Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Development Authority - Minutes - 01/14/19990 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Regular Directors' Meeting Kermit Allard, Chair 482-1893 (V) Chuck Wanner, Council Liaison 484-0810 (H) Anne Garrison, Staff Liaison 484-2020 (M MINUTES OF JANUARY 14, 1999 REGULAR MEETING The Board of Directors of the Downtown Development Authority met in regular session at 7:30 a.m. on January 14, 1999 in the Meeting Room at Home State Bank, 303 East Mountain Avenue. PRESENT There were present: Mary Brayton, Vice Chair Greg Belcher, Treasurer Jason Meadors, Secretary Steve Slezak Chuck Wanner Larry Stroud Margaret Brown John Pitner ABSENT Kermit Allard, Chair STAFF Chip Steiner, Consultant Anne Garrison Lucia Liley, Counsel CALL TO ORDER Ms. Brayton called the meeting to order at 7:40 a.m. and roll call was taken. APPROVAL OF Mr. Slezak moved to adopt the minutes of December 3, 1998 as written, this MINUTES was seconded by Mr. Wanner and carried unanimously. DDA MINUTES PAGE 2 DDA/DBA Mr. Steiner referred the Board to a copy of the agreement contained in the AGREEMENT packets. Similar in content to last year, it notes that the office administrator (RES 99-1) works for both organizations; that $8,000 is provided by DBA toward those services, and that rent will increase commensurately with the amount of office space utilized by DDA A change of one word from 'permitted' to 'prohibited' was suggested. Mr. Wanner then moved to adopt Resolution 99-1, this was seconded by Mr. Stroud and carried unanimously. CONSULTANT'S A contract has been prepared which closely follows the 1998 employment CONTRACT agreement The difference being Mr. Steiner's services are contracted (RES 99-2) on a month to month basis, with an additional clause added which states that the agreement can be terminated upon instant notice. Mr. Slezak moved to adopt Resolution 99-2, this was seconded by Mr. Meadors and carried unanimously. WORK SESSION A work session was convened to obtain Board input regarding questions to be posed to candidates during interview, and to determine areas which are relevant for discussion. WHAT DDA SEEKS IN A CANDIDATE: * An entrepreneurial attitude - the ability to take a project and push it through the system - make sure it happens. * Experience in tax increment financing - or determining if the candidate has done their homework on the subject * Individual should not be anti -growth or anti -government; yet if they have reservations, they should still work toward revitalizing the economic base of downtown, while being opposed to a lot of growth. * Knowledge of infra -structures, basic governmental systems, and an idea of legalities and processes. Knowledge of how to secure Federal/State grand funding, and work within historic guidelines. * Knowledge of non traditional financing for projects. * Balance between current knowledge and abilities - an individual who is a quick study, enthusiastic, passionate about downtown, and who can get up and running quickly. One who does not just manage, but creates, and is therefore not easily bored with the job. * Chip was asked the question, "what do you see as most important for your job?" His answer was 'motivation and a passion for downtown.' • DDA needs to determine if it wants to be led by an individual, or to lead. • Prepare pre -interview questions and send to finalists, this will enable the Board to have some insight into candidates and check their written communication skills. QUESTIONS TO BE POSED TO CANDIDATES: * What is your vision for Fort Collins downtown for the next 7 years and beyond? ( DDA needs to ready a response as to what might happen to it after 2006) • However, put burden on the individual to answer what they envision after 2006 • What, in your opinion, makes a great downtown ... the pieces? DDA MINUTES PAGE 3 * Downtown lacks housing, what are ways you see to remedy this? * Growth, no growth are divisive issues. How does that work in a community? * Describe a major accomplishment in which you dealt with political, and institutional roadblocks. * Consider downtown today, what do you believe are its strengths and weaknesses (Candidates may not have the right answer, but what they say may be insightful) ` Why do you want this specific job? * Describe your most interesting failure. * Is working for a Board a problem? ` What is the relevance of an urban cultural environment to a community? * What defines a community? * Describe what you perceive as a day in the life of the DDA Director. * Is there a possible link to CSU and the DDA, either financial or otherwise? The Search Committee's timeline is to review all applications and to determine the finalists by Tuesday January 19, at 3:00 p.m. Hopefully 3 - 5 candidates will emerge as good possibilities. Interviews will take place after January 28, and before February 2, 1999. At the February 4, Board Meeting, recommendations will be made and discussions which will be interactive with the full Board. At some point between February 2, and February 4, an introductory coffee will be held to give the Board an opportunity to meet and greet the finalists. