HomeMy WebLinkAboutFORT COLLINS DISCOVERY MUSEUM - PDP - 6-10 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - PLANNING OBJECTIVESResponse: A transportation impact study is underway, and will be a part of the PDP submittal. It was
noted that the peak traffic times for this facility do not appear to coincide with.rush hour
traffic on the adjacent streets.
Comment: Is there going to be enough parking to accommodate all users in the area?
Response: The museum is required to provide i space per s000 sf of building. The current design has
approximately 68 spaces, including three handicapped stalls, which is well in excess of the city
required amount;
Comment: Can Transfort provide services to this site?. How about alternative transportation?
Response: The museum encourages alternative transportation. This project cannot dictate public.
transportation routes and stop locations, but we would hope to find some synergies with that
system to encourage visitors to take advantage of it.
Comment: How will bikes and pedestrians cross Cherry Street?
Response:. The traffic impact study will address the need for a signal or traffic control device on Cherry,
but this project does not anticipate creating a need for those items. This project does not
anticipate the installation of further traffiic control at Cherry and Mason. It would be the
responsibility of the city as part of their traffic management planning.
Comment: Look at the longterm traffic, parking and pedestrian situation, and plan for the future,
including the possibility of a pedestrian bridge over Cherry.
Response: While our project does not anticipate providing these elements, we can certainly plan for
them.in our_site design so they will interface gracefully with our property when they are
installed.
(ix) Name of the project as well -as any previous name the project may have had during conceptual
review:
This project is named the Fort Collins Discovery Museum. That was the name used at conceptual review as well. -
The above information constitutes our statement of planning objectives for the Fort Collins Discovery Museum.
This letter is submitted in conjunction with ourfull PDP submittal as outlined in the PDP submittal checklist.
Should there be any questions on this material, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
O ctur
David Schafer AIA LEED AP
Principal
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Response: '
No. If anything, the building will act as an acoustic buffer, reducing the noise from the urban.
areas to the southeast, and creating a quieter environment along the north and east side of
the site: .
Comment:.
How will art in public places be incorporated?. There was a suggestion of a solar or
astronomically related piece, or a human sundial.
Response:
While we cannot predict the results of the art in public places process, we can say that there .
are two budgets for art in public places. One budget is intended to go towards art with a
strong water related theme, and another for general art. Given the.mission of the museum,
and their goals, we anticipate art.that has a strong connection to sustainability.
Comment:.
What is the projected life of this building?
Response:_.
This is not a temporary building. We anticipate a lifespan of So-ioo years: The use of
materials such as concrete are durable, and have a permanence,o them. The facility is also
planned for flexibilityto allow for adjustments overtime.
Comment:.' :-
Please work towards a negative carbon footprint, with, a relationship with the future. .
Response: ..
The building will be designed to adapt to changes in renewable and energy conservation
technologies.
Comment:
Will this facility intersect and interact with other facilities and features in the area?
Response:
It is our goal that this facility capitalize on local resources, without duplicating them.. For
example, there is a human sundial at spring creek park,:and therefore, we do not wantto .
duplicate that resource here on our site. We also anticipate some outreach and synergy
between local institutions such as CSU for programming and other functions._
Comment:
How will this facility recognize and connect with the neighborhood that exists in downtown .
Fort Collins? How will this facility conned with that history and culture, and become a facility
that the community takes ownership in?
Response:.
The facility will conned with the local neighborhood in a variety of ways. First, it will be a
community resource where everyone can learn about the local history. Second, it will be
designed to express the values of the community, particularly those values surrounding .
sustainability. Third, community outreach and programming will be done in a way that
includes the cross section of residents in the community. .
Comment:.
Coricern that this facility will charge admission, and exclude those who cannot pay...
Response:
The museum offers a number of ways people can take advantage of its offerings. First, there
are designated free zones within the building, such as the archive and reference area, and the
natural areas exhibit. Second, the museum offers one free day per month for anyone to visit.
