Veterans' Memorial Auditorium Parking & North Campus Improvements Project

Description

Overview

The Veterans Memorial (VMA) parking lot and north campus gateway to the Marin Center requires significant repairs that include a new surface, subgrade repairs, and new permeable drainage system. The work incorporates identified needs from prior campus traffic studies and parking plans, provides for new Wi-Fi devices to improve campus coverage, future conduits to support electrical vehicle (EV) charging stations, new islands, walkways, modernized lighting fixtures and controls, and landscape areas. These improvements will all support the Veterans’ Memorial facilities and various Marin County Cultural Services’ events/activities. The completed work will include a new asphalt surface with striping, signage, hardscape, irrigation, plantings, as well as improvements to traffic flow, bicycle access, pedestrian access and accessibility to provide a better experience for all users.

Funding

The project is estimated at $7.5 million, funding set-aside began in 2012 under the County's Capital Improvement Project fund.

Public impacts

The parking lot is used during many regular events, including VMA Auditorium events such as the San Francisco Opera, the weekly Farmers’ Market, seasonal antique shows, the Marin County Fair, and Marin County Family Fun Day, as well as in support of public emergency situations. During the construction phase of the project, there would be public impact due to parking lot closure; however, the VMA building itself will also be closed for a separate project (VMA Seismic Retrofit) during this cooperative improvement period. Detours and alternative access options will be announced closer to the implementation phase to allow Avenue of the Flags to function and support the Marin Center buildings and parking area.

Timeline

Summer 2023

Project bidding phase

Fall 2023

Expected start of construction phase

Spring 2024

Expected completion of construction phase

October 2023

The construction phase of the VMA Parking Lot and North Campus Improvements Project began on Monday, October 2. Site fencing and erosion control measures were installed first, followed by site clearing and concrete demolition. The contractor has stockpiled soil from the site for future use and will begin asphalt concrete removal on Monday, October 16. Asphalt concrete and aggregate base removal will be followed by site grading, which will last through the end of the month. Work to identify underground utilities is also underway.

November 2023

Removal of the existing asphalt, curb, gutter, and drainage is complete. During November, the contractor will work on grading the site and installing a curb, gutter, and new drainage system. Minor realignment of the Avenue of Flags is anticipated during the week of November 13. Avenue of Flags will be available to the motorists during the realignment activities. Memorial Drive will remain closed. Access to Marin Showcase Theater and the Exhibit Hall will be through the Avenue of Flags.

January 2024

During the month of January, the contractor will continue their work on grading the site, installing curb, gutter, and new drainage systems. Work will also continue on installation of irrigation mains and laterals for future landscaped areas. The contractor will also begin installing foundations for future site lighting. Avenue of Flags continues to be open to motorists and Memorial Drive will remain closed. Access to Marin Showcase Theater and the Exhibit Hall will be through Avenue of Flags.

April 2024

Despite almost 36” of rain since construction started, the VMA Parking Lot and North Campus Improvements Project is making great progress. Current activities include concrete paving, light pole base installation, and planning for upcoming pervious concrete paving work inside the parking lot. The project is also nearing the major milestone of beginning asphalt paving work. The first area to be paved will be Avenue of Flags from Civic Center Drive to the VMA building. Avenue of the Flags will be completely closed to all traffic starting Tuesday, April 9 through Saturday, April 13. A complete closure is the safest and most efficient way to complete this work. There are no events scheduled at the Exhibit Hall or Showcase Theater during the closure. Avenue of the Flags will re-open to vehicle traffic on Monday, April 15, but will continue to remain closed to pedestrian access.

Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium Parking & North Campus Improvements Project