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401 Hillcrest Drive and Historical Janss House July 11, 2000 Page 4 In late 1987 and early 1988, several general repairs were made to the building. These repairs included replacing dry rot and termite damage; sand blasting, patching and painting of exterior; repair of flagstone and drainage in courtyard; grading and leveling of walkways; installation of exterior lights, improvement of electrical wiring; and replacement of handrails. As a result of the earthquake of January 1994, structural repairs, including the anchoring of the under -floor cripple walls to the concrete stem walls, were completed in March of 1995. City Facilities staff continue to perform routine general architectural, mechanical and electrical maintenance on the facility. The historical Janss house has a clear existing historical envelope and interior fabrics indicating artifacts of the early 1930's. These elements of historical fabrics will need to be maintained in any alterations required by the proposed modifications. The last estimate for rehabilitation for public use is $1,584,453. An alternate concept would be to utilize the historical Janss House as an "Artist in Residence" for visiting artists. Therefore, the facility would be in private residential use, not require such significant expenditures and still remain a public building for purposes of historic preservation. Arts Council Community Programs The historical Janss House is attended by nearly 20,000 people annually. Use of the facility includes people attending art workshops and classes, art shows, theatre and music rehearsals and productions, and weekly and monthly meetings of Arts Council Member groups such as the Scottish Dancers, the Gem and Mineral Club, Danse Brasil and many others. Uses also include receptions, band rehearsals, rehearsals for Conejo Players and Conejo Afternoon Theatre productions. Additionally, this is the location of rehearsals for the Young Artists Ensemble whose performances take place at the Civic Arts Plaza. Conejo Recreation and Park District Operational Considerations In looking at long term needs and the prospect of a more desirable site for Conejo Recreation and Park District headquarters, the relocation of District offices to the Hillcrest site provides several potential advantages. The location is central and visible to the community, as opposed to the Wilbur Road site, and the co -location with the National Park Service Visitor Center would also be a positive factor. Opportunities for improved organization of the District's offices could be afforded, as well as establishment of a community meeting room that could be designed to serve as a venue for Board meetings and other activities, thus freeing the Goebel Senior Adult Center for other programs.