HomeMy WebLinkAboutEric Johnson Gardens at Entrada del Paseo - Gabion Wall Concept and Agave Shade StructurePALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: APPROVE GABION WALL CONCEPT AND AGAVE SHADE
STRUCTURE FOR PHASE TWO OF THE ERIC JOHNSON
GARDENS AT ENTRADA DEL PASEO AND AUTHORIZE
SOLICITATION OF BIDS
SUBMITTED BY: LAURI AYLAIAN, REDEVELOPMENT MANAGER
DATE: 24 FEBRUARY 2005
Recommendation:
That the Agency Board review alternative concepts for phase two of the
Eric Johnson Gardens at Entrada del Paseo and, by Minute Motion:
1. approve the design of a gabion "canyon" wall and an agave shade
structure, and
2. authorize the City Clerk to call for bids for construction of phase two
of the Eric Johnson Gardens.
Discussion:
The conceptual design for phase two of the Eric Johnson Gardens at Entrada del Paseo
was reviewed and approved by the Entrada del Paseo Steering Committee on 12 May
2004 and by the Landscape Beautification Committee on 7 July 2004. The design
included a type of gabion basket wall that will be new to the Coachella Valley. The final
project design was recently brought before the Landscape Beautification Committee for
review. At that meeting several members thought that it would be appropriate for the
entire Agency Board to review the concept of the gabion walls. They also suggested
that the proposed shade structure, whose structural elements resemble an agave, be
given consideration at the same time. This report is made in response to the
Landscape Beautification Committee request.
Gabion Wall: The proposed wall is a modified gabion wall that was intended by the
designers to create an artistic interpretation of canyon walls. It is formed of rock cobble
held by wire mesh and reinforcing steel, and has vertical stone slabs that represent the
rugged edges and ridges of the canyon walls. The cobble that forms the "canyon" walls
would be 4" to 8" in size, and lightly stained with permeon to have a varnished
appearance. Because the fundamental components of gabion walls are relatively
inexpensive, the stylized canyon walls were proposed as a creative and cost-effective
way of building a canyon for visitors to the garden to experience.
Staff Report
Gabion Walls and Agave Shade Structure
Eric Johnson Gardens at Entrada del Paseo
Page 2 of 2
24 February 2005
For comparison purposes, the following table summarizes the cost and schedule
implications of the gabion wall and of two alternatives: natural boulders and GFRC.
WALL TYPE Gabion Wall Natural Boulders GFRC Panels
(as designed)
COST $95,000 - $105,000 deduct $5,000 to add $75,000
$10,000
TIME no additional time add six weeks add six weeks
Shade Structure: The proposed shade structure is situated such that it overlooks the
canyon feature. It is intended to provide a gathering place and a shaded vantage point
from which the gardens can be viewed. The non-traditional design has steel structural
members that mimic the lines of an agave plant. Fabric shades spiral around the center
of the structure. The cost of the shade structure is estimated to be $50,000 to $60,000.
For comparison purposes, the palapa recently built in the Baja California Park on Fred
Waring Drive cost approximately $55,000.
A graphic presentation of phase two of the Eric Johnson Gardens, including the gabion
wall and the agave shade structure, will be made at the 24 February 2005 Agency
Board meeting.
Submitted by: Department Head:
Lauri Aylaian Dave Yrigo;7development/Hou
Redevelopment Manager Director of sing
mh
Approval:
4wslin McCarthy, ACt
opment
Carlos L. Ortegv�rxecutive Director
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