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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 07/22/2008 - PRESENTATION OF THE BEET STREET AMPHITHEATER SITE DATE: July 22, 2008 WORK SESSION ITEM STAFF: Chip Steiner FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION Presentation of the Beet Street Amphitheater Site Selection Analysis at the Joint City Council/Downtown Development Authority(DDA) Work Session. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In 2007, the DDA retained HOK Venue to manage a site selection, feasibility analysis, and preliminary architecture/engineering design for a Beet Street Amphitheater. The consultant team has completed the site selection analysis and identified the Justice Center site located on the southeast corner of West Mountain Avenue and Mason Street as the site most advantageous for a future amphitheater. DDA staff presents the analysis to Council for full consideration, and seeks Council consent to move forward with next steps in a due diligence phase. GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED 1. Does Council have any questions regarding the methodology/site ranking criteria applied in the amphitheater site selection analysis? 2. Does Council agree with the consultant's determination of the Justice Center site at West Mountain Avenue and Mason Street as the highest ranked location for a future Beet Street Amphitheater? 3. If the Council concurs with the analytical ranking of sites,does it agree with the consultant's recommended next steps to proceed with a due diligence phase to investigate geotechnical, environmental and historical resource issues connected with the top ranked site? BACKGROUND The amphitheater is an integral part of realizing the Chautauqua-like vision for Downtown Fort Collins, and to provide a permanent home venue for Beet Street. It is envisioned this amphitheater will be located in the heart of downtown, designed with invigorating architectural elements, and serve as the center for Beet Street's programmed series of cultural education and entertainment for local residents,visiting family members or business travelers,and experience-seeking tourists. The facility will be available to the general public as well and can serve as a "town center" for impromptu gatherings as well as independently contracted entertainment. This amphitheater is envisioned with strategically designed open-air access that creates a sense of permeability between activities on the inside of the facility and activity on the street. It is July 22, 2008 Page 2 envisioned that passers-by will wander up to the facility when walking from the office to lunch and experience such things as the Fort Collins symphony rehearsing for a summer concert series, or to wander up and see the dress rehearsal of a local troupe scheduled to perform in an upcoming Children's Shakespeare festival. The Amphitheater is envisioned as a place where families visiting Fort Collins for Beet Street activities will arrive to build their daily itinerary that might include a whitewater rafting trip in the morning, a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art(MOCA) in the afternoon, an evening dinner at a local restaurant and capped off by attendance at a remarkably unique multi-media presentation in the Amphitheater featuring a combination of locally-based and national/international performers and presenters.Or,a summer home for the Fort Collins Symphony who will be able to attract a new audience for a new season's experience and also provide an opportunity to bring CSU performances into the community mainstream in the heart of Old Town. Transitioning the vision of the Beet Street Amphitheater from concept to reality has been underway for almost two years, and the first major output of this effort, a site selection analysis, has been completed and is presented for Council consideration. Through issuance of the 2007A DDA tax increment bonds,the DDA Board recommended and City Council approved appropriations of funds in the amount of$1,300,000 to initiate a site selection analysis, feasibility analysis, and preliminary design of the DDA/Beet Street Amphitheater. HOK Venue of Kansas City,Missouri was retained to manage site selection and feasibility analysis, and provide preliminary architectural/engineering design services. The anticipated date of completion of HOK's work is end of year 2008. This site selection analysis was completed by members of the consultant team. To prevent local biases from influencing the outcome,City and DDA staff did not participate in the analysis,but they did provide the consultants with information about historical, existing, and future conditions in and near the subject sites. The resulting site recommendation is based upon an impartial composite analysis of eight (8) sites in the DDA boundary area through application of multiple criteria from the following categories: 1. Urban design 2. Transportation 3. Site Factors 4. Cost 5. Timing The consultant team identified the Justice Center site, situated at the southeast corner of West Mountain Avenue and Mason Street, as the most advantageous location for an amphitheater, followed by the Chestnut Street site and former Poudre Creamery site. The Justice Center site exhibits strong attributes for a positive urban design relationship to the Downtown's "Main and Main" intersection for high visibility/image, its proximity to related dining/retail and entertainment activities, and its compatibility with existing uses. The site also stands out with high transportation category rankings for proximity to public transit/altemative transit, and for adequacy of proposed parking. July 22, 2008 Page 3 While the Justice Center site presents challenges in terms of its location next to the railroad corridor, it is ranked high for its physical configuration/shape that contributes to flexibility in creating an intimate seating bowl design, a co-location adjacent to a future City performing arts center, and characteristics that can help realize the urban design goal envisioned in the Downtown Strategic Plan to create a strong pedestrian linkage among the civic uses found in the north-south corridor between Mason and Howes Streets. There were no major distinguishable differences for cost-related criteria between the eight (9) sites, and the Justice Center site landed in the middle of the scale for anticipated costs for land acquisition, building construction, and site development costs. HOK recommends a due diligence phase to investigate geotechnical, environmental and historical resource issues connected with the top ranked site(s) as the next steps in the site selection process. These investigations will allow the design of the amphitheater to move forward successfully. ATTACHMENTS 1. Power Point Presentation 2. Fort Collins Amphitheater—Site Selection Analysis AMPHITHEATER SITE SELECTION Fort Collins DDA Background: Site Selection a AnaIVSIS 1 . Competitive bid for site analysis , feasibility analysis and preliminary design 2 . HOK Venue selected ( evaluation team included City staff , DDA staff , Beet Street staff , CSU staff , arts community , and Symphony staff) 3 . Site selection analysis completed in May , 2008 Coune Direction Requested 1 . Does City Council have questions regarding the methodology and site ranking criteria applied to the site selection analysis ? 