Manager Cameron told council Phase 1 is estimated at $3.7 million and the city currently has that amount available from previously dedicated funds; a recent debt issuance increased available funding to $4 million. He said alternates for Phase 1 will be included in the bid documents and, if not funded by the Phase 1 budget, would move to Phase 2 where finance options will be pursued. City staff said they are pursuing grants and funding opportunities through the Texas Historical Commission for Phase 2.
Operational guidelines developed with community input will limit attendance at most events to no more than 75 people at any one time; the site has 42 on-site parking spaces plus about 10 in front, staff said. Draft operating hours presented to council were Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–8 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Rogers Partners and staff said contingency allowances were included in the estimate (about 7% contingency and about 2.5% escalation) and the cost estimates forecast bidding conditions roughly six months out.
Brigham and Swanson announced a public community meeting at 6–8 p.m. May 22 for residents to review designs and ask questions. Council did not take action; the presentation was for information only.
