(back) … was designed by local architects, TLCD Architecture. In addition to the Museum, the proposal envisions an upscale ground floor restaurant space, four floors of office (with significant pre-leasing agreements concluded) and the addition of five floors of residential living quarters above the existing (and to be extensively renovated) structure, all with outstanding views of Courthouse Square, north towards Healdsburg, east to the Santa Rosa hills, and south towards Rohnert Park/Cotati. On top of the new building is proposed a moving art installation by national known Sebastopol artist Ned Kahn.

“Our goal is to create a community gem from what is now a large dead space in our downtown,” said Carle. “We think this project is critical to the future of Santa Rosa.” The illustrative project proposed by Museum on the Square is designed to activate the building 24/7, with a critical public use in the Museum, downtown employment and full time residents. "Museum on the Square's 'green' design, including the reuse of a derelict industrial building, will make it an outstanding example of environmentally responsible downtown development," said Don Tomasi, AIA.

The developers are ready to move forward with project design and a public process in order to begin construction as early as later this year. “There may be no better time than now with low interest rates and reasonable construction costs, to make this a reality,” said Futrell.

Futrell and Carle have been working on a proposal since 2008, with several key team members. Also involved in the ownership structure is local architectural firm TLCD Architecture. Métier, Ltd., a high tech firm is a key tenant/optionee in the building, with the other key tenant TLCD Architecture, which intends to relocate from existing facilities. Together these users, occupying 2-3 floors, will attract additional high tech/creative industries to the balance of the office space available in the building --- uniquely attractive space because of the open floor plans and high ceilings, ranging from 14-17 feet. Futrell said, “attracting this type of business into the downtown core is key to the City’s economic success and a part of why we were interested in the building.” Five new floors are contemplated to provide 40 units of downtown living. In commenting on his firm’s interest in the AT&T building, Doug Clark, CEO said, “The AT&T building offers us a central location, close to retail shops, other businesses and many dining options for our staff. The building’s open floor plan and high ceilings will allow us to design the space that meets Métier’s needs. We think staff will be attracted to the residential component on top, as well.”

The Sonoma County Museum has been an integral team member from the beginning. Through the efforts of Diane Evans, Executive Director, the Board of the Museum and a newly formed Advisory Committee to the Board, made up of a wide range of community members committed to the success of the venture, The Museum has focused considerable efforts to date.

Additional team members in the proposal included local firms MKM & Associates (structural engineers), Carlile Macy (Civil Engineers), Quadriga Landscape Architecture & Planning (landscape architect), Sol*Data (energy consultant) and Suite 16 Electrical Engineering (electrical engineer).  Napa firm Costa Engineers (mechanical engineer) and San Francisco firms Simpson Gumphertz and Helger (water proofing consultant) and Novogradac (New market Tax Advisor) were also instrumental.

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