A FRESH COAT City Hall’s parking structures are getting a face lift to the tune of $2 million, a fraction of that going to Pugh + Scarpa Architects, Inc., a local firm that will be in charge of making sure all upgrades match the aesthetic design of a landscaping project already underway along Second and Fourth streets.
City Hall is expected to award a contract tonight worth $107,000 to Pugh for design and architectural consulting in preparation for repainting structures Nos. 1 through 6, and facade improvements to structures Nos. 2, 4, and 5, which are receiving seismic upgrades.
While normally painting public facilities is a maintenance issue that does not require review from the public, city officials felt that any change from a solid, neutral color should receive public review and would like Pugh to monitor the process. In addition, city staff felt that those overseeing the facade improvement project might want input on how the other three structures would being painted.
Some may be questioning the move to paint parking structures 1, 3, and 6 because they are scheduled to be demolished to make way for additional parking. A report from city officials said the demolition is still “several years” away and in the meantime, all six structures are in need of repainting. Those structures being retrofitted have exteriors that look dated and would benefit from facade improvements, city officials believe.
Pugh was selected out of a total of three firms who submitted proposals. Previous work from Pugh includes Colorado Court, an electrical vehicle charging station at City Hall, and renovation of Palisades Park’s visitors center.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 24, 2006. Read the original PDF.