2 . Does Council agree with the determination that the Justice Center located at the SE corner of Mason and West Mountain is the best location ? 3 . If Council agrees with the location , is it comfortable proceeding with due diligence for geotechnical , environmental , and historical analysis ? S 'Ite e ec ion Criteria Vv Eight sites were analyzed and graded . The sites were : Justice Center block Creamery Block South half of 1st National Bank block Block 23 ( Mason and Maple ) Chestnut Street ( next to Armadillo ) Willow South ( bounded by Lincoln , Willow , Linden and Jefferson ) Willow North ( bounded by Linden , Willow , North College , and Jefferson ) Field behind Aztlan Community Center Categories 43f Anal YS I AdIft Each site was analyzed according to the following broad categories : 1 . Urban Design Compatibility with current adjacent land uses Facility Image/Visibility Quality of User Experience Proximity to Residential (futher away = better ) Proximity to related activities (food , entertainment , retail ) Proximity to parking Business Development Potential 2 . Transportation Vehicular access Adequacy of proposed parking strategy Pedestrian access Infrastructure I Site Factors Site size and configuration Potential views from site Topography/slope Geological /water table issues Proximity to noise and vibration Archeological resources issues Demolition / historic structures Environmental issues Zoning and regulatory issues Potential for facility expansion 4 . Cost Land acquisition cost Building cost premium due to site Site development cost issues due to site 5 . Timing Complexity of existing land ownership Ability to meet proposed schedule Site Scores ir Justice Center : 82 . 8 Chestnut : 77 . 6 Creamery : 73 . 5 Mason - Maple : 7201 Aztlan : 71 . 5 Bank : 69 . 2 Willow South : 68 . 8 Willow North : 68 . 1 Justice Center a Recommended HOK Venue recommended the Justice Center site because : 1 . Strong urban design relationship to downtown ' s major intersection 2 . High visibility from main intersection 3 . Proximity to food , entertainment , retail 4 . Compatibility with existing uses 5 . Proximity to (future ) transit system 6 . Proximity to parking 7 . Site flexibility 8 . Proximity to future performing arts center Major constraint : The Railroad Council Direction 1 . Does City Council have questions regarding the methodology and site ranking criteria applied to the site selection analysis ? 2 . Does Council agree with the determination that the Justice Center located at the SE corner of Mason and West Mountain is the best location ? 3 . If Council agrees with the location , is it comfortable proceeding with due diligence for geotechnical , environmental , and historical analysis ? What is Tax Increment Financing ? Tax = property taxes collected on properties within the DDA district . Increment The difference between the taxes on a property before and after improvements are made to it . Financing The use of property tax increment to service debt ( like a mortgage ) . Example On ^ Proposed Downtown Hotel , Existing property taxes = $ 0 ( city owned ) Property taxes when project is completed : Market Value : $ 48 , 000 , 000 Taxable Value : $ 48 , 000 , 000 x . 29 ( commercial rate ) $ 139920 , 000 x . 095 ( mill levy ) $ 193229400 Increment calculation : $ 1 , 322 , 400 ( annual taxes after completion ) - 0 ( existing property taxes ) $ 193229400 annual property property tax increment nancing with Incriuv Hotel Increment = $ 1 , 322 , 400 . This is the amount of money that can be used to finance bond debt . If the bond borrowing rate is 6 percent and the term of the debt is 20 years , then $ 1 , 322 , 400 is enough to finance $ 25 million in qualified capital projects and qualified programs . With the new DDA legislation the annual increment would be cut in half (worst case ) which would generate $ 661 , 000 in annual increment and would finance $ 12 , 500 , 000 in qualified capital projects and qualified programs . Example Two TIM It Miscellaneous property . Existing property taxes = 50 , 000 ( $ 1 . 8 million property ) Property taxes when improvements are made : Market Value : $ 10 , 000 , 000 Taxable Value : $ 10 , 000 , 000 x . 29 ( commercial rate ) $ 239009000 x . 095 ( mill levy) $ 275 , 000 Increment calculation : $ 275 , 500 ( annual taxes after completion ) - 50 , 000 ( existing property taxes ) $ 225 , 500 = annual property tax increment F inancing with Increr - - - 1 Project Increment = $ 225 , 500 . This is the amount of money that can be used to finance bond debt . If the bond borrowing rate is 6 percent and the term of the debt is 20 years , then $ 225 , 500 is enough to finance $ 4 . 3 million in qualified capital projects and qualified programs . With the new DDA legislation the annual increment would be cut in half (worst case ) which would generate $ 112 , 750 in annual increment and would finance $ 2 . 1 million in qualified capital projects and qualified programs . New DDA Legislation $ 7001000 , 0ao Demonstration of DDA TIF Share-back Through Proposed Amendment. This chart is a graphical representation only. Actual TIF and Base Assessed Values will vary among DDAs. $ 600 , 000 , 000 TIF Assessed Valuation , shown in green , illustrates how TIF value typically grows from Year 1 through Year 30 through the existing DDA statute , and then changes after Year 30 through activation of the proposed amendment. The proposed amendment establishes TIF share-back to Counties , school districts , municipalities , etc. For a period of ten years , the amendment shifts the DDA' s TIF Assessed Value earned in $ 5001000 , 000 Year 10 over to the Base . After Year 40 , the share-back shifts to an annual role . For example , the DDA's TIF C: Assessed Value earned in Year 11 is added to the Base , then the following year the TIF assessed value from O Year 12 is added to the Base , and so on . The Base Assessed Valuation , shown in blue , illustrates how the Base typically grows from Year 1 through Year 30 through the existing DDA statute , and then benefits with annual jumps in value $ 400 , 000 , 000 M TIF Assessed Valuation Qa ■ Base Assessed Valuation $ 300 , 000 , 000 ra MW H Share-back changes to $ 200 000 000 annual role after Year 40 Share-back begins Annual role of TIFA after Year 30 current year Base A� $ 100 , 000 , 000 Valuation Base AV + TIFAV from Year 10 for ten years 18 $ o Mal 1 101 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 l �� Ellin 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47 49 51 53 55 5 Legislation does the following : 1 . Changes the base year for valuation purposes from 1981 to 1991 in the year 2012 . This reduces the property valuation the overlapping taxing entities ( City , County , School District etc . ) :q y try* pop,� 14 �y f � l� . 