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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReport - Mail Packet - 5/5/2015 - Information From Matt Robenalt, Downtown Development Authority (Dda) Re: 2014 Year In Review1 INTRODUCTION As the premier area in Northern Colorado for employment, shopping, entertainment and urban living, Downtown Fort Collins today is as exciting as ever. At the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority (DDA) we are proud to provide leadership and commitment that helps build the partnerships that foster the economic, cultural and social growth of our very unique and beloved Downtown district. Creating the urban experience is an invigorating and challenging venture. The DDA Board and staff constantly strive for quality projects, transparency in our actions, and stewardship of the neighborhood that is the heart of Fort Collins. Whether we are addressing the need for upgraded public infrastructure, helping to make an infill redevelopment project better by supporting improved architectural design, or enhancing our built environment with place-making efforts, we are inspired by the impact the finished product has on our community. We are pleased to share our organization’s accomplishments of 2014 with you in this Year in Review report. None of this, of course, could have been accomplished without the hard work of the elected officials, property and business owners, and members of the community who are as committed as we are to making Downtown Fort Collins a great place to live, work, learn, do business, shop, and visit. Together with these partners, the DDA is able to create, accelerate, and enhance outcomes for Downtown Fort Collins that we could not accomplish alone. On behalf of the Board of Directors and DDA staff, we would like to express our appreciation to our many partners that made these accomplishments possible and look forward to a another successful year in 2015. Wynne Odell Board Chair Matt Robenalt Executive Director PUBLIC INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY 2 The Downtown Development Authority is a steward of the neighborhood at the heart of Fort Collins — Downtown. 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. When The DDA Invests Tax Increment Funds To Promote And Support Public And Private Development Our Aim Is To: • 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. • Reduce risk of pioneering investments. • Signal political importance. • Public infrastructure upgrades. • 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. Make it Happen, Make it Happen Sooner, Make it Better The Avery Block, circa 1900 Original Old Town Square under construction, 1983-1985 Updated stage concept from Walnut Street Project Owner: Downtown Development Authority & City of Fort Collins / Designer: studioINSITE PROJECT BUDGET · $3,900,000 3 OLD TOWN SQUARE RENOVATION DESIGN PROCESS HISTORICAL CONTEXT In 1981 Gene Mitchell and fellow visionaries unveiled a plan to turn Old Town into a viable business district and pedestrian-friendly community gathering place by closing the 100 block of Linden Street, preserving historic buildings, and building new structures to complement the original construction. The plan was originally approved by the DDA Board in June 1983 and the project was dedicated on May 31, 1985. Today, thirty years later, Old Town Square remains a lasting symbol of that vision, the heartbeat of our community, hosting entertainment and public events all season long, a space with numerous outdoor dining and retail establishments, play area, fountain, stage, and arts and culture magnet. After 30 years the infrastructure of Old Town Square has deteriorated creating an urgency to address current needs and conditions. Preserving the past and promoting the future of the Square, while creating something uniquely Fort Collins, continues to be a priority. The intention of the renovation project is to enhance the public experience and build on existing strengths. 4 Early in 2014 studioINSITE was engaged to provide design services joining the DDA project team and Ditesco Services. StudioINSITE immediately began an extensive public and stakeholder process to develop a program plan for the Square. Following the conclusion of the program phase, the design team organized a series of carefully coordinated team workshops, stakeholder interviews, public open houses, and presentations to develop schematic designs and prepared the strongest three design options for public and stakeholder feedback. This phase concluded with the acceptance of the preferred design at the September 2014 meeting of the DDA Board of Directors. The remainder of 2014 was spent refining design concepts and securing a general contractor. In December 2014, Mortenson Construction was chosen as general contractor through a request for proposal and interview process. Mortenson’s early participation on the project team facilitated discussions on the construction of the designs and scheduling. LINDEN STREET DESIGN Coinciding with the designs for the Old Town Square renovations, the DDA hired studioINSITE to provide concept level design for an enhanced streetscape in the 200 block of Linden Street. StudioINSITE