Due to the estimated high cost to renovate the Rotunda at Collins Park and make it suitable for a full-service food and beverage concession, with commercial kitchen, restrooms, life safety requirements, and ADA accessibility (approximately $929,000), the Finance and Citywide Projects Committee recommended staff work with the Friends of the Bass Museum, Inc. (Bass) to identify an alternative solution to provide an outdoor concession.
The Bass issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in June 2016 to identify a caterer to operate its new indoor café which is currently under construction and is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2017. The Bass is currently in negotiations with Thierry Catering and expects to finalize an agreement this month. Thierry Catering is the exclusive caterer at The New World Center, home of the New World Symphony and recently acquired AVENUE D, a Jazz club located in the heart of downtown.
Staff met with representatives from the Bass and discussed expanding the new indoor café to the exterior of the building in order to serve members of the public and further activate Collins Park. The Bass is agreeable to this plan and has already been in discussions with Thierry Catering to utilize their services for both the indoor café and the outdoor concession area. Thierry’s Catering has advised the Bass they are interested in operating the outdoor concession area adjacent to the building, but has requested the City provide security services during operating hours. The Bass has suggested operating the outdoor area seasonally from approximately December to May to avoid the high temperatures the rest of the year. Details of the outdoor café operations are still in discussion.
In addition to the outdoor café, another aspect of activation for Collins Park could be the Rotunda utilized solely as a location to take orders and distribute food and beverages to customers of Thierry’s café operation. Without the need for full kitchen equipment, bathrooms, etc., the cost to renovate the Rotunda would be less than the $929,000 estimated for a full-service food and beverage operation. The Bass has advised Staff that Thierry has no interest in utilizing the Rotunda as an extension of their food and beverage operation associated with the Bass’ indoor/outdoor cafe. Other entities have expressed an interest in using the space in this manner, however the Bass also expressed an interest in using the Rotunda as an art exhibition space. In this case, the Bass would pursue state funding for the renovation of the Rotunda to suit its needs.
At the December 16, 2016 FCWPC meeting, the Committee was in favor of negotiating an agreement with the Bass for the outdoor concession area, including the City providing security services, and abatement of any financial consideration to the City. The FCWPC was also in favor of allowing the Bass to pursue funding for the renovation of the Rotunda to suit its needs as an art exhibition space.