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Slezak asked if it might be appropriate to draft a resolution recognizing Debra Passariello and her contribution to this community. ADJOURN There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 8:35 a.m. Jason Meadors, Secretary D&NTOWN � DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 Telephone (9701484-2020 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefox (970) 484-2069 TO: DDA Board of Direc s FROM: Chip Steiner DATE: February 8, 1999 RE: 251 Linden Street Last October the Board of Directors considered and then tabled a request from the owners of the property located at 251 Linden Street requesting DDA acquisition of the building's facade for $20,000. At the time the appropriation of funds for such a project had not been approved by City Council. The appropriation has subsequently been approved. According to the information provided by the owners of the property (attached) the project is broken into two phases, the first costing a total of $146,600 and the second estimated at $150,000. Of this amount, the following sources of grant funds have been awarded to the project: Total Cost (estimate) $296,600 State Historic Society (70,000) City His. Pres. Grants 7 500 Subtotal $219,100 DDA Facade Acquisition Request (20,000) Owner Investment $199,100 The request to the DDA does not indicate the timing of phase two of this project which involves the restoration of the interior of the second floor of the building. Without that investment, the breakout of funds is as follows (excludes purchase price of property): Total Cost (Phase 1) $146,600 State Historic Society ($70,000) City His. Pres. Grants 7,500) Subtotal $ 69,100 DDA facade acquisition Request (20,000) Owner Investment $ 49,100 The 200 block of Linden Street is turning into a real downtown gem. Part of this is a result of many independent restoration projects which, even within the framework of City planning and historic preservation regulations, express the individuality and diverse tastes of the property owners who fund the restoration work. In that context, the DDA serves all of downtown by continuing to encourage such private investment efforts. The Board may, however, wish to consider its investment in this property to be contingent upon the total renovation cost rather than just the first phase. A typical DDA investment (which, please be aware, is not necessarily the same as the total non -owner dollars invested) usually does not exceed 10 percent of the total renovation cost and the investment is usually made retro- actively, i.e. after all the renovation work has been done. In this particular instance grant and fagade acquisition funds equal about 33 percent of the total project cost and better than 65 percent of phase one. A $20,000 DDA fagade acquisition fee is less than 10 percent of the total cost of both phases but seems justified in light of the amount of grant funds being used relative to the owner's own investment. pmr f ✓ IOtlN Y AV ROI EN SOi A.mm-mrm, I _y, ricer - r DDA Grant Proposal Page 1 INTRODUCTION This document describes a proposed Downtown Development Authority project at 251 Linden, Fort Collins, Colorado ("the Property"), and requests funding for said project. As one of Downtown Fort Collins' last un-restored and neglected historic properties, the building is in critical need of care and restoration. Abandoned in 1974 after the last tenant, Summers Auto, moved to a new location, the property began a consistent aesthetic and structural decline. The current owners are passionately dedicated to the Property's careful and accurate historic restoration. They are working to ensure that the facade is restored with the same level of proficiency demonstrated recently on the Trimble Block project. The first phase of the project will require structural reinforcements, roof repairs, and interior finish of the lower level. This, combined with the facade restoration, will enable the leasing of the 2000 sq. ft. ground floor retail space, thereby helping to fund the second phase of the project: total restoration of the 7 offices and grand hallway of the upper level. The owners' vision is to revitalize the entire structure and see it become a local center for the fine arts, graphic arts, and/or the architectural community in Fort Collins. BACKGROUND The Property was built in 1883 and is listed in the Local and National Register Historic District. It is situated on the north half of the Robertson & Haynes Block —named for T.H. Robertson, a turn of the century small businessman, and Mr. Haynes —a Fort Collins lawyer. One photograph dating to 1984 reveals some history of the area businesses: a "New and Second-hand goods" store at 247 Linden (which is now Joe's Upholstery), "T.H. Robertson's Boots, Shoes, Hats and Caps" at 251 Linden, and law offices established above. An early 1900s photo shows "Plattner Implement Company" occupying the storefront with retail farm implements. The first entry appearing in the Fort Collins City Directory shows "P.P Tubbs - Hay, Feed and Coal" as occupants in 1902. The Directory suggests that 1917 was the most likely year when the Victorian storefront was replaced with the current overhead garage door, marking the most significant alteration to the Property's facade. Lloyd & Mayer Auto Company —the first of a series of auto repair businesses —then occupied the lower level. At about the same time, the upstairs law offices were converted to apartments. The grand foyer, with its dramatic up/down staircase running the length of the building and illuminated by a massive 6 x 25- foot skylight, was later altered to accommodate the residential use. The Property's rear stairway was capped and now supports what was the community bath. A hand-written sign above the claw foot tub still reads "Please clean the tub after use." The last two decades, unfortunately, have been particularly rough on the Property. Roof leaks developed long ago and were not repaired until last year when the new owner took remedial measures to stop fiuther damage. Much remains to be done. DDA Grant Proposal • • PaQe 2 RESTORATION Restoration of the interior and exterior will be carefully performed in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Existing interior Victorian fabric will be saved and restored. The twin staircase will be restored and the skylight reopened. The Victorian storefront and adjacent Eastlake Victorian entrance will be carefully