Third, the museum sponsors a number of "scholarships" to economically challenged
community members to encourage their use of the facility.
Comment: The team was commended on their ability to listen and address the community goals for this
facility.
Response: None
Comment: Have traffic pattern studies for this area been done? How much traffic will this facility
generate?
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Comment: President of HOA of homes on Mason Court expressed concern over increased traffic (both
construction and museum visitors) on their private street.
Response:. Hensel Phelps will manage construction traffic to keep it off of this street. The
Superintendent distributed his cell phone number at the meeting to allow easy contact in the .
event of a complaint. The city committed to the installation of signage to further detertraffic
along this route.
Comment: Were other sites considered for this project?. How about the site just north of the river at
College and Vine?
Response:A limited number of alternate sites were considered, butthis site was selected for its strong
connection to downtown, the bike trail, Lee Martinez Park,, and the potential for natural areas
learning experiences on the south side of the river. This site also presents good pedestrian
connectivity to transit and old town.
Comment: Has the acoustic impact of the train been considered in the building design?
Response: Yes. The proposed concrete exterior walls provide considerable acoustic mass to reduce the
transmission of sound from the rail into the facility.
Comment: Astrological society invites the opportunity to partner with the museum to host events related
to the study of astrology. Further, they made a request that lighting levels be kept to a
minimum.
Response: The site lighting will be limited, providing just enough for safety at parking areas, with full
cutoff fixtures and bollards to limit any light pollution. Light levels will taper considerably in
the natural areas to the north. Site lighting will be on a separate control so it can be
completely turned off if necessary.
Comment:.. Where will parking be provided for softball teams in the summer? Currently these participants
park in the lot on this site. Also, what about Daz Bog coffee parking?
Response: The city is working with Parks and Recreation to coordinate parking locations. There are
some.public parking spaces within the Mason Court development.
Comment: What is the overall height of the building?
Response: The roof terrace is approximately 42' above the grade at the entry, with a parapet guardrail of
42" above that elevation. There will also be an elevator and stair projecting above this height.
This proposed height is comparable to the height of the adjacent Mason Street North
development.
Comment: What will happen to the horse trailer parking?
Response: This has been negotiated with Parks, and will be eliminated. There is horse trailer parking
nearby in Lee Martinez Park.
Comment: How far to the north will the site fencing go?
Response: There will be fencing along the railroad right of way, and some transparent, but secure fencing
along the bike path. This fencing will extend north and will cross the site somewhere between
the building and the bicycle path along the river.
Comment: Will noise levels be increased by this building?
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(vii). Narrative description of how conflicts between land uses or disturbances to wetlands, natural
habitats .and features and or wildlife are being avoided to the maximum extent feasible or are
mitigated.
LAND USES
The site is adjacent to mixed -use development across the street on Mason Court (commercial and residential
further to the west). There will be additional vehicular traffic on a short segment of Mason Court to get to the
entrance of the parking lot. *Mason Court is designed to handle the anticipated traffic volumes. The parking lot
is sized to accommodate more cars than City standards require. Bus parking is also provided on site, so parking
will not impact the commercial or residential uses
Ma rti.ne7. Park is to the west, and the. Poudre Rive.r.Trail runs 6 long the northern edge of the site.. The Discovery
Museum compli.ments these public uses:
The Union Pacific Railroad tracks and commercial uses exist tothe east.:The railroad tracks will befenced to
Aiscourage people from crossing them.
Vacant lands are located across Cherry.Streettothe south
NATURAL HABITATS; WETLANDS AND WILDLIFE
The site does not contain any previously known or observed special habitat features as noted in the ECS report.
.The development area is a heavily impacted, non-native area that already includes a vehicular trailhead and
heavily -used trail. Development of the site will move vehicles further away from the Poudre River, and restore
the trailhead to a native grasslands landscape, and possibly a water quality improvement pond. Impacts to
natural habitats, wetlands or wildlife will be minimized by avoiding construction in these sensitive areas, and
providing low wood fencing with wire mesh along the west side of the trail that parallels the Howes Street
Outtall channe.L.The only con.structionthat may occur in wetland areas or natural habitats as part of this project
As storm drainage piping.