11� t , �, J i a • t• „c.7 �` •� , � yl' rw .' 1 - � ♦ .� . , '� :'• j t��{j, , ' e� ��`yb��' + ... .1 �� 1 s .fie-...... dill, ph dle tj `_ , _ r r 1 • , f ., f i ` � — ti. ^^}ASS-�`��"C. ; 6• 1 A T r + � w.� f ~�, }� ,. .4 - - _ ' 3 , L • �� ,i�`,�� i I�IG I . . may 0 OWE to pl ; , . r . - • , �1 • '.�, ;,• \ ♦ •�' y •h •1 '�.is � ; ��lip 6 dill :1��•� r I •pp - Mill .• rr.7 iA . , " '• ' tj. �• - ) Y rw..w. .1..r � i .»'r. IIiI . . �ry. l ' _ t ' .`+ / .2 . ! , _ � •: 1 [ - may � �•� . . , . `T fF � - • .t.• � I - LPL •r ' kr�ae ' 3y.41 �ti = • - ! t • 1 � ., r. r�_\.'1�.C\ 1� ... • �1 ,�. � '' L. , 1lk 14 , 1 Lei, y \ Li A IF • ' Fi [Y , { . t _ 'I1 1 fill 1 i M; 11 a . A* • - !H _ ,, 31 j a „ . .tom i•r.s� . i00 re ' ', mas DRAFT - 11 . PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2 SITE LOCATIONS 3 FORT COLLINS SITE SELECTION MATRIX 4 SITES DIAGRAMS WITH PHOTOS AND COMMENTS: Justice Center 5 Creamery 8 Bank Parking 1 1 Mason Maple 14 Chesnut 17 Willow South 20 Willow North 23 Aztlan 26 CONCLUSION 29 TABLE OF CONTENTS As part of the preliminary design effort for a new Fort Collins Amphitheater, HOK Venue and its team (which includes EDAW, NOLTE, MKA, Crossroads Consulting, ME Engineers, Hankard Environmental, WJHW, Walker Parking, and others) has conducted a site analysis process in order to assist the City in determining the best available site for the future Fort Collins Amphitheater. A total of 8 sites were identified for consideration. All sites are within walking distance of Fort Collins Old Town, and all sites fit within the Fort Collins Downtown Cultural District boundary. Each site has been carefully studied and evaluated following a methodical process. The intent of this analysis is to provide equal consideration to each of the candidate sites, and to minimize subjectivity in the site selection process. The following report includes a matrix that summarizes each of the eight sites in relation to a series of different site evaluation criteria . In addition, notes, comments, maps and photographs provide additional information on how every score was determined . PROJECT DESCRIPTION : Aznan I mason- IA'ePle WIllo.c NWt � NhMul I :;reamers \ yydp NbIDtkA a , , Wilba' solm, "' I Jusom cmrf r P66mg Cnaslno Mlstw"I OLD TOWN SQUARE vendrg DOWN70WN LTURAL DISTRICT BOUNDARY / flank Parking I I — I -'• .. k SITE LOCATIONS Site Evaluation Matrix Candidate Sites: Fort Collins Amphitheater Weight Justice Bank Mason - Willow Willow Composite Scores - weighted Factor Center Creamery Parking Maple Chestnut South North Aztlan URBAN DESIGN Compatibility with Current Adjacent Land Uses 125% 4. 1 3.9 3. 1 2.4 3. 1 3.3 2.9 4.0 Facility Image/Visibility (View of site from surrounding area) 120% 4.0 3.0 32 4.0 3.2 1 .8 2.5 2.8 Quality of User Experience 100% 3.3 2.7 2.5 2.3 2.7 1 .7 1 .5 2.5 roxurmy to Existing Residential (Farther = Better) 150% 3.5 1 3.9 2.9 1 2.3 4.1 5.0 1 4.4 5.3 Proximity to Related Activities (Dining, Retail, Entertainment) 120% 4.0 3.0 2.9 2.6 4.6 2.4 2.5 1 .6 Proximity to Existing Parking Resources 100% 3.7 3.1 1 .5 2.4 2.7 1 .3 1 .5 1 .7 Business Development Potential (New/Existing) 100% 2.2 2.4 2.2 3.0 3.0 3.3 3.3 2.2 TRANSPORTATION VehicularAccess (cars/trucks/buses) 100% 3.3 2.9 2.8 3. 1 3.0 2.5 2.1 1 .7 Adequacy of Proposed Parking Strategy 135% 4.1 3.8 2.7 3.5 3.2 2.7 2.7 2.4 Pedestrian Access (sidewalks, crosswalks, signals) 100% 3.8 3.4 3.2 3.2 2.9 1 .6 1 .4 1 .6 Infrastructure - Adequacy; Relocation Required 100% 1 3.2 2.8 1 2.6 2.5 2.6 1 2.3 2.3 1 .9 Public Transit/Altemative Transit 120% 4.1 4.3 3.2 4.6 3.2 2.3 2.3 2.5 SITE FACTORS Site Size; Configuration/Shape 120% 4.2 2.0 2.3 1 .8 4.0 3.7 3.5 3.2 Potential Views from Site 100°� 2.6 2.2 2.2 2.4 2.0 2.2 1 .6 3.1 Topography/Slope 100% 2.8 2.8 3.0 2.8 2.8 3.2 2.8 3.0 Geological or Water Table Issues 100% 2.5 2.7 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.3 2.5 2.0 Proximity to Noise or Vibration Sources (Farther = Better) 150% 1 .2 2. 1 1 .2 1 .2 4.1 1 .8 2.1 2.4 Likely Archeological Resource Issues 100% 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.8 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.8 Demolition - Extent; Historic Structures 100% 2.2 1 .8 3.2 3.2 1 .5 2.0 2.6 3.2 Environmental Issues/Remediation Likely 100% 2.3 2.3 2.9 2.7 2.3 2.1 1 .7 1 .7 Known Zoning or Regulatory Issues 100% 2.5 2.3 2.3 1 .9 2.7 2.9 2.9 2.7 Potential for Facility Expansion 100% 2.8 1 .8 1 .8 2.0 2.8 3.0 3.2 3.2 COST and Acquisition Cost (Lower = Better) 100% 2.8 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 Building Construction Cost Premium due to Site 100% 2.5 2.3 2.3 2.1 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.5 Site Development Cost Premium due to Site 100% 2.5 2.1 2.3 2.3 2.5 2.7 2.7 2.3 TIMING Complexityof Existing Land Ownership 125% 3.5 2.8 3.5 3.5 2.8 2.8 3.0 3.5 Ability to Meet Proposed Schedule 100% 2.9 2.3 2. 1 2.7 2.3 2.7 2.7 2.9 TOTAL 82.8 73.5 69.2 72.1 77.6 68.8 68.1 71 .5 SCORING: 0 = Unacceptable, 1 = Poor...4 = Excellen RANK 1 3 6 2 The table above represents a combination of ratings from the consul- tant team. Scores have been normalized and averaged to produce the rankings seen here. Weighting factors were assigned to evaluation criteria deemed to be more significant in the selection of an urban am- phitheater site ( 100% = no weighting) . MATRIX FORT COLLINS • 2008 TING MUNICI- EASY CONNECTICW r PAL OFF ! TO TRANSIT CENTER BUILDING s .I • ,� LAPORTE e dim; FUTURE EXPA 7 SION EXISTING JUSTICE A CENTER ONE-WAY 'E LIMITS • STREET LMITS � I (TO BECOMf, SITE ACCESS l TWO-WAY IN EXISTING , z00v� " PARKING EXISTING I I FARMERS AccEss Z GARAGE _ MARKET TO PLBLIC WOO ON BARK * ■ PARKING V) r LOT - I Q f. 4� *ocATE � w - 2 s - 40 r T ARKIN ACCESS B.O.H. GARAGE - . • „ /�' �° . �� ® `T& PojENTIAL y 'o.ACC U ff JAYWALKING - � �{' PROBLEM a • •� - ONE-W Y r_ P STAGE �+� STIR L FUTURE PLC �� Aheon ThIAN O � 0 SITE ��� ya �o .AGE NOISr �T FORMING PR �AkY` oNCE ARTS CENTER DIRECTION ROM • r _ im O _ ' OF SOUND (kAILROA 1 r 'r\r / I r Z � ` •� I ,. IRECT Acc "X UNOISE 'TG s � PLANNED CONCERN � I O RAPID TRANS " - TO CHURCH PT �- UPPO T r - G 4 - - , - .