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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReport - Mail Packet - 3/25/2014 - Information From Matt Robenalt, Downtown Development Authority Executive Director, Re: Downtown Development Authority 2013 Year In Review2 Welcome to our Year in Review as the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority (DDA) pres- ents highlights and accomplishments of 2013. We are pleased to share our story of the past year with you. Downtown Fort Collins exhibited its strong urban vibrancy in 2013, and realized a continued emergence as a focal point of the Northern Colorado region. Through efforts with our long time partners like the City of Fort Collins and the Downtown Business Association, and many new partners such as Woodward, Inc. and City Drug/ Beau Jo’s Pizza, the economic, cultural and social growth of the central business district was advanced in positive ways. The year 2013 brought projects such as Brinkman Partners’ MAX Flats apartments and the Ram Bookstore ren- ovation closer to reality through the DDA’s role in coordinating and funding the enhancement of public urban design and architectural façcade features. These projects stand out in 2013 because of the important physical relationship they hold with the City of Fort Collins MAX bus rapid system construction project and their close proximity to the Laurel Street and Mulberry Street station stops. The DDA is proud of its involvement in enhanc- ing the built environs along the community’s future bus rapid transit system that will begin service in 2014! The DDA is also pleased to welcome Woodward, Inc. back into the downtown neighborhood. In partnership with the City of Fort Collins, a new corporate campus is now under construction by Woodward, Inc. on the for- mer Link N’ Greens golf course. With more than $200 million in private investment by Woodward, Inc., the DDA and City’s partnership with this long-time Fort Collins company will result in up to $16 million of DDA investment to restore 31-acres of natural area along the Cache La Poudre River, relocate high tension power lines, make improvements to Lemay and Lincoln Avenues, and support enhanced architectural façades on new industrial buildings. The multitude of small independent businesses, many of which have been in operation for decades, and those that now operate on the national and global scale contributed to the vibrancy of Downtown Fort Collins in 2013. We take our role at the DDA very seriously and seek to ensure that the downtown, an important part of our en- tire community’s legacy, remains the greatest place in Northern Colorado to live, work, learn, conduct business, shop and visit. On behalf of the Board of Directors and DDA management and staff, we sincerely thank you for your support in 2013 and look forward to a successful 2014. Matt Robenalt Wynne Odell Executive Director Board Chair 2013 DDA Year in Review 3 The Downtown Development Authority is a steward of the neighborhood at the heart of Fort Collins — Down- town. We fund projects that add to the vitality, excitement, activity, vibrancy, diversity and attractiveness of our community. To achieve success in economic development of the District, all DDA functions will be operated with attention to: maintaining the fiscal viability of the organization; achieving the goals of the organization as developed by the community of stakeholders; and, implemented through the adopted plans and policies of the DDA Board of Directors and City Council. • Reduce risk of pioneering investments. • Signal political importance. • Public infrastructure upgrades. • Environmentally restorative, responsible and accountable. • Design and build circulation systems that minimize auto/ pedestrian conflict and maximize convenience. • Solve a market/use mismatch by bridging a project financing gap. • Sustaining the historic character by preserving and honoring what is here. • Quality façade materials and timeless design in architectural improvements. • Place-making to promote urban vitality. • Support of affordable housing to diversify downtown living options. When the DDA invests tax increment funds to promote and support public and private development our aim is to Make it Happen, Make it Happen Sooner, Make it Better. Public Investment Philosophy 4 Woodward 777 East Lincoln International Avenue Headquarters Public Improvements • Tax Increment Investment • $7.3 to $16.7 million The proposal by the 140-year old company, Woodward, Inc., to redevelop the Link N’ Greens golf course into a site for the corporate campus for their international headquarters has provided the Downtown and Fort Collins community a once in a generation opportunity. In February, the DDA Board and the City Council approved an amendment to the DDA’s Plan of Development boundary to include 101 acres of the former Link N’ Greens golf course into the DDA district. In April, the DDA Board approved an agreement with the City of Fort Collins and Woodward, Inc. that facilitates a private investment of more than $200 million by Woodward, Inc. and a public redevelopment package. The public redevelopment package consists of DDA tax increment, City use tax rebates, and City fee rebates. The structure of the agreement is performance based, meaning that as Woodward builds its proposed headquarters and campus pursuant to a 4-phase concept and schedule, the amount of combined DDA and City public redevelopment investment is scaled from a minimum of $12.7 million up to a maximum amount of $23.5 million. The DDA’s portion of this redevelopment package ranges from $7.3 million up to $16.7 million. Private