Museum visitors and outdoor exhibits will be, contained within a secure perimeter fence, which is shown on the
plan.
All disturbed areas Will be restored to a native condition, and erosion control best management practices will be
employed during construction.
All surface drainage will be treated, through on -site water quality improvement ponds prior to being discharged.
All development is outside of the 3oo'Poudre River buffer.
(viii) Written narrative addressing each concern/issue raised at the neighborhood meeting(s), if a
meeting has been held:
A neighborhood meeting was held on February 9, 2oio. Specific neighbor comments are listed below, along
with our response:
Comment: Resident requested that the project notification area be expanded to include the residential
neighborhood to the west and south
Response The notification area will be expanded as requested for future notifications relative to this
project.
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driven by the: utility easements, the parking lot layout and the desire forwater quality and landscape features in
this area. .. .
The building has been designed to maintain good visibility from the intersection of Cherry and College,.while
tapering in massing towards the natural areas. To this end, the tall element of the building is stacked to the
southeast. The museum has a desire to use the rooftop of this tower for viewing, both to Old Town as well as
into the natural areas, and anticipates some rooftop visitor experiences here. The height of this tower was.
driven by two factors. A lift was brought to the site to study the view at various elevations, and it was found
that at approximately 42; a visitor could see over the trees to the west and on to the mountains beyond. This
height also afforded a good view back to old town. This height also allows the digital dome feature of the
museum to be built over the entry lobby to support this roof terrace height. The tapering parapets that spring
from this tower are intended to bring the mass. down, tapering the building's visual presence as it approaches
the natural areas of the site,
The primary walls of the building are proposed to be precast concrete, with an applied trellis system to support
plant growth. This material selection was made for a variety of reasons. First, the precast provides a durable .
exterior finish that has a natural texture, and relates well to the natural areas of the site. Second, the precast
also provides some thermal mass to help to offset some of the building's energy use.. Third, the precast is a
locally harvested and manufactured material, and as such; it is a very sustainable choice. The trellis and vine
system was chosen to bring further natural texture to the building. Consistent with the cycles of nature, the
plants on this wall system will changeover time, both as they grow over the years; and as they change foliage .
color with each season. This will help the building_ create a strong connection to the natural environment, and.
Will result in a facility that is constantly changing in appearance. Another benefit of this green wall system is
that the plantings will help to offset solar heat gain on the exterior walls in the summer months; further
reducing the cooling load of the facility. These concrete and vine walls are further articulated and set off by
some juxtaposed elements in the tower and cafe areas where contrasting forms and materials are employed to -
breakdown and articulate the building. Canopies are also used at entry points both to protect visitors from
inclement weather, and to,give visitors further clues as to how to access the building:
(vi) The applicant shall submit as evidence of successful completion of the applicable criteria; the
completed documents pursuant to these regulations for each proposed use. The planning director
may require, or the applicant may choose to submit, evidence that is beyond what is required in
that section. Any variance from the criteria shall be described:
Our site is primarily zoned P-O-L (public open lands) with a small amount of C-C-R zoning on the eastern edge.
Section B-3-a of division 4.1.3 of the Fort Collins Land Use code allows Community facilities such as the
proposed building within this zone district, pursuant to a review by the Planning and Zoning board.
Because our site is bounded by railroad and utility easements along Cherry, we are unable to comply with the
build to line requirements as outlined in section 3.2.3 (B) of the land use code. For this reason, we are
submitting a request for the modification of standards as outlined in section 2.8.2 of the land use code. A letter
outlining the request and the rationale behind it is included with this submittal.
The majority of our building is well within the city's recommended building height, but for reasons stated
above, there is a tower element that projects above this elevation. To facilitate a special height review, we have
included a shadow analysis, a visual analysis and a summary of ourfindings with this submittal pursuant to
section 3.5A (G) of the land use code.