� • A ' •t „ `�� �� ENTRY CLOSE TOE ` ' TAD dil I N ..a. TOWN SQUAOR w • , , r - . . 01 - -"•r • _ RESIDENS JUSTI ENTER SITE TENNAN S EXISTING LARIMER COUNTY BUILDI , � I _ 146,500 S.F. iL01 A II III III 10 bVlVAI ;11 111 171 ml 14 kcw*i I I qb*l :l R :Lq I Lei 0 yll 0 r1l 111 0 11 . r t � • � ,� * rh���� �� f}t. . ' � ' , �+ �' ter+..-- ' �� r � - r ` �;4 fir♦ T FORT COLLINS AMPHITHEATER - SITE SELECTION ANALYSIS DRAFT 2 APRIL 2008 6 URBAN DESIGN Excellent quality sidewalks and crosswalks on this portion of Compatibility with Current Adjacent Land Uses: rating 4.1 downtown makes this site one of the best choice for pedestrian Building Construction Cost Premium due to Site: Site is located within precinct of institutional and civic uses access and safety. rating 2.5 along with retail and restaurants, and seems to offer excellent compatibility with current adjacent land uses. Infrastructure - Adequacy; Relocation Required Site Development Cost Premium due to Site: rating 2.5 rating 3.2 Facility Image/Visibility (View of site from surrounding area): TIMING rating 4.0 Public Transit/Alternative Transit: rating 4. 1 Complexity of Existing Land Ownership: rating 3.5 Amphitheater would be greatly visible from all sides including Research between BRT, bus, North Transit Hub, Bike Trails Mountain and Mason, which offers key visibility for visitors Ability to Meet Proposed Schedule: rating 2.9 coming from Old Town. SITE FACTORS Site Size; Configuration/Shape: rating 42 Quality of User Experience: rating 3.3 Excellent site size in relation to amphitheater. When comparing Excellent quality experience from visitors due to high quality with other sites which are often too tight, Justice Center Site offers surrounding context. Mountain is one of the prime vehicular good options for open plazas and park around the building that and pedestrian experience within Downtown Fort Collins. could welcome visitors as they arrive and depart from venues. Proximity to Existing Residential: rating 3.5 Potential Views from Site: rating 2.6 No direct proximity to residential, but closest residential units Mountain Avenue, open park, and good quality of surrounding are only a block away to the west. urban setting and architecture provide a good visual experience to visitors, but yet does not provide any visual connection to larger Proximity to Related Activities ( Dinning, Retail, Entertainment): natural features such as the river or mountains. rating 4 Site offers excellent proximity to related activities which are Topography/Slope: rating 2.8 located only a block away to the east and south. Flat site. Proximity to Existing Parking Resources: rating 3.7 Geological or Water Table Issues: Excellent proximity to exiting parking structure on Mason rating 2.5 which is located right across the street. Proximity to Noise or Vibration Sources: rating 1 .2 Business Development Potential: rating 2.2 Surrounding area is already so developed that we do not Likely Archeological Resources Issues: rating 2.4 envision the project to act as a tool for radical economical Site contains evidence of multiple prior occupancies. development, but rather a good support to the existing downtown businesses. Demolition - Extent; Historic Structures: rating 2.2 TRANSPORTATION Environmental Issues/remediation Likely: rating 2.3 Vehicular Access: rating 3.3 None apparent, but has been urban site for 100+ years. Good vehicular access to the site from all sides and in particularfrom Mountain, Howes and Mason, but its downtown Known Zoning or Regulatory Issues: rating 2.5 location could also become an issue as it increases the traffic Should research further. volume. Potential for Facility Expansion: rating 2.8 Adequacy of proposed Parking Strategy: Site allows for some flexibility and potential growth expansion. Overall rating : 82.8 rating 4. 1 Overall ranking : 1 of 8 COST Pedestrian Access (sidewalks, crosswalks, signals): rating 3.8 Land Acquisition Cost: rating 2.8 rating scale: 0 = unacceptable...4 = excellent (scores greater than 4 are weighted) JUSTICE CENTER SITE : RATINGS G • IW F 46 * r 1 + # ioAl lij - } # * t i �. { VA * • . yII M L . IF Ir 7 k rNE-WAY Am ST joI I • � LJL L • ' { ' _ . r r 61 IF - - ir IF i . 9L .. i FORT COLLINS AMPHITHEATER - SITE SELECTION ANALYSIS DRAFT 2 APRIL 2008 8 FORT COLLINS AMPHITHEATER - SITE SELECTION ANALYSIS DRAFT 2 APRIL 2008 9 URBAN DESIGN downtown makes this site a good choice for pedestrian access Building Construction Cost Premium due to Site: Compatibility with Current Adjacent Land Uses: rating 3.9 and safety. However the lack of space on the tight site prevents rating 2.3 Site is located within precinct of institutional and civic any outdoor space to receive visitors uses along with retail and restaurants, and seems to offer Site Development Cost Premium due to Site: excellent compatibility with current adjacent land uses. Infrastructure - Adequacy; Relocation Required: rating 2. 1 rating 2.8 Facility Image/Visibility (View of site from surrounding area): TIMING rating 3 Public Transit/Alternative Transit: Complexity of Existing Land Ownership: rating 2.8 Amphitheater would be visible from Laporte and Howes, but rating 4.3 hidden and maybe hard to find as visitors arrive from Mason. Ability to Meet Proposed Schedule: rating 2.3 SITE FACTORS Qualify of User Experience: rating 2.7 Site Size; Configuration/Shape: rating 2 Good quality experience from visitors due to high quality Tight site offers no room or space for handling visitors as they surrounding context. However Laporte does not offer the arrive and depart from venues, and offers only low visibility from some streetscape quality as Mountain. major downtown streets or boulevards. Proximity to Existing Residential: rating 3.9 Potential Views from Site: rating 2.2 No direct proximity to residential, but closest residential units Limited size of sight only allow views of adjacent streets and park are only a block away to the west. across the street. Proximity to Related Activities (Dinning, Retail, Topography/Slope: rating 2.8 Entertainment): rating 3 Flat site. Site offers good proximity to related activities which are located 2 or more blocks away to the east and south. Geological or Water Table Issues: rating 2.7 Proximity to Existing Parking Resources: rating 3.1 Good proximity to exiting parking structure on Mason which Proximity to Noise or Vibration Sources: rating 2.1 is located only a block away. Quite close to railroad on Mason. Business Development Potential: rating 2.4 Likely Archeological Resources Issues: rating 2.4 Surrounding area is already so developed that we do not Evidence of multiple previous occupancies envision the project to act as a tool for radical economical development, but rather a good support to the existing