Development 2013 DDA Year in Review 5 The DDA investment consists of: • Restoration and enhancement of 31 acres of new open space along the Poudre River dedicated by Woodward to the City of Fort Collins • Upgrading of infrastructure in the public rights-of-way on Lemay and Lincoln Avenues • Relocation of Poudre River Power Authority transmission lines • Enhanced “Lincoln Boulevard” concept in conjunction with a possible renewal of a City sales tax initiative to support important capital projects • Investment in the appearance of private improvements by supporting the enhancement of quality façade materials on future buildings of the Woodward campus 6 MAX 203 West Flats Mulberry Street Public Improvements • $193,802 The MAX Flats development is the first new residential project along the downtown portion of the MAX bus rapid transit system. Located adjacent to the Mulberry MAX Station, the target demographics for these residential units are professionals and students seeking downtown housing with access to mass transit and within walking distance of Old Town and Colorado State University. The project consists of a single 5-story, 63,434 square foot, L-shaped building that is positioned to maximize the utilization of the site and also enhance the urban fabric of the Mason Corridor. Upon completion it will include 64 rental residential units as well as a ground level commercial/coffee shop space. The DDA invested in eligible public improvements on this project, including streetscape enhancements that benefit the pedestrian experience: integration of the MAX Transit Station, sandstone seat boulders, and decorative hardscapes. Infrastructure improvements include enhanced public utility and sanitary sewer lines. Private Development 2013 DDA Year in Review 7 Olive 120 West Street Olive Storefront Street Façade Grant • $16,502 The commercial property at 120 West Olive Street received a façade grant to redefine the existing retail storefronts. Purchased in 2012, the new owners have made extensive renovations to the interior of the property. The renovated façade design achieves a fresh, revitalized look that embraces the characteristics of the existing façade and introduces new elements, providing a more contemporary aesthetic. A metal structure with a large expanse of spandrel glass enhances the verticality of the architecture while creating a more open feel to the center entry. Various architectural awning elements provide shade and shelter. The owners intend to participate in future streetscaping as it relates to the Mason Street Corridor and any future alley enhancements on the east façade of the building. 8 Rams 130 West Bookstore Laurel Street Façade Grant • $36,689 Located at the corner of West Laurel and South Mason Streets, the Rams Bookstore property lies directly across from the Colorado State University campus and adjacent to the Laurel MAX bus rapid transit station stop. The current renovation to the two-story structure, which has been a bookstore since it was constructed in 1969, will house the Boot Grill, a downsized Rams Bookstore, and a CSU apparel concept store. As part of the granting process, the property owners petitioned to be included within the DDA boundary. Contemporary features will accent the current concrete block exterior of the building including new large storefront window openings with metal sunscreen awnings. A vertical wall element clad in prefinished corrugated metal paneling will serve to break up the long horizontal emphasis of the west elevation, while also tying into the new MAX bus station stop adjacent to the west side of the building. The new rooftop patio for the Boot Grill will have a modern decorative steel guardrail, and the restaurant will also feature outdoor patio seating along the sidewalk with a steel railing around the perimeter and new decorative exterior wall-mounted light fixtures. The proposed improvements along this prominent corner create a synergy on this active pedestrian corridor and will serve as a catalyst for future improvements along both Mason and Laurel Streets. Private Development 2013 DDA Year in Review 9 Social 1 Old Town Square Façade Enhancements & Public Improvements • $42,180 The renovation of the unoccupied basement at 1 Old Town Square to open Social Craft Bar presented an opportunity to enhance the urban design of the pedestrian experience on East Mountain Avenue and elevate the quality of design features related to the subterranean business entrance. Located on Mountain Avenue adjacent to the entrance to Old Town Square, the project received permission from the City of Fort Collins to install the signature access stairwell and clock tower in the public right- of-way. The stairwell and railing provide the primary entrance to the new establishment, which is focused on quality food and beverages with a soft modern/ industrial décor. The DDA investment provided above-grade enhancements to the building façade and stairway as well as enhanced elements to the below-grade stairwell, setting a strong example for quality design in future subterranean business entrances in the downtown. 