conducted a three-day design charrette with various stakeholders including Linden Street business and property owners, City staff, and DDA board and staff members. From this series of meetings, three design concepts were chosen to present to City Executive staff, who then selected a final concept for use in future funding of improvements. DESIGN PROCESS • Removal of kiosk • Utility improvements • Relocation and upgrade of public restrooms • Reconfigured fountain and new interactive water feature • Expansion of children’s play area • Relocation of stage • Addition of flexible bistro-style seating • Improved central event and flex space • Quality lighting design • Dedicated storefront retail and pedestrian circulation zones KEY DESIGN FEATURES Rendering of Old Town Square from the children’s play area 5 OLD TOWN SQUARE RENOVATION DESIGN PROCESS Project Owner: Wolverine Farm Publishing / Architect: Urban | Rural Design Lying within the historic River District, this one-story concrete block building is undergoing a refreshing transformation. Constructed in 1974, the property previously housed a variety of industrial uses. Mindful of their mission to promote engagement through literature and art, the owners are transforming the existing structure into a letterpress print shop, coffee and beer bar, retail space for local makers, event hall with revolving bike exhibits, conference room, and outdoor event space. Existing concrete block exterior walls are being re-clad with a variety of metal materials and beetle-kill pine boards, incorporating industrial and contemporary architectural elements and using locally sourced materials. Energy efficient doors and windows are being added. The second-story addition features low-sloping shed roofs and canopies that reflect many of the angles in other buildings in the River District. Foundation stones set aside from the deconstructed Elks Building were donated by the DDA and are being reused in the new privacy wall surrounding patio seating. Plans for the newly-landscaped front entrance include a beer garden, xeric native landscaping, and ample bike parking. The owner’s intention is to make the location a destination within the rapidly evolving River District, promoting craft and community through the production of letterpress print materials and by offering unique Fort Collins art and culture programming. WOLVERINE FARM LETTERPRESS & PUBLICK HOUSE Façade Grant · $23,197 316 WILLOW STREET 6 Project Owner: Colleen Sholz / Contractor: Empire Carpentry, LLC 220 Remington Street is an intact small dwelling that was originally constructed in 1884, serving as modest working class housing throughout the twentieth century. The house and its pre-1901 modifications have been deemed by the Colorado Historical Society as “a noteworthy example of Vernacular Masonry architecture.” The current owner purchased the property in 2014 with the intention to relocate her dentistry practice to the premises. The owner’s objective is to honor the building’s history by rehabilitating it, paying attention to both interior and exterior details. The exterior of the structure requires extensive masonry repairs, window and door replacement, and restoration. The project offers dual opportunities to both rehabilitate a historic structure and support the success of a small business within the DDA District, furthering the DDA mission to encourage the preservation or reuse of historically or architecturally significant buildings. SCHOLZ DENTISTRY OFFICE Tax Increment Investment · $29,077 220 REMINGTON STREET 7 Exterior Facade Studies CONCEPT - Without Awnings 242 LINDEN STREET 11 242 Linden Street East Linden St BAKED COLOR ALUMINUM CLAD WOOD WINDOWS AND DOORS MODULAR CLAY BRICK VENEER CAST OR BUILT-UP COMPOSITE CORNICE ORNAMENTAL STEEL, PAINTED BUILT-UP STEEL LINTEL, PAINTED PAINTED METAL PATIO RAILING INTEGRALLY COLORED PRECAST BASE SHIELDED, LOW OUTPUT LIGHT FIXTURE METAL BLADE SIGN WITH LOGO ON BOTH SIDES GALVANIZE Tax Increment Investment · $183,674 242 LINDEN STREET Project Owner: Blue Ocean Enterprises / Architect: The Architects Studio 8 Blue Ocean Enterprises purchased 242 Linden Street in early 2014 and is planning a complete interior and exterior façade renovation. Constructed in 1901, the two-story building most recently housed the Sunset Event Center. While multiple remodels have diminished the historical integrity of the site, the project represents a conscious effort to complement the commercial characteristics of adjacent properties and create a building design that fits well within the historic district. The renovated building will house Galvanize, a collaborative workplace for innovators, mentors, investors, students, and technologists. Embracing the street frontage to offer a rich pedestrian experience, the building’s forms are intended to convey a sense of quality and permanence. The improved building façade utilizes high quality, durable, and timeless materials including modular clay brick veneer with integrally colored precast concrete base, sills, lintels, and trim; prefinished aluminum-clad wood window and door system; painted composite trim elements; and painted steel lintels and ornamental accent systems. A series of operable door