Demolition - Extent; Historic Structures: rating 1 .8 businesses. Prior occupancies include businesses of possible historic significance TRANSPORTATION Vehicular Access: rating 2.9 Environmental Issues/remediafion Likely: rating 2.3 Good vehicular access to the site from all sides and in Landfill remediafion most likely. particular from Laporte and Mason, but its downtown location could also become an issue as it increases the Known Zoning or Regulatory Issues: rating 2.3 traffic volume. Potential for Facility Expansion: rating 1 .8 Adequacy of proposed Parking Strategy: Extremely limited, as most of the site is already developed. rating 3.8 Overall rating : 73.5 COST Overall ranking : 3 of 8 Pedestrian Access (sidewalks, crosswalks, signals): rating 3.4 Land Acquisition Cost: rating 2.4 Good quality sidewalks and crosswalks on this portion of rating scale: 0 = unacceptable...4 = excellent (scores greater than 4 are weighted) CREAMERY SITE : RATINGS ■ a • + i • M M S Y IL qO IL fl � —A loll }� # 016 7 . . lip 0 f r # r II — r _ LA itlir - - IF }. i . � l � i , III I •�' I I 4 � ' r III IV *1lilla • *; • f b dr a ! r w y k or . iiI~ •7 * y • # ' • PF IF 'a ir NIL him v e � � i ` ' i + Pp op pill �+� tom ! pill Aw # TT k lip 36 1& IF IF LILK F FORT COLLINS AMPHITHEATER - SITE SELECTION ANALYS DRAFT 2 APRIL 2008 t y Y 1 4 ' j 1 A u f B ANK PARKING SITE FORT COLLINS AMPHITHEATER - SITE SELECTION ANALYSIS DRAFT 2 APRIL 2008 12 URBAN DESIGN offer good and safe pedestrian experience. COST Compatibility with Current Adjacent Land Uses: rating 3.1 Land Acquisition Cost: rating 2.4 Multiuse area which includes banks, retails, restaurants, offices Infrastructure - Adequacy; Relocation Required: and entertainment such as the Lincoln Theater. rating 2.6 Building Construction Cost Premium due to Site: rating 2.3 Facility Image/Visibility (View of site from surrounding area): Public Transit/Alternative Transit: rating 3.2 rating 3.2 Excellent connection to Mason corridor and future Rapid Bus Site Development Cost Premium due to Site: rating 2.3 Good visibility from Mason and Olive, but tall tower of First Transit. National Bank would limit visibility of Amphitheater from Oak TIMING and Mason (coming form North) . SITE FACTORS Complexity of Existing Land Ownership: rating 3.5 Site Size; Configuration/Shape: rating 2.3 Quality of User Experience: rating 2.5 Limited size of site would not allow much room for any outside Ability to Meet Proposed Schedule: rating 2. 1 Medium to high quality of surrounding area, but limited area plaza to welcome crowds coming in and out of the amphitheater of site may prevent quality of user experience during arrival during venues. and exit of theater. No space is available for large crowds. Place would rather become congested. Potential Views from Site: rating 2.2 Mason and other streets. No direct connections are given to open Proximity to Existing Residential: rating 2.9 spaces. Small residential neighborhood is only a block away but this area has already been acclimated to having a medium size Topography/Slope: rating 3 theater. However, the large size of amphitheater and lack of Flat site. parking may generate tensions with existing residents. Geological or Water Table Issues: Proximity to Related Activities (Dinning, Retail, Entertainment): rating 2.5 rating 2.9 Excellent proximity to restaurants, retails and entertainment. Proximity to Noise or Vibration Sources: rating 1 .2 Very close to railroad and its vibrations coming from Mason. Proximity to Existing Parking Resources: rating 1 .5 Poor availability of parking spaces around this site. Likely Archeological Resources Issues: rating 2.4 Amphitheater would actually remove amounts of parking currently available on site. Demolition - Extent; Historic Structures: rating 3.2 Business Development Potential: rating 2.2 Surrounding area is already quite economically developed and successful, but amphitheater might help to further Environmental Issues/remediation Likely: rating 2. 9 economically support the area. TRANSPORTATION Known Zoning or Regulatory Issues: rating 2.3 Vehicular Access: rating 2.8 Site is set within a dense downtown area and removed from any primary vehicular route except for Mason. Potential for Facility Expansion: rating 1 .8 Adequacy of proposed Parking Strategy: Overall raflrl rating 2.7 g 69 .2 Overall ranking : 6 of 8 Pedestrian Access (sidewalks, crosswalks, signals): rating 3.2 Good qualify sidewalks and crosswalks in the surrounding rating scale: 0 = unacceptable...4 = excellent (scores greater than 4 are weighted) BANK PARKING SITE : RATINGS 40 r r 1LXCELLENT PROX- ddl } IMITY TO PLIKIC I' * PAR AN6 RIVER MLIM •• - mllk �. . CHERRY mw ' NARROW SITE ELIMINATES SUPPORT SPACES ON BOTH SIDES - - = 7C CONCERNS Qom ` FR ILROADAND B.O.H. t1l NT STREETS O r710 Z �I + AREA, r - F I4 NOISE CONCER O Lu f NEIGHBORING R rap TIAL PROPER lJ CC � co�• W NEW RESIDENTIAL DIRECTION 0 DEVELOPMENT SOUND ��' AMU Q y €€ + u . Fir ONE-WAY _ TREET LIMITS QQO # ITE ACCESS P UPPORT S I TO BECOME p I - _ •`L TWO-WAY IN {� 2009) ONE EXCELLENT ACCESS TO V TRANSIT CENTER k• _ ENTRANCE IS A CQNSIDER- i XISTING�AT - V BILE DISTANCE FROM OLD • MICE PARKING `. o TOWN SQUARE OTENTIAL PARKING I N Q lot 0 n TRUCTURE , ' + M & MAPLE s i� r • J 74 .4�0 FORT COLLINS • 2008 ti F. d rlow . If e I MASON FORT COLLINS AMPHITHEATER - SITE SELECTION ANALYSIS DRAFT 2 APRIL 2008 15 URBAN DESIGN increases the traffic volume. Compatibility with Current Adjacent Land Uses: rating 2.4 Known Zoning or Regulatory Issues: rating 2 Site is located within multi use precinct which include civic, Adequacy of proposed Parking Strategy: light industrial, retail, and residential. Residential units stand rating 3.5 Potential for Facility Expansion: rating 2.4 directly across the street and may create conflicts with Site allows for some flexibility and potential growth potential amphitheater. Pedestrian Access (sidewalks, crosswalks, signals): rating 3.2 expansion if whole block were to be considered. Excellent quality sidewalks and crosswalks on this portion of Facility Image/Visibility (View of site from surrounding area): downtown makes this site one of the best choice for pedestrian COST rating 4 access and safety. Land Acquisition Cost: Amphitheater would be greatly visible from all sides if project rating 2.4 were to occupy whole block as a site. Otherwise, visibility Infrastructure - Adequacy; Relocation Required: from College would be limited and compromised. rating 2.5 Building Construction Cost Premium due to Site: rating 2. 