10 Old Block Town 23 - Mason Flats & Maple Streets Public Improvements • $274,613 Old Town Flats will be located on Block 23, the largest tract of undeveloped land in Old Town, which has drawn interest for a number of full-block development proposals in recent years. Old Town Flats represents a new approach utilizing phased redevelopment of the site. The project’s location on the east side of Mason Street provides linkage between three previous DDA investments: Penny Flats, the Downtown Transit Center, and the Museum of Discovery. Streetscape enhancements will provide a physical and aesthetic correlation between these projects, including enhanced hardscape pavers, seating nooks with sandstone benches, new trees and landscaping, and an enhanced bike lane. There will be additional utility improvements in the right-of-way, including new sanitary sewer, storm sewer, water services, gas service, and fire hydrants. The owners will dedicate a 10-foot easement to the City to allow for the reconfigured bike lane and widened pedestrian corridor on Mason Street. Private Development 2013 DDA Year in Review 11 Block 23 Streetscape Concept Recognizing Old Town Flats as a connector that provides the opportunity to integrate the public improvements with the remaining undeveloped northwest section of the block, the DDA commissioned Russell+Mills Studios to coordi- nate and complete an integrated streetscape concept for the entire west block face extending to Cherry Street. 12 Beau 205 North Jo’s College Avenue Façade Grant • $85,638 Beau Jo’s Pizza, in partnership with the building owner Choice Corner Property, LLC, renovated the property at 205 North College Avenue to house their relocated downtown restaurant. The building, located on the northwest corner of North College and LaPorte Avenues, is home to several tenant businesses and owner/anchor tenant City Drug. The structure has had a variety of uses since its construction by the Hall brothers in 1912. Originally operated as a Ford Motor’s dealership, the interior boasted service bays and an elevator that allowed movement of vehicles to and from the basement. A 1931 remodel added a gasoline service station to the corner which was removed twenty years later, and a long succession of businesses and building alterations have occurred since. Multiple remodels had diminished the integrity of the original facades; however Beau Jo’s painstakingly recaptured the authenticity by restoring the original brick masonry. Over 5,000 bricks salvaged from the DDA-owned Elks Building deconstruction were donated to the project to replace damaged masonry. Additional storefront windows, translucent overhead doors, and a counter shutter door were installed on the south façade. Sidewalk seating wraps the entire corner, promoting interactions with the sidewalk streetscape. The restored look provides a welcoming gateway to this prominent downtown intersection. Private Development 2013 DDA Year in Review 13 Combining adaptive reuse of the one-hundred year old granary and the addition of new multi-family housing in the Downtown River District, the Northern Colorado Feeders Supply project is unique in its magnitude and complexity. It represents an opportunity to participate in the continued transformation of Willow Street into a vibrant destination and also has the potential to accelerate the completion of the design and installation of enhanced streetscapes along Willow. Originally constructed in 1910, the mill building and grain elevator was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The restoration of the historic Northern Colorado Feeders Supply building by Lagunitas Companies is proposed as commercial space, restaurant, and outdoor dining. Current designs include an addition on Linden Street, the rehabilitation of the mill building, and a new dock-height, all-weather covered patio on the Willow Street frontage. A four- story apartment building will be added along Willow Street, with the design and materials reflecting the industrial heritage of the area. The designs remain in alignment with the DDA mission to encourage the preservation or reuse of historically significant buildings and increase the total housing supply within the District. The project also furthers the objectives of both the River District Plan (2008) and the comprehensive City Plan updates in 2011. Northern 359 Linden Colorado Street Feeders Supply Tax Increment Investment • $302,644 14 As part of the continued implementation of the Downtown River District Streetscape Improvement Plan, the DDA approved a grant of $245,000 to the City of Fort Collins to support the final engineering and streetscape design along Willow Street, adjacent to the Northern Colorado Feeders Supply project. Improvements along Willow Street will provide many on-street parking spaces, satisfying the areas parking needs for the foreseeable future and further completing important pedestrian connections in the historic River District. The grant also assists in avoiding piece-meal construction of the streetscape by providing a broader vision for the entire blockface. Additionally, as part of the strategy for aligning funds to complete the various phases of the plan, the DDA and City will work together to identify and align alternative funding sources to cover the costs of the improvements and amenities that give the River District its distinctive character. Public Development River Willow District Street Streetscape Improvment 2013 DDA Year in Review 15 Art Lisa in Cameron Action Russell Art Installation Pianos About Town Sustainable Gardens, the vibrant steel-paneled paintings created by artist Lisa Cameron Russell for the 2009 Art in Action program, were dedicated to the City in a ceremony on September 6, 2013. The art pieces were installed at the the corner of Mountain Avenue and Remington Street, creating a colorful landscape adjacent to the Poudre Fire Authority offices and Old Town Parking Structure. The five panels, which can be viewed individually or as a whole, artistically represent the ecological diversity of the plant life in our region. A blanket of bright Gaillardia in sunrise hues of vibrant reds, oranges and yellows adorn one