Design of Jungleland Complex OKd Despite Critics’ Objections

The Thousand Oaks City Council has approved preliminary architectural plans for a civic center and arts complex at Jungleland over the objections of critics who rapped the project’s boxy design.

Despite complaints by a dozen speakers, council members were unwilling to delay the $63-million project in favor of a make-over, voting 3 to 1 to approve the plans.

“I find the basic design and layout unique and inviting,” Councilman Alex Fiore said. “I can see more delays, and time is money.”

Councilwoman Elois Zeanah disagreed. Councilman Bob Lewis was absent.

Critics said the buildings’ sharp, angular lines do not match the sloping, semi-rural landscape of Thousand Oaks.

Two disabled speakers said entrances and emergency exits designed for the handicapped were inadequate, criticizing long columns of stairs leading to a multilevel auditorium.

Some speakers said the council should dump the project’s head architect, Antoine Predock of Venice.

“This is not a timeless design but a trendy design,” Gina Smurthwaite said. “It flows with an overabundance of cement.”

Zeanah said she has talked to many citizens, and “no one--not one--supports this design.”

Because of the complaints, council members asked the architect to consider softening the controversial exterior. They also requested minor changes in two prominent components in the design: an exterior wall depicting Chumash rock paintings and a 60-foot tower.

Predock said he will consider changes in his design. He was unruffled by the negative reactions.

“Everybody has personal reactions to any art,” Predock said after the 3 1/2-hour meeting Tuesday night. “The public has strong opinions. This is a democratic city.”

New renderings for the exterior of the project will be finished within four weeks, said Robert L. Newsom, president of Dworsky Associates of Los Angeles, which is working with Predock.

The city is preparing for a mid-August groundbreaking for the 200,000-square-foot civic plaza, officials said. Working drawings are due by the end of the year.

Predock’s design calls for a three-story city hall, a 400-seat theater and a four-level, 1,800-seat performing arts center at the corner of Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Conejo School Road.

Council members who defended Predock said they had no intention of dumping the architect. He was chosen two years ago from a field of 37 candidates because of his high-profile reputation and experience designing performing arts centers and city halls, Mayor Frank Schillo said.

Predock’s architectural credits include Arizona State University’s Fine Arts Center in Tempe, a 1,000-room Disney hotel in Paris and a county library in Las Vegas.

The construction of a new city hall at the site of the former wild animal park, the biggest civic project in the city’s 27-year history, has faced controversy since its inception more than seven years ago.

Critics have questioned the city’s decision to finance the project by selling off city property. The City Council voted 4 to 1 two weeks ago to reject a citizen-backed initiative to place the project on the ballot.

The measure would have barred the city from using revenues from the sale of municipal property for the project.

WHAT’S NEXT

The Thousand Oaks City Council will review final architectural plans later this year, said Ed Johnduff, city administrative services manager. Grading of the land is expected to begin in late summer. The city has not yet awarded a contract for the project.