1 Quality of User Experience: rating 2.3 Public Transit/Alternative Transit: Poor quality experience from visitors due to low quality rating 4.6 Site Development Cost Premium due to Site: light industrial adjacent buildings, intrusive railroad onto rating 2.3 the site, and non refined streetscape as it could be found SITE FACTORS on Mountain. However, site offers good connections to Site Size; Configuration/Shape: rating 1 .8 TIMING park, river and trails, and is easily accessible from multiple Excellent site size in relation to amphitheater. When comparing Complexity of Existing Land Ownership: directions. with other sites which are often too tight, Justice Center Site rating 3.5 offers good options for open plazas and park around the building Proximity to Existing Residential: rating 2.3 that could welcome visitors as they arrive and depart from Residential units are currently being built right across the venues. Ability to Meet Proposed Schedule: street on Mason. rating 2.7 Potential Views from Site: rating 2.4 Proximity to Related Activities (Dinning, Retail, Mountain Avenue, open park, and good quality of surrounding Entertainment): rating 2.6 urban setting and architecture provide a good visual experience Site does not offer excellent proximity to related activities to visitors, but yet does not provide any visual connection to which are located more than two blocks away to the east larger natural features such as the river or mountains. and south. Topography/Slope: rating 2.8 Proximity to Existing Parking Resources: rating 2.4 Flat site. Closest parking structure is located two blocks away south on Mason with no other parking options. Geological or Water Table Issues: rating 2.5 Business Development Potential: rating 3 Amphitheater Surrounding area could certainly be positively Proximity to Noise or Vibration Sources: rating 1 .2 be influence and economically ... by such project in the Very close to railroad on Mason. vicinity. If whole block were to be considered, amphitheater could become a great gateway to Old Town as visitors Likely Archeological Resources Issues: rating 2.8 come from North on College. Limited TRANSPORTATION Demolition - Extent; Historic Structures: Vehicular Access: rating 3.1 rating 3.2 Overall rating : 72. 1 Good vehicular access to the site from all sides and Overall ranking : 4 of 8 in particular from Mountain, Howes and Mason, but its Environmental Issues/remediation Likely: rating 2. 7 downtown location could also become an issue as it None, but should research further. rating scale: 0 = unacceptable...4 = excellent (scores greater than 4 are weighted) MASON & MAPLE SITE : RATINGS FORT COLLINS • 2008 16 _ y N . • I I,.: :i.i R • i � ' � . . e rsro p �i► - I IF a of " r. se,y s • FORT COLLINS AMPHITHEATER - SITE SELECTION ANALYSIS DRA 2 APRIL 2008 y ■ 'n r� 1 • � 1 FORT COLLINS AMPHITHEATER - SITE SELECTION ANALYSIS DRAFT 2 APRIL 2008 18 URBAN DESIGN Jefferson and other surrounding street do not offer such quality TIMING Compatibility with Current Adjacent Land Uses: rating 3.1 pedestrian experience. Complexity of Existing Land Ownership: rating 2.8 Multiuse area includes light industrial, retail, restaurants and offices. Very close to Downtown Mall and night life. Infrastructure - Adequacy; Relocation Required: rating 2.6 Ability to Meet Proposed Schedule: rating 2.3 By other Facility Image/Visibility (View of site from surrounding area): rating 3.2 Public Transit/Alternative Transit: rating 3.2 Poor visibility due to limited size site and surrounding buildings. Research. Amphitheater would be set back may be difficult to find for any visitors coming from outside of town. SITE FACTORS Site Size; Configuration/Shape: rating 4 Qualify of User Experience: rating 2.7 Tight site is surrounded by smaller buildings and removed location No direct access to site from Downtown Mall or Mountain from any primary route or main square would prevent amphitheater Avenue. . from being visible within Fort Collins as a Cultural Center. Proximity to Existing Residential: rating 4.1 Potential Views from Site: rating 2 Closest residential are a block away located across Mountain Not many views are given beside backs of buildings, service alleys Avenue. and Jefferson Street or Walnut Street. Proximity to Related Activities (Dinning, Retail, Entertainment): Topography/Slope: rating 2.8 rating 4.6 Flat site. Excellent proximity to Downtown Mall, restaurants, retails and entertainment. Geological or Water Table Issues: rating 2.5 By other Proximity to Existing Parking Resources: rating 2.7 Beside the small parking garage on Mountain Avenue, there Proximity to Noise or Vibration Sources: rating 4.1 is only poor availability of parking spaces around this site. Railroad is nearby on the other side of Jefferson, and loud heavy trucks are continuously driving by the site by day and night. Business Development Potential: rating 3 Businesses and real estate located east and north of the site Likely Archeological Resources Issues: rating 2.2 would directly benefit from the amphitheater. The project might also add some economical activity to the existing Demolition - Extent; Historic Structures: rating 1 .5 Downtown Mall ' s district, but would not be described as an economical revitalization. Environmental Issues/remediation Likely: rating 2.3 TRANSPORTATION Known Zoning or Regulatory Issues: rating 2.7 Vehicular Access: rating 3 Site is set within a dense downtown area and somehow hard Potential for Facility Expansion: rating 2.8 to access for parking, but primary routes such as College None without acquiring and removing adjacent buildings. Avenue or Jefferson are readily accessible. COST Adequacy of proposed Parking Strategy: rating 3.2 Land Acquisition Cost: rating 2.2 Building Construction Cost Premium due to Site: rating 2.7 Overall rating : 77. 6 Pedestrian Access (sidewalks, crosswalks, signals): rating 2.9 Overall ranking : 2 of 8 Good quality sidewalks and crosswalks on Mountain and Site Development Cost Premium due to Site: rating 2.5 on Linden offer good and safe pedestrian experience, but rating scale: 0 = unacceptable...4 = excellent (scores greater than 4 are weighted) CHESNUT SITE : RATINGS FORT COLLINS • 2008 19 de ENTIAL SITE �` _ • A ESS - z , PATH .