Greenhouse and Classrooms Committee Summary August 6, 2008 

Summary of a design review meeting held at 9:00am on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at Joliet Junior College. These notes record our understanding of items discussed and decisions made at this meeting. Please notify us within seven (7) calendar days of any necessary additions or corrections.

The purpose of this meeting is to review design changes and revised cost estimates.

Attendance

• Dave Agazzi - JJC
• Pat Van Duyne - JJC
• Dennis Haynes - JJC
• Margaret Semmer - JJC
• Jason Lembke - Legat Architects
• Michael Lundeen - Legat Architects

Items Discussed

1. Jason presented the floor plan modifications as a result of the 8/4/08 meeting with the Department. Several programmatic changes were made, listed below:
   1. Floor plan modifications:
      1. Reduced classrooms from 2 to 1. Enlarged single classroom to accommodate more functionality.
      2. Reduced office space into a single shared office.
      3. Reoriented the plan to a single North-South corridor to increase efficiency.
      4. The educational portion of the building is now 3,575 gsf, down from 5,000 gsf.
      5. The third greenhouse has been changed to an alternate bid. The base bid greenhouses total 7,950 gsf.
      6. Group Comments:
         1. The proximity of the entry to the greenhouse would present some maintenance concerns as patrons may track dirt in the corridor.
         2. The IT room was discussed. It was questioned whether or not it needed it's own space or if it could be incorporated into the Mechanical space.
2. Jason presented a 3D model to show the aesthetic changes as a result of the floor plan changes. Major changes include:
   1. Building Massing: The form of the building has been simplified to include to single sloped roofs.
   2. The lower volume (eastern side of corridor) includes spaces like: Shared office, Prep Room, IT and toilets.
   3. The higher volume (western side of corridor) includes the Multipurpose classroom, mechanical space and head house.
3. Cost estimate: Jason presented a revised cost estimate. The estimate was presented in detail and Jason included descriptions of systems included. LEED was not factored in to reduce costs. Jason stated that the building materials and systems were modified to realize the greatest cost savings. Some of the highlights were:
   1. Site Utilities: Jason presented copies of a preliminary survey from Ruettiger & Tonelli Associates (RTA) and reviewed options for routing of domestic water, sanitary sewer and gas to the site. Jason also handed out copies of RTA's estimate for each option. A discussion took place about the approach with the City of Joliet and which option to select for sanitary sewer. The need for a water loop was discussed. Jason explained that the value estimated by RTA could be reduced since the length of the loop could be reduced to more tightly follow the building perimeter in lieu of what was drawn.
   2. Materials: The exterior walls would be made of SIP panels. SIP panels are made of plywood skins (outside and inside) bonded to insulation with structural adhesive. This system provides a high R value, more so than a typical masonry cavity wall construction. This will aid in the efficiency of the mechanical systems. Jason reviewed that the building would be wood framed structure and have asphalt shingles. The building is proposed to be clad in cementituous siding on the higher volume and metal siding on the lower volume for aesthetic texture and contrast. The group reacted favorably to the revised aesthetic and was pleased that the overall appearance of the building didn't need to be compromised to save money.
   3. Site fencing was discussed. Dave asked if the fencing was needed along Houbolt Road or if it could be routed in a manner to save the amount of fencing as well as protect the views from Houbolt into the site. It was thought that the amount of fencing wouldn't be able to be reduced even if the path was changed. The question should be asked of the department to find out what is required to be fenced. All agreed that the least amount of fence along Houbolt was desirable.
   4. Systems: Jason explained that the systems had been changed to be more conventional in nature and didn't include high efficiencies required for LEED. Rain water collection and on site treatment of water for irrigation was not included. The building would be a single temperature control zone, and therefore supplied air would be a single temperature throughout, not unlike a typical residence. This may result in some areas being hotter or colder depending upon the space and it's location/characteristics.
4. Jason presented an alternate estimate as an exercise to further reduce costs and meet the budget. This estimate included only greenhouses (12,000 gsf) and a head house to support the greenhouses without any educational space. This, of course, isn't programmatically functional, but Jason explained that the estimate was meant to illustrate what more drastic measures may yield for cost savings. The meeting was adjurned. A Senior Leadership Team meeting will be held on Friday August 8th and the information will be discussed at that meeting.

Respectfully Submitted,
LEGAT Architects
Jason Lembke, AIA