side. Approaching the works from the other directions, pedestrian viewers will see wispy Ponderosa pine cones in seasonal shades of green and red. The popular Pianos about Town art project continued to entertain and engage the public in 2013. Pianos About Town is intended to be a fun experience that creates an additional element of whimsy and surprise to Old Town Fort Collins. This is a collaborative project among Bohemian Foundation, the Downtown Development Authority and the City of Fort Collins. The concept behind Pianos is twofold: (1) for residents and visitors to experience seeing art in action as the pianos are painted in public by local artists, and (2) for residents to have the opportunity to both play the pianos and enjoy them as the finished pianos are rotated about town. As the program progresses and the inventory increases, some of the painted pianos have been designated for retirement. They may be no longer in playable condition, but could be repurposed for parts, wood, metal components, upcycled into furniture, or other creative projects. 16 Old 2013 Town and Beyond: Square Laying Renovation the Groundwork Project Bike Library Relocation The vision and construction of Old Town Square by Gene Mitchell and others over thirty years ago has truly helped to define Downtown Fort Collins. The transformation of a city street into a public plaza has provided a sense of place where people can gather to share in festivals and concerts, enjoy the wonderful flowers and plantings, take innumerable photos in front of the fountain, and spend time in the unique businesses that line the Square. Unfortunately, the plaza has deteriorated to the point where it is more desirable for the DDA and City to renovate rather than repair existing infrastructure. During 2013 several key steps were taken in preparation for project construction planned for 2015. The DDA negotiated acquisition of the kiosk located in the center of the plaza, which will allow for re-design and renovation. A master agreement between the City of Fort Collins, Progressive Old Town Square Properties (POTS), and the DDA redefines the parties’ historic operations and maintenance obligations and further defines the rules and regulations governing Old Town Square. The new master agreement made way for an amendment to the declaration of covenants removing POTS from the covenants. An intergovernmental agreement with the City of Fort Collins was executed, making the City and the DDA the responsible parties for the management, maintenance, repair, and replacement of the Square and public rights-of-way. Finally, a consultant team for construction management/quality assurance & public relations services was selected through a public request-for-proposal process. Looking ahead, the design and public engagement in the renovation process will occur during 2014 and construction is anticipated in 2015. In anticipation of 2015 Old Town Square renovation, the DDA, FC Moves and Transfort are collaborating in an effort to move the Fort Collins Bike Library into the Downtown Transit Center in time for the 2014 season. The proposal will move all administrative functions, including the application process and payment for bike checkout, to the inside of the Transit Center. Bike Library staff will assist customers with bike selection from two outdoor bike storage locations, including display and storage place on the historic dock, with the intention of drawing attention of passengers alighting from the MAX bus rapid transit system, other Transfort riders, and passing pedestrians. Public Development 2013 DDA Year in Review 17 Financials 2013 DDA Revenues 66% 1% 26% 7% 2013 DDA Expenditures 70% 23% 7% Expenditures Debt Service Principal $2,387,700 23% Debt Service Interest $677,900 7% Projects, Programs & Administration $7,294,200 70% Revenues Property Tax Increment Revenue $2,681,800 26% Property Tax Mill Levy, Other $715,900 7% Proceeds from Debt Issuance $6,918,100 66% Interest, Other $44,000 1% 18 When the DDA promotes/supports private development, it directs tax increment investments to: Address a market shortfall or failure Enhance market outcomes Act as a market catalyst Creates Accelerates Enhances IMPROVES DIVERSITY & ATTRACTIVENESS OF DISTRICT. EXCITING, ACTIVE, VIBRANT DOWNTOWN New Tax Increment Revenues THE DRIVER THE WHAT THE HOW THE OUTCOME DDA Tax Increment Revenue Cycle • Reduce risk of pioneering investments • Signal political importance • Public infrastructure upgrades • Environmentally restorative, responsible and accountable • Design and build circulation systems that minimize auto/ pedestrian conflict and maximize convenience • Solve a market/use mismatch • Sustain historic character • Preserve & honor what is here • Quality façade materials • Place-making • Affordable housing 2013 DDA Year in Review 19 Chris Aronson (VFL Architects) Jenny Bramhall – Secretary (Clothes Pony & Dandelion Toys) Ross Cunniff (Alternate City Council Representative) Steve Johnson (Larimer County Representative) Justin Larson (VFL Architects) Wynne Odell – Chairperson ( Odell Brewing Company) Bob Overbeck (City Council Representative) Bevin Parker – Vice Chair (Maximum Painting) Lee Swanson (Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop) Mark Williams (Attorney) Ellen Zibell (The Perennial Gardener) Cheryl Zimlich (Bohemian Foundation) Board of Directors The DDA’s mission is to build public and private investment partnerships that foster economic, cultural and social growth in the Fort Collins central business district. 19 Old Town Square, Suite 230 Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970)484-2020 www.downtownfortcollins.org