� HISTORI T • UILDING • / S LESS DESIRABLE ^ I ENTRY POINT Do • ` �. r EXISTING BUILDI T ♦ WILL HAVETISHEDED DEMOLISHED JQ STAGE ,y' ♦ S F. • t ' PRIMARY ° DIRECTIOIN y • a , dOFSOUND DIFFICULT TO OLD �� � TOWN SQUAB R F S PPOR \ s 2 �/ EX ISTING BUIL , G r W ILL HAVE TO BE DEM SHED s - 40 �• - � - °saw : \� LLOW SOUTH SITE I - 145 , 700 S . F . FORT COLLINS • 2008 YfLJ�� Y" WILLOW SOUTH SITE FORT COLLINS AMPHITHEATER - SITE SELECTION ANALYSIS DRAFT 2 APRIL 2008 21 URBAN DESIGN Square make this site one of the least favorable in terms of Site Development Cost Premium due to Site: rating 2.7 Compatibility with Current Adjacent Land Uses: rating 3.3 pedestrian quality experience. Site mostly surrounded with industrial and light industrial, along with some offices in historic building to the east. Infrastructure - Adequacy; Relocation Required: rating 2.3 TIMING By other Complexity of Existing Land Ownership: rating 2.8 Facility Image/Visibility (View of site from surrounding area): rating 1 .8 Public Transit/Alternative Transit: rating 2.3 Ability to Meet Proposed Schedule: rating 2.7 Site surrounded with non attractive industrial buildings. Site is Research. hidden with no visibility except from Willow. SITE FACTORS Quality of User Experience: rating 1 .7 Site Size; Configuration/Shape: rating 3.7 Low quality experience from visitors due to industrial context. Tight site surrounded by industrial buildings prevents good visual Also site is cut off from Downtown by railroad. presence of the amphitheater within Fort Collins, and offers no connections to other public spaces for quality experience. Proximity to Existing Residential: rating 5 No proximity to residential. Potential Views from Site: rating 2.2 Direct view onto large industrial buildings and railroad. Proximity to Related Activities (Dinning, Retail, Entertainment): rating 2.4 Topography/Slope: rating 3.2 Connection to Old Town Square is difficult due to industrial Flat site. buildings and railroad . Direct access would require grade separated structure to connect site to Jefferson and Old Geological or Water Table Issues: rating 2.3 Town Square. By other Proximity to Existing Parking Resources: rating 1 .3 Proximity to Noise or Vibration Sources: rating 1 .8 No parking resources are available in the surrounding area. Very close to railroad and loud industrial buildings. Business Development Potential: rating 3.3 Likely Archeological Resources Issues: rating 2.2 Amphitheater could potentially be used to regenerate this industrial precinct into a more entertainment and retail Demolition - Extent; Historic Structures: rating 2 area in extension from Old Town Square, but this would significant demolition required require intensive investments to improve streetscape and infrastructure along with demolishing numerous existing Environmental Issues/remediation Likely: rating 2. 1 industrial buildings. Likely some remediation required TRANSPORTATION Known Zoning or Regulatory Issues: rating 2.9 Vehicular Access: rating 2.5 Site is only accessible from Willow, which then connects to Potential for Facility Expansion: rating 3 Lincoln and Willow to the east, and College Avenue to the None without acquiring and removing adjacent industrial West. buildings. Existing railroad also prevents easy connections or expansion toward Jefferson and Old Town Square. Adequacy of proposed Parking Strategy: rating 2.7 By others COST Land Acquisition Cost: rating 2.4 Overall rating : 68.8 Pedestrian Access (sidewalks, crosswalks, signals): rating 1 .6 Overall ranking : 7 of 8 Low quality sidewalks and crosswalks on Willow, and Building Construction Cost Premium due to Site: rating 2.7 absence of direct pedestrian connection from Old Town rating scale: 0 = unacceptable...4 = excellent (scores greater than 4 are weighted) WILLOW SOUTH SITE : RATINGS O . r � .�, \ . j % � % � � � � : z � • »� � ■ $ � � � � � � wt 2 - � ON � . � - � - 2 Lv : - : | . w • , a / . _ w J • \ e � . � 10, � m , ` � ` « - - ® � - • . . , . FORT COLILNSAMPHITHEATER - SIEI SELECTION ANALYSIS DRAFT 2APRIL2008 .a 1 1 1 WILLOW NORTH SITE FORT COLLINS AMPHITHEATER - SITE SELECTION ANALYSIS DRAFT 2 APRIL 2008 24 URBAN DESIGN Pedestrian Access (sidewalks, crosswalks, signals): rating 1 .4 Compatibility with Current Adjacent Land Uses: rating 2.9 Low quality sidewalks and crosswalks on Willow, and absence of COST Site is surrounded with variety of different uses such as: direct pedestrian connection from Old Town Square make this Land Acquisition Cost: rating 2. 6 industrial buildings of different scales, a sport center, the site difficult to develop in terms of pedestrian quality experience. Bas Bleu Theater, the railroad, and a Park located along Building Construction Cost Premium due to Site: Jefferson. Infrastructure - Adequacy; Relocation Required: rating 2.3 rating 2.7 Facility Image/Visibility (View of site from surrounding area): By other rating 2.5 Site Development Cost Premium due to Site: rating 2.7 Site may be visible from park on Jefferson across the railroad Public Transit/Alternative Transit: rating 2.3 TIMING line, but on the overall, location does not offer any good Less proximate to existing transit routes. Complexity of Existing Land Ownership: rating 3 image/visibility. SITE FACTORS Ability to Meet Proposed Schedule: rating 2.7 Quality of User Experience: rating 1 .5 Site Size; Configuration/Shape: rating 3.5 Low quality experience from visitors due to industrial context Tight site surrounded by industrial buildings prevents good visual on Willow and railroad lines framing site on southern and presence of the amphitheater within Fort Collins, and offers no western edges. connections to other public spaces for quality experience. Proximity to Existing Residential: rating 4.4 Potential Views from Site: rating 1 .6 No proximity to residential. Direct view onto large industrial buildings Proximity to Related Activities (Dinning, Retail, Entertainment) Topography/Slope: rating 2.8 rating 2.5 Flat site. Desirable connection to Old Town Square is made difficult due to the railroad lines, but Linden still offers a good Geological or Water Table Issues: rating 2.5 proximity to old town square. Water table issues likely to be present. Proximity to Existing Parking Resourcesl.: rating1 .5 Proximity to Noise or Vibration Sources: 2. 1 No parking resources are available in the surrounding area. Very close to railroad . Business Development Potential: rating 3.3 Likely Archeological Resources Issues: rating 2.2 Amphitheater could potentially help regenerate this mixed There will most likely be archeological resources issues due to the use precinct into a more entertainment and retail area as Fort Collins Military Post Archeological Site located on the North an extension of Old Town Square. However this would still East side of the site. require intensive investments to improve streetscape and infrastructure along Willow and Linden, and unless removed, Demolition - Extent; Historic Structures: rating 2.6 railroad will always create a barrier on both Souther and Limited demolition required . Western edges. Environmental Issues/remediation Likely: rating 1 .7 TRANSPORTATION Very likely to have contaminated soils and/or groundwater. Near Vehicular Access: rating 2.1 old coal gasification facility. Railroad adjacent for +/- 100 years. Site is only accessible from Willow, which then connects to Lincoln and Willow to the east, and College Avenue to the Known Zoning or Regulatory Issues: rating 3.2 West. Potential for Facility Expansion: rating 3.2 Overall rating : 68. 