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`Site lighting will be provided with a combination of low level pedestrian bollards, and a limited number of pole.
fixtures. The intent behind the lighting design is to provide a safe, yet low level of illumination where necessary,
and to taper lighting levels as the site transitions to the natural areas. The primary focus of site illumination -is
the southeast area where the parking areas are planned. There will be a limited amount of low level bollard
lighting on the north and west side of the building.. .
(iii) Statement of proposed ownership and maintenance of public and private open space areas;
applicant's intentions with regard to future ownership of all or portions of the project
development plan:
The site occupied by the Fort Collins Discovery Museum will be owned by the museum as a subsidiary of the.
city. Maintenance of the museum and its grounds will be performed by the city.: Maintenance of the bicycle
trails that traverse the site will be the responsibility of the City.
(iv) Estimate of number of employees for business, commercial and industrial uses:
Based on projections made in the economic feasibility analysis completed by ERA in June of 2008, the museum
anticipates 26 FTE employees, iS of which would be fulltime, and the remaining ii FTE would be comprised of
part time employees.
(v) Description of rationale behind the assumptions and choices made by the applicant:
The new 45;o6o SF Fort Collins Discovery Museum is a necessary upgrade to the current facility housed in a
historic building at zoo Mathews Street in library,park. As a planned part of this project, the Discovery Science
Center recently merged with the Fort Collins Museum, and both institutions have co located in one building.
While the current location does have a strong connection to the local history, it does not provide adequate
space to house this institution. In addition to the space needs, there are also preservation concerns related to
storage and maintenance of the museum's artifacts and collections. The proposed facility will provide adequate.
space for a world class science and history exhibition, while also meeting the technical and spatial needs for.
adequate storage and preservation of the community treasures that will be stored in the facility.
The proposed site was selected for a number of reasons that are aligned with the museum's goals. The site has
a strong proximity to historic Old Town Fort Collins, which reinforces its connection to the community history,
and provides good pedestrian access for residents and visitors alike.. This proximity will certainly generate some
synergy between visits to the museum and visits to the downtown area. In addition to being readily accessible
from downtown, the site can be easily reached by bicycle, as the site is immediately adjacent to the Cache La
Poudre Rivertrail. There are also opportunities for visitors to use public transportation because of the proximity
to the transit center, and the Mason Corridor. This relationship to bus lines and bike paths will allow the facility
to strongly encourage the use of alternate transportation for its visitors. Being adjacent to the Cache La Poudre
River as well as the rail lines also brings the opportunity for the museum to interpret these resources from a
cultural, historic and scientific standpoint for museum visitors. The location of the site on Cherry and College
provides great visibility to traffic on College, allowing the facility itself to invite visitors:
Thesite design and building placement is influenced by several factors, including the adjacent parks and natural
areas, the Howes' street outfall, the Cache La Poudre River with its required setback, and ioo year and Soo year
floodplain, and the constraints of the railroads and utility easements to the east and south. These constraints
led to the placement of the building somewhat centrally on the site. The need to stay out of the floodplain
limits defined the serpentine wall to the west, the railroad right of way, coupled with the city parking and
landscape buffers defined the eastern edge of the building. The north was established by the need to maintain
a fire truck turnaround and limit impacts in the floodway to the north. The southern face of the building was
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the developable site area. The Mason Street North Condos mixed -use development is across Mason Court at
the'southwest comer of the site.
The building is anticipated to be approximately 45,060 square feet. Nearly half of this square footage is
devoted to gallery space to house a variety of science and.history based displays. In addition to the gallery
space, the museum includes public reference areas for.the general public to visit, free of charge, to research
local history, and examine artifacts in the museum's collection. There are also classroom spaces, administration
and service areas. A limited amount of, retail use will be included to serve museum visitors in the form of a small
cafe and gift shop.
