City Hall renovation: council to reconvene ad‑hoc committee, broaden outreach after public feedback

Larkspur City staff on Dec. 3 updated the council on an ongoing City Hall renovation study, presented three cost scenarios and sought direction on community outreach and next steps.

Public Works Director Julian Skinner reviewed the historic‑structure report and three cost alternatives included in the study: a limited 10‑year upgrade (~$6 million), a more comprehensive renovation (mid‑range) and an extensive rebuild (~$23.5 million). The consultants found the exterior contributes most to historic significance, while some first‑floor additions (children’s library and administration suite) are non‑original and do not contribute to the historic designation.

Staff summarized outreach to date — public tours, a town‑hall meeting, a charette and an online questionnaire — and said feedback was mixed: participants urged more and broader outreach, a master plan so smaller fixes do not conflict with larger future work, and clarity on staffing space needs. Council members and several public commenters emphasized the need for targeted outreach (including to neighborhoods such as Greenbrae) and recommended a clear use plan that defines whether public gathering spaces should be prioritized on the first floor (for accessibility) or second floor (for a grander volume).

Council directed staff to reconvene the mayor‑and‑vice‑mayor ad‑hoc committee in January to synthesize public feedback, define objectives for a use plan and determine whether to issue an RFP for consultant services to support outreach and master planning. Several commenters recommended robust public education before any ballot measure is considered; participants also noted the General Plan’s guidance to rehabilitate City Hall for seismic safety and capacity improvements.