panels gives access to sidewalk patios and interaction with the interior space. Project Owner: Woodward, Inc. / Engineering/Construction: Ghafari Associates In 2013 Woodward acquired the former Link-N-Greens golf course to develop a corporate multi-building campus. The planned campus is anticipated to be a catalyst project to enhance the Poudre River Corridor. Woodward is taking a phased approach to the construction of the headquarters project, with buildings phased over several years. Initial grading has brought the property above the 500 year flood level and 31.2 acres along the Poudre River have been dedicated for public natural area open space. The first phase of buildings for the Woodward property is being developed for the Industrial Turbomachinery Systems business. Site improvements include drives, parking lots, site utilities, and landscaping using native materials. The 295,000 square foot facility includes a large single-story production space, two-story office space, a central utility plant, a kitchen with adjacent dining area area, and other support infrastructure. Substantial completion is anticipated for fall 2015. The architecture for the campus is a Western European technology look with high quality materials. The building facades are constructed of metal and translucent wall panels above a masonry and/or granite base. Low-E glass will be used on the office facade. WOODWARD PHASE ONE Façade Design Approval · $1,500,000 777 EAST LINCOLN AVENUE 9 FORMER J.D. DOLLAR BUILDING Façade Grant · $10,325 514 SOUTH COLLEGE AVENUE Project Owner: Bennett Anderson Holdings, LLC / Architect: Urban Design & Construction Originally constructed in 1953, this one-story commercial building on College Avenue has supported retail since its inception. The new design incorporates stone for window sills and façade corner accents. A stucco cornice accents the parapet line and is also applied to the upper areas of the façade. Each tenant has a separate front entrance enhanced by a new symmetrical configuration of improved doors and windows with equal size and balanced signage on either side of the building’s address. The owners have taken a simple approach to the renovation with attractive architectural features providing an aesthetically pleasing and timeless focal point which will encourage the revitalization of additional buildings in this portion of South College Avenue between Laurel and Mulberry Streets. 10 11 Public Engagement & Organizational Accomplishments 2014 DCI CONFERENCE Co-hosted the 2014 Downtown Colorado, Inc. Annual Conference with the Downtown Business Association, City of Fort Collins, and Visit Fort Collins, bringing downtown professionals from around the state to our city. WHEELCHAIR RAMPS FOR OLD TOWN Worked with the City Manager’s Office to provide ADA access to historic buildings without altering the historic character by co-funding portable wheelchair ramps in partnership with businesses and City. WILLOW STREET DESIGN Coordinated drafting and adoption of the DDA/City Intergovernmental Agreement for the contribution of DDA funds for the Willow Street (River District) final design. PIANOS ABOUT TOWN Partnered with Bohemian Foundation and Art in Public Places on the fourth year of Pianos About Town providing another year of art and musical enjoyment for downtown visitors. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT Participated in the MAX/Bus Rapid Transit launch; UniverCity Connections Executive Committee; Urban Lab; Fort Collins Bicycle Advisory Committee; “Poudre Runs Through It”. ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS Facilitated meetings with downtown stakeholders and service providers to explore impacts of homelessness in the Downtown and discussed issues with downtown businesses. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Provided overviews to state legislators and downtown professionals on DDA tax increment impact on overlapping tax entities and the State of Colorado. 2014 HIGHLIGHTS 12 Property Tax Increment Revenue $2,786,300 67% Property Tax Mill Levy, Other $723,600 17% Proceeds from Debt Issuance $564,800 14% Interest, Other $69,300 2% Debt Service Principal $2,171,500 53% Debt Service Interest $590,900 14% Projects & Programs $825,789 20% Administration $555,811 13% REVENUES EXPENDITURES 2014 DDA Revenues 14% 2% 17% 67% 2014 DDA 20%Expenditures 53% 13% 14% 13 DDA TAX INCREMENT REVENUE CYCLE 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 • Reduce risk of pioneering investments • Signal political importance • Public infrastructure upgrades • Environmentally restorative, responsible and accountable • Design and build circulation systems that minimize auto/ maximize convenience • Solve a market/use mismatch • Sustain historic character • Preserve & honor what is here • Quality façade materials • Place-making • 14 Chris Aronson VFL Architects Jenny Bramhall Clothes Pony & Dandelion Toys Secretary Ross Cunniff Alternate City Council Representative Steve Johnson Larimer County Representative Justin Larson VFL Architects Wynne Odell Odell Brewing Company Chairperson Bob Overbeck City Council Representative Bevin Parker Maximum Painting Vice Chair 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