Planning & Design Meetings Meeting #5 1/8/2009 - MinutesGUNN HS MP MEETING No. 5
Palo Alto Unified School District 08 January 2009
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GUNN HIGH SCHOOL MASTER PLAN
Palo Alto Unified School District
MASTER PLAN MEETING NO.5
DATE: 08 January 2009, 1:00–2:30 pm
SUBJECT: Master Plan Meeting with Gunn HS Facilities Steering Committee
ATTENDEES: See attached sign-in sheets (3 pages)
The following are the highlights of the meeting:
1. As an introduction, architect Erwin Lee reviewed the master plan site diagrams from
the last meeting which was revised to show two science classrooms adjacent to the
existing science classrooms. Additionally, the new plan shows an interior
connection between the science classrooms.
2. A new, single-story site plan was presented. The site plan showed two building
configurations: one with back-to-back classrooms and one without a back-to-back
configuration. The important trade-offs from this site layout plan were:
• Back-to-back or double-loaded classroom buildings throughout will limit the
amount of natural lighting and ventilation into the classrooms.
• In both configurations, the existing amphitheater is eliminated to accommodate
the single-story buildings.
• The RC building would remain where located eliminating the opportunity to
create a large central quad.
• To offset the parking spaces that are lost to classrooms in the single-loaded
configuration, a two-story parking structure is shown. The cost to construct the
parking structure would reduce funding for other buildings.
• Many of the large trees would be removed in order to create the area necessary
to accommodate the square footage of the single-story arrangement.
• Many of the outdoor spaces between the buildings would be lost.
• A greater number of buildings would be positioned behind other building
pushing them further away from the quad.
• The largest remaining open space would be the area dedicated to the water
easement and that space could be reduced if an all weather emergency vehicle
access road is required.
3. Erwin Lee discussed the highlights from the department information meetings that
were held in December. These highlights were:
• Student Center: outdoor covered area with second floor balcony
• English: locate on first floor to utilize outdoor space
GUNN HS MP MEETING No. 5
Palo Alto Unified School District 08 January 2009
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• Science: physically connected to the existing science building; prefer to be
adjacent to Math department
• Special Education: L-12 an L-13 to remain as special Education programs;
centrally located and on the ground level
• World Languages: remain in current location because of the recently
modernized labs
4. A Bike Routes and Traffic Safety meeting was held in December. Mr. Lee
discussed the interests of the Traffic and Safety group. These goals were:
• Incorporate planning guidelines for bikes and pedestrians into the master plan
• Eliminate or reduce conflicts between pedestrian, bicycles, and vehicular modes
of transportation.
• In order to separate cars and cyclists, bike lanes and bike enclosures would be
relocated to the perimeter of the campus.
• The size of the bike enclosures would be determined from data provided by the
safety and traffic study group.
• A plan was presented that outlined the above objectives. The plan showed the
elimination of the existing bike path in the middle of the parking area.
5. Current project completion dates were discussed, and are as follows:
• The new pool construction should be completed in April 2009.
• The Industrial Arts building project should be completed by June 2009.
6. Mr. Lee advised that a general agreement regarding the layout should be finalized
so that the costing, scheduling and implementation phases can begin. Mr. Hodges
pointed out that “finalize” does not mean the conclusion of the master plan process.
“Finalize” is meant to reduce enough variables so that costing and scheduling
exercises can begin.
7. The meeting was opened for public comment. The highlights of the comments and
questions from the public audience were:
• There is a concern about having enough space for fire access if a single-story
campus plan in implemented. The AC-paving of the fire access road would take
away from open “green” space on campus.
• The single-story, single loaded classroom configuration would eliminate the
quad and force the construction of a two-story parking structure. The multi-story
plan will block the light from other buildings.
• If a multi-story parking structure is built on the Northeast corner of the parking
lot, the lights will disturb the neighboring property. Mr. Jacoubowsky stated that
this option is to be considered the least desired option.
• Planning timelines were requested. Finalized plans and costs should be
prepared by April 2009.
• A second gym is definitely needed. There is nothing wrong with multi-story high
school buildings.
8. Highlights of the previous Facilities Steering Committee meetings are posted on the
Gunn HS website.
GUNN HS MP MEETING No. 5
Palo Alto Unified School District 08 January 2009
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9. The next three public meetings are scheduled for:
• 21 January 2009 at 12:30 pm
• 04 February 2009 at 12:30 pm
• 18 February 2009 at 12:30 pm
END
Prepared by Dean Schmitz of Deems Lewis McKinley. Please advise if you feel that any of the above items
are inaccurate or need further clarification or detail.
cc: Attendees
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