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Home My WebLink About2025-04-03; Arts Commission; 02; Schulman Auditorium Capital Improvement Project update Meeting Date: April 3, 2025 To: Art Commission From: Thomas Johnston, Programs & Venue Coordinator Staff Contact: Thomas Johnston, Programs & Venue Coordinator thomas.johnston@carlsbadca.gov or 442-339-2093 Subject: Schulman Auditorium Capital Improvement Project update District: All Recommended Action Receive a report on the Schulman Auditorium Capital Improvement Project. Executive Summary As part of the fiscal year 2022 Capital Improvement Program, a project was initiated to enhance the audiovisual system in the Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium and upgrade technology and finishes in the William D. Cannon Art Gallery at the Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane. Design work began in August 2022 and was completed by November 2022. However, due to funding constraints and cost considerations, the scope was adjusted to prioritize the Schulman Auditorium, deferring improvements to the Cannon Art Gallery and Ann Kulchin Courtyard. On January 9, 2024, the City Council approved plans for the Schulman Auditorium Audiovisual Update Project (Resolution No. 2024-002) and authorized the bidding process. Following the receipt of three bids on February 21, 2024, the City Council awarded the contract on May 7, 2024 (Resolution No. 2024-088). A Notice to Proceed was issued on June 14, 2024, for the contractor to begin the work. Explanation & Analysis The Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium, a 215-seat venue on the Carlsbad City Library campus, has been a cornerstone for cultural and community events since its construction in 1999. Over the years, it has undergone several upgrades, including lighting and audio improvements in 2005 and 2008 and a more extensive renovation in 2017 to enhance accessibility and seating. The latest audiovisual upgrades are now nearing completion—on time and within budget. The new technology has been installed, and Library & Cultural Arts staff are receiving training to ensure seamless operation. These enhancements, including an upgraded lighting and sound board, video system improvements, and LED stage and house lighting, will elevate audience experiences and ARTS COMMISSION enhance rental appeal. With a more user-friendly and high-quality setup, the Schulman Auditorium is well-positioned to continue serving as a premier venue for performances, lectures, and community gatherings. Community Engagement None. Fiscal Analysis This project is currently funded from the Infrastructure Replacement and Maintenance fund, in the amount not to exceed $2, 222, 222, with no additional funding requested at this time. Next Steps A community celebration was held on Saturday, March 29 with a public reception in the Ann Kulchin Courtyard sponsored by the Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation followed by a performance featuring The Camarada Tango Quartet in the auditorium. Approximately 180 people attended the event. In addition to enriching cultural and community programming, the renovated auditorium will now be equipped to serve as an alternate venue for City Council meetings when needed. Environmental Evaluation The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by CEQA Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environment review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) and 15061(b)(3), because the proposed action to report on Schulman Auditorium Capital Improvement Project update is an organizational or administrative government activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. Any subsequent action or direction stemming from the proposed action may require preparation of an environmental document in accordance with CEQA or CEQA Guidelines. Exhibits None. Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium Capital Improvement Project Thomas Johnston, Programs & Venues Coordinator Library & Cultural Arts Department April 23, 2025 1 TODAY’S PRESENTATION •Overview •Timeline of Project •Project Improvements •Next Steps ITEM 2: SCHULMAN AUDITORIUM UPDATE 2 OVERVIEW ITEM 2: SCHULMAN AUDITORIUM UPDATE 3 3 •Opened in 1999 •Physical upgrades in 2016 •Audio/visual upgrades •Approval and scope changed in 2022 •Project started 2024 PROJECT TIMELINE August 2022 Initial design work started November 2022 Design work completed May 2024 City Council awarded contract January 2024 City Council approval June 2024 Notice to Proceed February 2025 Contractor inspections July 2024 Demolition and upgrade March 29, 2025 Reopening Celebration ITEM 2: SCHULMAN AUDITORIUM UPDATE 4 UPGRADES ITEM 2: SCHULMAN AUDITORIUM UPDATE 5 5 •Lighting •Audio •Visual Upgraded lighting board LIGHTING UPGRADES LED lighting fixtures ITEM 2: SCHULMAN AUDITORIUM UPDATE 6 Upgraded sound board Improved sound system Microphones and assisted listening Wi-fi compatible assisted listening AUDIO ENHANCEMENTS ITEM 2: SCHULMAN AUDITORIUM UPDATE 7 Video system upgrades System control transition VIDEO & SYSTEM CONTROL ITEM 2: SCHULMAN AUDITORIUM UPDATE 8 RENOVATION CELEBRATION ITEM 2: SCHULMAN AUDITORIUM UPDATE 9 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS: APRIL 19, 2025 ITEM 2: SCHULMAN AUDITORIUM UPDATE 10 COMING SOON ITEM 2: SCHULMAN AUDITORIUM UPDATE 11 SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2025 SCHULMAN AUDITORIUM FRONT ROW SATURDAY 5 P.M. CURTAIN Kūhai Hālau O ʻIlima Pā ʻŌlapa Kahiko Dance Troupe NEXT STEPS •FINAL INSPECTIONS •STAFF TRAINING ON NEW EQUIPMENT •BUILDING TURNOVER ITEM 2: SCHULMAN AUDITORIUM UPDATE 12 ITEM 2: SCHULMAN AUDITORIUM UPDATE 13 WELCOME BACK!