Vehicular access to.the site is from Mason Court. A drop-off loop is provided on the southeast corner of the
building, and parking is distributed to the south and east of the building. Secondary school and group access is
provided on the southwest corner of the building along with a bus dropoff. Loading and deliveries to the facility
are on the northeast corner of the building. The Fort Collins Discovery Museumgill employ:between 15 fulltime
employees, and part time employees comprising an additional 11 FTE serving the facility.
Pedestrians and bicyclist can access the Fort Collins Discovery Museum via a trail that connects to the Poudre
RiverTrail, and also from a sidewalk along Mason Co
urtthat connects to Cherry Street and the Mason Transit
Center to the south. Generous walks connect between Mason Court and the primary and secondary building
entrances. A gate will provide access between the west side of the building and the trail.
The parking area.contains 68 spaces and is designed with bioswales, which provide initial treatment of on -site
storm water. Landscaping for the Fort Collins Discovery Museum will be primarily of native and adapted
species. The water -quality pond and onsite bioswales will be seeded with native grasses and plantings
appropriate for their level of water inundation from site improvements.
There are three distinct open space zones within the project boundary as well as two naturalized wetlands. The
first open space zone on the project site includes the .Howes' Streetoutfall with its associated wetlands and
riparian forest and the existing north -south bike trail access to the PoucimTrail. She natural elements will be
maintained in their current state to the limits of surveyed wetlands and riparian forest in orderto provide
continued water quality for offsite stormwater. The bike trail and bike/pedestrian access will be realigned to
maintain access to the Poudre River Trial per pre -development conditions.
The second open space zone includes a natural wetlands and forest to the northeast and the adjacent gravel
area formerly occupied by Poudre Rivertrailhead parking. This zone is completely within the ioo-year
floodplain, and portions are in the floodway, as well as the 300' Poudre River buffer. The natural forest and.
wetlands will remain undisturbed. The portion of the trailhead that is in the floodway will be restored to a
naturalized meadow, and may be used for future city water quality improvements. The portion of the trailhead
parking outside the floodway will be fenced and restored with native vegetation as a part of the museum
natural areas space, and will include a small plaza and turf area for seating on the north -facing slope for outdoor
programs. This area will also include water quality basins for mitigation of onsite runoff. Future museum
exhibits will be developed by the museum's exhibit designer for later addition to this zone. The enclosure will
be a 5'- 6' tall fence that allows for visibility into and out from this space.
The third open space zone includes an undeveloped area south of the Burlington Northern railroad tracks,
bound by Cherry Street to the south and College avenue to the east. This area will be seeded with native grass
species and left largely in its current state, protecting existing trees to remain. This is being done in order to
provide a natural buffer to the proposed development and maintain and unobstructed view to the building's
main entry.
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floodplain regulations, and other appropriate conservation techniques.. New development will not be.:,
allowed within the floodway and product corridor of the 2oo-year floodplain. New, residential or mixed,
use development will not be allowed in the ioo-year floodplain, however, commercial development
will be allowed outside of the floodway or product corridor. Existing developed areas may be permitted
to change uses and redevelop Property consistent with the floodplain regulations. Where new
development or redevelopment is allowed within the:Loo-year floodplain, structures and facilities will.
be designed to be consistent with the National Flood Insurance Program, City of Fort Collins floodplain
regulations, and locally adopted requirements for building design, setbacks, buffers, and other
development regulations. Any new development or redevelopment in the loo-yearfloodplain will be
designed in such away so as to not cause any adverse effects to the development or to surrounding
properties from either increased flood heights, flow velocities, flow duration, rate. of rise of
floodwaters, channel stability, orsediment transport.:.
PRINCIPLEPIRC-6: Scenic and aesthetic qualities within the Poudre.River Cot Oor will be protected and:
enhanced.
Policy PRC-6.i Visual Resources. Development within the Poudre River Corridor will be located and
designed to:best maintain or enhance views of theriver, its natural setting, the protected corridor
features, and the foothills and mountains.
