Rec commission debates HVS study
In 2012, Mammoth Town Council approved $60,000 of Measure R and U funding to conduct a feasibility study for a special events facility or facilities in Mammoth Lakes. The feasibility study was intended to determine the size and types of spaces for special events, a list of appropriate sites, and estimated development and operational costs.
The Town then contracted with HVS Convention, Sports, & Entertainment Facilities to do the study. HVS presented its final report in October, 2013.
HVS recommended integrating indoor and outdoor event spaces to create the proposed Mammoth Lakes Event and Cultural Center (MLECC). The report proposes an outdoor stage with a 1,500-person capacity and semi-permanent seating on a wind protected plaza; additional lawn seating for 6,000; an adjacent indoor performing arts stage; 200 to 250 fixed seats in a performing arts theater; and an attached 10,000-square foot multipurpose space with divisibility into 4 sections.
According to Bill Taylor of Taylor Consulting Services, the HVS study concluded that out of 13 potential sites, the Mammoth Lakes Foundation site is the most appropriate for the proposed MLECC, while Sam’s Woods Site would work best as an alternate seasonal outdoor venue.
The estimated range of costs for the full MLECC at the Foundation site would be $22.4-$32.5 million, not including land acquisition or long-term maintenance costs.
At Sam’s Woods, HVS proposed constructing a permanent 60- by 40-foot stage, as well as concessions and restroom facilities capable of accommodating 6,000 attendees. The price tag: between $2.2 and $3.8 million.
While the study narrowed the scope to two preferred sites, it left the door open for further analysis, including conceptual planning, wind testing, and construction cost estimates.
Recreation Commission Vice-Chair Teri Stehlik accepted the HVS final report, but expressed her fear that with an MLECC, “by year 2025, we’re still in the red. Prior to building and agreeing to something, we need to take a look at that,” she said.
“For the most part, regardless of the site, the operation and maintenance costs of any of these [options] are probably going to have to be subsidized,” said Bill Taylor.
One of the next steps, said Taylor, will be to identify and engage potential partners. Taylor also noted the need for a conceptual plan, budget, business plan, and intentions for programming. However, when it came to analyses like wind testing, Taylor urged Commissioners to ask, “‘Given the proposal in question, do we need this information?’”
“I think there does need to be more evaluation,” said Vice-Chair Stehlik. “I think the wind is huge; I think access and visibility [at the Foundation site] is still an issue.”
Chair Sauser added that the Commission should prioritize projects before the Town pursued an option. “The Town can afford to build [all options], but it can’t afford to operate all of them,” he said.
“I think we need to get off the dime and move in some direction,” argued Commissioner Pat Agnitch. “It’s ironic, we’re hinging all of our hopes on this study, and now that we have it, we’re hesitating.”
Chair Sauser agreed with the need to move forward. “Keep in mind that there may be pressure sooner rather than later to make a decision on a performing arts facility,” he said, referencing the Measure U Award for a Mammoth Lakes Foundation (MLF) Performing Arts Center Planning Grant. MLF aims to build a $3-4 million sprung structure facility at Cerro Coso Community College that would double as a performing arts and events center. The goal would be to open by July of 2015.
The Commissioners ultimately came to no consensus on what happens next. “I say we move forward without defining what the next steps are at this time,” said Chair Sauser.
