Hopkins Activity Center Proposed DesignCommunity Services
MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Hopkins City Council Members
FROM: Susan Newville, Hopkins Activity Center Coordinator
DATE: October 4, 2012
SUBJECT: Hopkins Activity Center Proposed Design
The Hopkins Activity Center had the unique opportunity to connect with Alanna
Carter of RSP Architects of Minneapolis. Alanna is the Director of Environments
of Aging for RSP. Alanna saw the Hopkins Activity Center's commitment to
providing quality programs and services to Hopkins senior adults and asked to
vision with us on the future of the Activity Center, with emphasis on using the
Mather's Lifeways Cafe Plus concept.
The Hopkins Activity Center staff is versed in the Mather's Lifeways Cafe Plus
concept, which Alanna Carter is also. The Cafe Plus idea has been a part of the
Activity Center's long term plan since its staff was trained in the concept in 2008.
The Activity Center and Ms. Carter will be presenting a concept of a fresh vision
for the Hopkins Activity Center to continue providing programs and services that
enhance the lives of Hopkins senior adults.
The purpose of this discussion is to determine whether the City Council has an
interest in having staff pursue this concept. Staff is aware that there are no capital
funds available at this time. However, if the City Council finds the concept
worthwhile, staff will investigate possible funding sources. Staff would then
report back to the Council at a future Worksession.
The Hopkins Activity Center Proposed Design Solution
The Hopkins Activity Center has promoted wellness,
creative arts exploration, lifelong learning, community and
volunteer partnerships for older adults and the surrounding
City of Hopkins for over 30 years. The existing building is
characterized by its inefficient use of spaces, outdated
finishes, and long travel distances within the facility to
activities. A repositioned Hopkins Activity Center would
resolve these issues and provide the community with a
items, soups, sandwiches and baked goods in the new
cafe. This cafe concept can truly improve the quality of
service that the Hopkins Activity Center brings to the
community and to older adults, and create partnerships
with local Hopkins area businesses to provide and prepare
menu items. As an example, The Depot Coffee House has
proposed to utilize the kitchen at the Activity Center to
prepare items for their site and the Hopkins Activity Center,
place to connect with others in new and exciting ways, truly increasing profitability for both.
supporting older adults and the City of Hopkins.
The proposed plan allows for a more efficient use of the
existing space by relocating and repurposing areas that
maximize gathering size and improve the amenities that the
Hopkins Activity Center has to offer. A new entry addition
will improve the approach to the building by creating an
iconic, inviting entrance with signage to direct guests
throughout the building and offer potential early morning
or late evening events and classes through separate
entrances. The most significant benefits for completing this
project include:
• Increased community outreach and engagement by
appealing to a broader demographic.
• Offer a more extensive range of classes, programs and
services to older adults and the surrounding community.
• Improved customer engagement and involvement with
services and programs provided.
• Addition and enhancement of culinary services and
offerings within the Cafe.
' • Creating partnerships with local businesses and the
arts.
• Supporting larger groups, gatherings, and facility rental
and increase income potential.
The initial model for the design originates from the
award-winning Mather's Lifeways Cafe Plus concept, a
non-profit organization which enhances the lives of older
adults by providing fun and educational wellness -related
programs and activities around a bustling cafe. The Cafe
Plus experience may start with a cup of coffee, but the
possibilities are endless for engaging older adults when a
customer walks through the doors at the Hopkins Activity
Center. The already established lifelong learning and
wellness programs offered at the Hopkins Activity Center
will be enhanced by the addition of hot and cold breakfast
The concept for the design derived from the rich history
of the railway in Hopkins. Hopkins became a thriving
community through the railway, creating connections of
people, places and business. The design will incorporate
this concept through materials that reflect connection,
movement and excitement with elements connecting to
days past. Updated interior finishes throughout will create
a bright, inviting and fresh atmosphere for community
members to join in a game of pickleball, take a computer
learning class, art project or enjoy a bowl of homemade
soup in the cafe. Materials specified will be low
maintenance, recycled or recyclable, and reduce the impact
on indoor air quality. Additionally, guests will have a set
of way finding cues within the environment to help them
navigate to a class, event or gathering by providing "hubs"
of transportation connection — streetcars, days of "cruising"
in downtown Hopkins, and of course, the railway.
The proposed design would relocate the existing Historical
Society within the building. Relocating the Historical
Society allows the remaining space to be redesigned to
maximize efficiency and utility. Additionally, the Hopkins
Activity Center proposes to partner with the Historical
Society to strengthen the connections concept by
incorporating rotating artwork and large-scale images
telling the history of Hopkins.
The Hopkins Activity Center will partner with a grant writer
to help with some funding for the project. By phasing the
project, construction could take place when funds are
available. Although it may be completed in phases, it is
our hope that the project may be reviewed as one cohesive
whole aimed at improving the lives of the older adults that
use the Hopkins Activity Center most.
R S P A R C H I T E C T S
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