'PRINCIPLE PRC-7:- The City will'encourage integrated heritage and environmental learning opportunities
about the Poudre River Corridor and its historic, cultural, and natural heritage. This should be
accomplished by integrating education with interpretation, which may include interpretive trails,.
educational facilities, outdoor laboratories for lessons on wildlife habitat, gravel extraction and
reclamation, floodplain management, rural heritage, farming, pollution prevention, and
conservation/reconstruction of historic sites and structures.
Policy PRC-7.:L Environmental Learning Oppiortunities.3heCity will continue to be supportive of
environmental learning opportunities in the Poudre River Corridor.
PRINCIPLEPRC-9: The City will permit a variety of land uses within the Poudre River Corridor that are,
consistent with the protection of ecological, floodplain, historic, scenic, recreational and other public
-values., Appropriate land uses may include Public conservation and recreational sites, mixed -use
commercial areas, rural/agricultural estate, urban estate, residential, employment, industrial, educational,
and utilities.
Policy PRC-g.i Development Standards and Design Guidelines. Appropriate development
standards and design guidelines will be applied to land uses in the Poudre River Corridor. The City
Structure Plan will reflect such uses on its maps and within appropriate zoning districts and
development regulations.
(ii) Description of proposed open space, wetlands, natural habitats and features, landscaping,
circulation, transition areas, and associated buffering on site and in the general vicinity of the
project:
The project site for the Fort Collins Discovery Museum is =565 acres at the north terminus of Mason Street,
adjacent to the Poudre River in the Downtown District. Lee Martinez Park is adjacent to the west, and the
Poudre River Trail runs across the property's northern edge. Rail lines border the east and southern portions of
31 mI* Page 9 �'` 16
`.Policy DD-5.5 Parking Lots: Parking lots must be located to minimize their visibility from primary
pedestrian streets, plazas and public spaces. Lots should be located behind buildings, in side yards, or
in the interior of blocks throughout the Downtown District. Their visual impact can be softened and
screened with a perimeter landscape buffer. Large -surface parking lots will be visually and functionally
segmented to the extent practical. Land devoted to surface parking lots should be reduced, over time, ..
through redevelopment and/or construction of structured parking facilities..
PRINCIPLE WC-i: Water Corridors are natural and man-made waterways and open space -- serving the
needs for drainage and water conveyance, as well as recreational, educational and environmental uses.
Policy WC-i:i Functions of Water Corridors. The functions of Water Corridors are to provide
adequate drainage to maintain the safety of lives and property, and to provide corridors for recreation,
habitat conservation and wildlife movement..
Policy WC-1.2 Natural Environment and Wildlife. The City will preserve, protect, enhance, and
restore important natural areas, wildlife habitat, riparian areas, and wildlife corridors within Water
Corridors. (See sections ENV and OL for additional policies.) -
Policy WC-1.3 Buffering. The City will continue to maintain and develop standards for adequate
buffers to maintain channel stability, water conveyance, flood protection; and wildlife habitat values. ,
PRINCIPLE WC-2: Water Corridors and the trail/path systems, where environmentally appropfiate, will be
coordinated with Transportation Corridors to provide. a functional network with many access points.
Policy WC-2.i Recreation and Trails/Paths. The Water Corridor system may be designed to include a
trail/path system, excluding motorized vehicles (except emergency and maintenance vehicle access).
Special attention will be given to environmentally sensitive trail design, location, and construction.
Policy WC-2.2 Junctions and Access Points. The trail/path system within Water Corridors will have
multiple points of safe, easy access, joining or crossing the transportation network with a minimum of .
conflict points, and will have connections to regional waterways and trail systems.
PRINCIPLE PRC-i: To assure that the diverse community values of the Poudre River Corridor are protected
and enhanced, land uses must be carefully managed.
