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Signal town council researching Mountain Arts Community Center solutions

Among the list of possibilities the MACC programs is converting the current Town Hall into a building capable of providing ample space and opportunity for the town's art programs. The Town Council is requesting preliminary estimates and plans for how much such a project would cost. (Staff Photo by Shane Foley) Among the list of possibilities the MACC programs is converting the current Town Hall into a building capable of providing ample space and opportunity for the town's art programs. The Town Council is requesting preliminary estimates and plans for how much such a project would cost. (Staff Photo by Shane Foley)

By Shane Foley July 20, 2016 2 min read

With the Signal Mountain Town Council still searching for answers regarding the Mountain Arts Community Center, over a dozen residents spoke about the issue during the council’s July meeting. While most agreed preserving the MACC programs in light of the building’s many problems was a top priority, a solution for how to do so was less certain.

For that reason, the council approved measures for preliminary architectural services in a vote of 2-1. These services would provide the council with a basic understanding of what pricing for several housing options for MACC programs would look like.

The options currently being discussed include constructing a new facility for the programs, reconfiguring the current Town Hall to also house MACC programs and building a new Town Hall. Council members expressed the need for more information before pursuing any of these options, which is why they sought out the architectural services.

Hefferlin + Kronenberg, a local firm which previously did the physical needs assessment for the current MACC building, and Workshop Architecture will be contracted to perform preliminary services. Workshop Architecture’s service is not to exceed $11,000, while Hefferlin + Kronenberg’s service is not to exceed $23,180.

Mayor Dick Gee made it clear during the meeting that the town is not yet committing any funds beyond this. Also, the town is not committed to either architectural firm beyond the preliminary services.

“We just need to know what makes logical sense in the space that we have,” Gee said.

Councilman Bill Wallace voted nay regarding the architectural services, with Gee and Councilman Bill Lusk voting yea.

Wallace said in a follow-up interview his vote was not a rejection of the direction that the other council members were heading, he just wanted more.

“I’m not opposed to spending money for options conceptual design,” said Wallace. “However, I thought the resolution wasn’t as inclusive as it could have been. Why get one or two designs when you could get ten?”

Council members Chris Howley and Bob Spalding were absent from the meeting.