restored using detail found in the extensive historic photo collection. The entry doors to the upper level will be fashioned after an existing neighboring entry constructed at the same time and with the same design (the entryway to Carl Glaser's office at 215 Jefferson). Richard Beardmore of A-E Design Associates, P.C. in Fort Collins has been selected as the preservation engineer and building restoration consultant for the project. Mark Thorburn of University Designers and Builders in Fort Collins has been selected as the project contractor. The owners made this choice primarily from observing the quality of workmanship on the Trimble facades. In addition to the highly visible restoration of the Property's facade, the project results will be documented with an extensive collection of "before" and "after" photos. Specific facade work to be completed will include: 1) Masonry and Brick Restoration a. Paint stripping from existing historic brick, brick repair and re -pointing. b. Repair, conserve, re -dress existing sandstone sills and coining 2) Storefront and Facade Restoration a. Selective demolition of non -historic existing storefront elements b. Replicate second floor Eastlake Victorian paired entry doors c. Restore, replace missing pieces, repair sheet metal belt and upper cornices d. Producelreplicate missing storefront elements and glazing e. Repair/replicate eight, second -story, double -hung wood windows f. Restore, repair, replicate rear entry door and repair rear (old) garage doors g. Flashing, sealants, caulking and finish exterior painting BENERT TO COMMUNITY Two years ago the City finished the Linden Streetscape Project which revitalized the 200 block of Linden by adding attractive landscaping and pedestrian improvements such as period benches and lights. Unfortunately, 251 Linden has remained in its dilapidated state until co -applicants Douglas and Renita Gennetten purchased the building early last year. Given the Property's highly visible location at the center of historic Old Town Fort Collins, this project will enjoy widespread community support. The restoration of the Property has the strong and vocal support of Mayor Ann Azari, the City of Fort Collins Landmark Preservation Commission, the Fort Collins Local Development Company, and others. DDA Grant Proposal Page 3 In addition, the Robertson/Haynes Block at 247-253 Linden is a critical link between Old Town Plaza and the river neighborhood to the north. It has long been a goal of the City to extend the aesthetic and economic vitality of Old Town Plaza north to the Poudre River area. Surrounding businesses are excited to see redevelopment of this building which will positively impact the collective business climate. In anticipation of the project, the City's Historic Preservation Office hosted their annual "Preservation Nfixer" at the Property (and the Silver Grill.) last May. In order to raise awareness and gamer support, hundreds of citizens were allowed to tour the building. A photo poster display of the proposed project was showcased at the event. PROJECT COST BREAKDOWN Due to extensive preparation for the Property's State Historical Grant request, fairly detailed estimates of the project's Phase 1 are available and are reproduced below Phase 1 Professional Services Project Cost Estimates Plans & Specs 10,100 Field Engineering, Tech. Assist., & related services 6,500 SUBTOTAL: $15,600 Phase 1 Restoration Services Masonry & Brick Restoration Storefront & Fagade Restoration Structural Reinforcements Interior Repairs & Related items Reroofing & Related Items SUBTOTAL: PHASE 1 TOTAL: Phase 2 Upper Level Restoration Early rough total project estimate 15,280 52,600 30,370 10,520 22,230 $131,000 $146,600 $150,000 GRAND TOTAL: $296,600 'dM twNTO" DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 Telephone (970) 484-2020 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefox (970) 484-2069 TO: DDA Board of Directors FROM: Chip Steiner Ct DATE: February 11, 1999 Re: Leveraging a Passariello Memorial The City has issued an RFP for a new municipal office building to be located on the southeast comer of Block 32 (directly north across LaPorte Avenue from the new Larimer County Justice Center and directly west across Mason Street from the proposed Multi - Modal Transit Center). This new building, along with the Justice Center, new parking structure, and multi -modal transit facility are elements of the Civic Center Master Plan which Debra Passariello worked so hard to create and have adopted by the City. Given the impact this Master Plan has already had on downtown and the probability that the impact will increase exponentially as performing arts, library, and (wistfully) horticultural facilities are built, it seems appropriate for the DDA to consider something more substantial than a simple plaque as a memorial to Debra. In fact, the appropriate memorial might provide us and future generations a place to contemplate the relationship of a successful urban environment to the meaning and achievement of a community. I think Debra might have understood this relationship and would appreciate a place that fosters its growth. Of course, a "place" can be expensive. So, to generate the funds, perhaps the DDA could ask the City to "leverage" the development of one (or all) of three "pads" it has available through the construction of the new City office building (these are located at the northwest and southwest corners of the multi -modal transit center block and at the northeast corner of Block 32. Such development would have to be by the private sector and generate property tax increment which the DDA could then use to fund the memorial. Not coincidentally, of course, downtown also gets increased private investment. This sounds like a good project for a new director to undertake.