HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Read Before Packet - 11/19/2019 - Memorandum From Kristin Fritz Re: Mason Place Permanent Supportive Housing Demolition - Agenda Item #5READ-BEFORE MEMO
Date: November 18, 2019
To: Fort Collins City Council
From: Kristin Fritz, Director of Real Estate Development, Housing Catalyst
Re: Mason Place Permanent Supportive Housing Demolition
In the early stages of the project design for Mason Place Permanent Supportive Housing,
the design team hoped to be able to reuse the foundation and exterior walls of the
existing Midtown Arts Center building. Housing Catalyst hoped that reuse would be the
most cost effective and sustainable approach. The team spent months analyzing a
variety of scenarios and moved through schematic design and development review
intending to reuse as much of the building as possible.
Once arriving at the constructability and detailed budget stage, it became clear that the
cost, schedule, and construction risk to preserve the CMU walls were all prohibitive. The
CMU walls would not be able to withstand the addition of windows and thermal
insulation, while supporting a new third story above. The design team instead proposed
to maintain the foundations and footprint, deconstruct the building, and build new walls
that would look nearly identical to the existing CMU walls. The plans would also not
change any of the four building elevations or aesthetics that had been previously
approved with the Major Amendment application. These new walls would be safer,
allow for better windows, and create a much more energy efficient building.
Because the change in plans did not result in any variation to the approved site plan or
building elevations, approval was given to proceed to the Final Plan and Building Permit
steps. The approved Final Plan and Building Permits include the building demolition and
new walls being constructed. The demolition that is underway complies with issued
permits and approvals.
As always, Housing Catalyst is available to answer any questions.