Policy PRC-z.i River Segments. The Poudre River Corridor has distinct segments containing unique
characteristics, opportunities, and constraints as defined below.
b. Community River Segment (Shields Street to College Avenue). In this segment, existing
neighborhoods are located in close proximity to existing public parks, natural areas, and
the recreational trail along the river. This segment should emphasize convenient access
for residents to the river corridor for both active and passive recreational and leisure
opportunities. Natural habitat and floodplain values will be preserved and protected.
PRINCIPLE PRC-4: The City will manage the Poudre River floodplain to minimize potentially hazardous
conditions associated with flooding, erosion, and channel movement; recognize and manage for the
preservation of floodplain values; and adhere to all local, State, and Federal laws and regulations.
Policy PRC-4.4 Development in the Floodplain. To the extent feasible, the Poudre River ioo-year
floodplain will be protected by acquiring land or conservation easements, implementing existing
3. 20i- P6cesv'16
base. t will also work to expand opportunities for providing educational programs and facilities in the
area.
PRINCIPLE DD-3: The design of streets, parking areas, public spaces and buildings in the Downtown will
reinforce the unique and distinctive character of Downtown. .
Polity. DD-3,2 Character of Downtown. The visual distinctiveness of Downtown and its component
sub -districts will be maintained and reinforced.
Policy DD-3.2 Architectural Elements Based on Human -Scale. Human -scale design and architectural
elements will be encouraged in Downtown. Such elements may include signage; awnings, storefronts,
and proportional windows and other human scale building details.
a. Mixed -use buildings, interesting street -edge facades, and Windows facing the street will be
encouraged: New buildings will enhance and enliven streets and create safe, pleasant
public environments.:.
b: Blank.walls should be avoided along streets, plazas and parks. If that is not possible,
building facades lacking windows, andJor other: architectural details facing or visible from
these public spaces should be screened by landscaping to buffer the impacts of building
mass, or designed to have architectural details that add visual interestto large walls..
Polity DD-3.3 Architectural Elements to Maintain the Integrity of Downtown. New buildings and
public spaces will respect and be sensitive to the design integrity of Downtown, such as:
a. Enhancing visual continuity and sense of place through the use of building materials and
design features sensitive to the character of Downtown.
b. Reflecting excellence and high quality in their design.
PolicyDD-3.5 Public Safety: The'design of buildings, parking areas and streets will provide a sense of
security and safety for.users. Adequate lighting, visibility and location of facilities collectively will add
to a secure iq-hour environment for employees, students and visitors.
Policy DD-3.6 Design of Streets and Public Spaces. Streets and public spaces within Downtown will
-
be attractive, accessible, functional, and designed to enhance pedestrian and bicycle activity, such as:
a. Using public art, landscaping, and other street features that will. create a comfortable and
pleasant environment for the pedestrian, while providing continuous and clearly -
expressed pedestrian circulation linkages to interconnect the Downtown District with
surrounding neighborhoods and districts.
b. Ensuring that city streets and gathering spaces will link and provide connections between
Old Town, the Civic Center, surrounding neighborhoods and the Poudre River.
Policy DD-3.9'Landscaping. The effect of "soft" landscaping and shade trees in
Downtown will be maintained in both existing and developing areas.
PRINCIPLE DD-5: The Downtown District will be served by a balanced transportation system designed for
motor vehicle, bus transit, pedestrian, bicycle and, if feasible, passenger rail travel.
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PRINCIPLE OL-2: Open lands are important in providing the, City with awell-defined edge, establishing
community separators, directing growth, and preserving rural character. .
Policy OL-2.2.Access. The City will ensure that development provides and maintains access to public
open land,areas, where appropriate:
PRINCIPLE OL-3: A variety of recreational opportunities will be provided to the community through a '
diverse. and interconnected framework of open lands including parks, trails, community separators and
natural areas.