1 Adequacy of proposed Parking Strategy: rating 2.7 None without acquiring and removing adjacent industrial Overall ranking : 8 of 8 By others buildings. Existing railroad also prevents easy connections or expansion toward Jefferson and Old Town Square. rating scale: 0 = unacceptable...4 = excellent (scores greater than 4 are weighted) WILLOW NORTH SITE : RATINGS _ + 7 Orr �. jag lie • �S •r' . ♦ J R . r • 1/ � ,� � ram._. / ' �. - • ♦ 1. ` i, •• , � � • II li VI _ • y M i �• s 1L � FORT COLLINS AMPHITHEATER - SITE SELECTION ANALYSIS DRAFT 2 APRIL 2008 26 Y T i � 2 { f rY � � t ,.,y���,,� r •r �y ` .Y � 1 �t �` F - �� �;' ` fir .� .���''��.'♦ i 3 4 AZTLAN SITE URBAN DESIGN COST Compatibility with Current Adjacent Land Uses: rating 4 Pedestrian Access (sidewalks, crosswalks, signals): rating 1 .6 Land Acquisition Cost: rating 2.8 Site is currently partly occupied by Aztlan Community Medium quality sidewalks and crosswalks on this portion of Center, and other half contains a landfill. Willow, and isolated location make this site difficult to develop in Building Construction Cost Premium due to Site: terms of pedestrian quality experience and accessibility. rating 2.5 Facility Image/Visibility (View of site from surrounding area): rating 2.8 Infrastructure - Adequacy; Relocation Required: rating 1 .9 Site Development Cost Premium due to Site: rating 2.3 Amphitheater would be quite visible from North College Avenue, but hidden and maybe hard to find as visitors arrive TIMING from Willow. Public Transit/Alternative Transit: rating 2.5 Complexity of Existing Land Ownership: rating 3.5 Research . Quality of User Experience: rating 2.5 Ability to Meet Proposed Schedule: rating 2.9 Low quality experience from visitors due to main access from SITE FACTORS Willow through parking lot of the Aztlan Community Center. Site Size; Configuration/Shape: rating 3.2 Western and Northern edges are defined by railroad which Tight site is contained by river and it' s 200 feet setback on the prevents any good quality experience. However on eastern Northeastern edge, and by BNSF railroad on its western and edge of the site is the Cache La Poudre River which offers a northern edges. Along with its isolated location, this makes this unique quality to this particular site. site one of the least favorable for a successful amphitheater plan within Fort Collins. Proximity to Existing Residential: rating 5.3 No proximity to residential as of today, but new residential Potential Views from Site: rating 3.1 community of condos and town homes is currently being Very attractive view of the river is partly spoiled by unattractive built adjacent to the site. sight of railroad . Proximity to Related Activities (Dinning, Retail, Topography/Slope: rating 3 Entertainment): rating 1 .6 Flat site. Site is relatively isolated and offers no proximity to related activities other than theater. Geological or Water Table Issues: rating 2 Proximity to river suggests likely water table issues. Proximity to Existing Parking Resources: rating 1 .7 Beside the Aztlan Community Center' s parking which was Proximity to Noise or Vibration Sources: rating 2.4 only sized for its own uses, no parking resources are available Very close to railroad . in the surrounding area. Likely Archeological Resources Issues: 2.8 Business Development Potential: rating 2.2 Limited We do not envision any business development potential related to this site due to its isolated location and the current Demolition - Extent; Historic Structures: rating 3.2 uses surrounding the site. Long range this will be the mixed use River District. Environmental Issues/remediation Likely: 1 .7 Over landfill. Cover soil contains asbestos. Groundwater contains TRANSPORTATION volatile hydrocarbons. Vehicular Access: rating 1 .7 Site is only accessible from Willow and through the Aztlan Known Zoning or Regulatory Issues: rating 2.7 parking lot. This may generate traffic congestions as people Overall rating : 71 .5 arrive and depart. Potential for Facility Expansion: rating 3.2 Overall ranking : 5 of 8 None as most of the site is already taken by the Aztlan Adequacy of proposed Parking Strategy: rating 2.4 Community Center, or contained by the railroad and river. rating scale: 0 = unacceptable...4 = excellent (scores greater than 4 are weighted) AZTLAN SITE : RATINGS FORT COLLINS • 2008 28 90.0 4 r,� • r _ _ 80.0 _ E. IL lionTL ' 70.0 60.0 Sri � � � a 50.0 iyit 77� lift � 40.0 30.0 s • yIr y+�. +l �!' ; r it ' ,✓/�J 20.0 i� ' � ..11111i, „ r -11 '..I L iil�i _ •TI Justice Creamery Bank Mason- Chestnut Willow Willow Artlan is ,�}��' • � ' !', ts s � ' i 1 r �• -� Center Parking Maple South North AWA Ratings of candidate sites (weighted) Ranking of candidate sites In short, all eight candidate sites have significant chal- geous for the siting of the new Fort Collins Amphitheater, Municipal building to block noise from the railroad, but is lenges as well as opportunities presented to the pos- despite its proximity to the Mason Street rail corridor. This closer to residential properties to the north . There are also a sible development of a new amphitheater. This study factor was weighted heavily in the rankings, but potential number of structures of historic value or possible cultural signif- suggests that the balance of opportunities and chal- noise from rail traffic affected all the candidate sites to one icance on the Creamery site that would make development lenges favors the Justice Center site first, followed by degree or another. of an amphitheater more challenging . the Chestnut and the Creamery sites. The relatively small differences in scores from the ratings may suggest If it is determined that the Justice Center site is not obtain- Next steps in the site selection process should include a due that the sites are very similar; however, this is not the able , the team suggests investigation of the Chestnut site, diligence phase to investigate the geotechnical, environ- case. The numerical differences may be small, but the which has the advantage of close proximity to Old Town mental and historical resource issues connected with the top qualitative difference between the sites is significant, Square. Acquiring multiple land parcels and developing ranked site (or sites) . These investigations will allow the design except for the sites ranked sixth, seventh and eighth. a workable parking strategies for the Chestnut site will be of the amphitheater to move forward successfully. more challenging than for the Justice Center site. In terms of the evaluation critera used to rank the sites, the Justice Center site appears to be most advanta- The third-ranked Creamery site has the advantage of the CONCLUSION FORT COLLINS • 00 . 29