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15 <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown asked what the plans are for the Compton House. <br /> <br /> Mr. Jimmy Wright, President of Jefferson Scholars, said the request is to increase <br />the amount of revenue bonds because the space needs are likely to be 15% more than <br />anticipated. He said Jefferson Scholars is interested in building an environmentally <br />friendly building and the original estimates were low. He said they are still in the process <br />of determining the shape and scope of the project. He said no decisions have been made <br />yet, they have not decided anything about the existing facility, and they are still <br />examining the matter. He said they tried to make sure they found a site appropriate for <br />the proposed use. He said they knew the building was not historically designated when <br />they brought the property, but went in with an open mind, and asked the architects not to <br />limit themselves in planning. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris asked what Council’s legal authority is on conditions for bond <br />financing. <br /> <br /> Mr. Brown said the City is not providing the financing, and he does not know. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said he would like to hear from the architect. <br /> <br /> Mr. Bob Moje of VMDO Architects said that they are in the process of <br />determining the programming. He said there are no real models for what Jefferson <br />Scholars is intending to do. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown asked how the existing structure will be involved. <br /> <br /> Mr. Moje said they will first look at what they are trying to accomplish, then will <br />see how the building hinders or contributes to t hat. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton asked what the level of priority is for adaptive reuse of the building. <br /> <br /> Mr. Moje said due diligence will be given to all aspects. He said it is a priority, <br />but he does not know how to rank it. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown asked when they expect to know about the building. <br /> <br /> Mr. Moje said they are here tonight to set the budget. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown asked if Jefferson Scholars was planning to use the existing building <br />before the size increased for the project. He also asked when the U. Va. architect was <br />contacted. <br /> <br /> Mr. Moje said the use is still being explored. He said U. Va. was contacted six <br />weeks ago. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris asked if Jefferson Scholars would oppose having the property <br />designated as individually historic. <br /> <br /> Mr. Wright said the Board of Directors would have to decide that as that has not <br />been discussed. He said the fact that it is not historically designated has been discussed. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton clarified her question, and asked how high a priority is saving the <br />building. <br /> <br /> Mr. Wright said the highest priority is given to having the best chance of carrying <br />out the mission of Jefferson Scholars. He said they are not in the business of historic <br />preservation. He said they want to give a physical reality to intellectual conversations. <br />He said they are going to need financing with or without the house. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said he is not prepared to support the resolution until Council is told <br />how the house will be incorporated, or a clear reason is given about why it cannot be <br /> <br />