Policy OL -3.1 Corridors. Trails along streams, drainageways, and irrigation ditch corridors should be
dispersed throughout the City, provide public access, and link Open Lands Principles and Policies 136
May q, 2004 neighborhoods, parks, activity centers, commercial centers,`andstreets where compatible
with natural habitat values utilizing environmentally sensitive trail design
Policy OL -3.2 Urban Public Space. Small pocket parks, public plazas, and sidewalk gathering places'
should include "street furniture" such as benches, and be incorporated into urban designs for the
Downtown District, Community Commercial Districts, Commercial Districts, and Residential. Districts
throughout the City.
PRINCIPLE DD-i: The Downtown will provide a balanced mix of land use activities. While' encouraging a
mix of land uses throughout the Downtown, the predominant land use character of each sub -district will
be maintained. Land use intensity should decrease as distance from the center of each sub -district"
increases— establishing a transition between urban uses and adjacent neighborhoods. A mix of
housing types for all income levels, family types, and age groups, with a variety of prices and rent levels,
will be encouraged:
Poudre River Corridor Sub -District .
Policy DD-iA6 Land Use. Principal land.uses adjacent to the Downtown include a mix of public
conservation and recreation areas, retail, offices, residential and light manufacturing. Development
and redevelopment opportunities, including both public and private activities, will enhance and extend
the existing Downtown uses and character toward the river, provide an adequate buffer between new
development and the natural riparian environment, and integrate cultural and recreational
opportunities into this area.
PRINCIPLE DD-2: Promote and expand facilities, programs and events that reinforce the Downtown as the
center for cultural, recreation, and entertainment in the community and region, and expand educational
opportunities in Downtown.
Policy DD-2.x Arts. The City will support performing and visual arts, and the display of public art in the
Downtown.
Policy DD-2.2 Cultural/Entertainment. Increase the number, diversity and clustering of public and
private entertainment facilities such as a new performing arts center, open air amphitheater and
stages.
Policy DD-2.3 Education. The City will encourage a partnership between education, cultural, and
business institutions to improve opportunities for learning and expanding Downtown's employment
Poliry ENV-8.z Balance of Environmental and Economic Concerns: The City.will recognize and
manage floodplains with the intent to provide a balance.between the environmental protection and
economic development of floodplain.lands.
Policy ENV-8.2 Risk Management. The City will seek to minimize risk to life and property by
structural and non-structural design or modification of actions in the floodplain where it is not
otherwise practical to place structures and human activities outside of the floodplain. New
development will be discouraged in the floodplainto avoid additional modifications and structural
controls.
Policy ENV-8-3 Minimize.Flood Damage. The City will recognize that maintenance, restoration and
enhancement of the natural resources and the beneficial functions offloodplains is a concurrent goal
with reducing human vulnerabilitytoflood damage.
.. Poliry ENV-8.6 Watershed Approach to. Stormwater Management Policy. In addition to flood control
and drainage functions, stormwater systems will be designed to minimize the introduction of human
caused pollutants. Educational programs and demonstration projects will be pursued to enhance
public understanding of pollution prevention efforts. Tributary systems will be designed for water
quality control, with appropriate use of buffer,areas,, grass swales, detention ponds, etc. Receiving .
water habitat restoration and protection will be included in stormwater master plans, in conjunction
with habitat mapping efforts.
PRINCIPLE OL-z: Preserve and protect open lands within. Fort Collins, the Growth Management Area, and
regionally to provide habitat essential to the conservation of plants, animals, and their associated
ecosystems. This will benefit the citizens of Fort Collins by providing appropriate opportunities for
education, scientific research, nature interpretation, fishing, wildlife observation, hiking, and other .
appropriate recreation activities.
Policy OL -s.z Urban Development. The. City will conserve and integrate open lands into the.
developed landscape by directing development away from natural habitats and features and by using
innovative planning, design, and management practices. When it is not possible to direct development
away from natural habitats and features, they should be integrated into the developed landscape in a
manner that conserves their integrity. If integration will not effectively conserve the integrity of the
natural habitats and features, then either on -site or off -site mitigation will be applied. The City will
encourage and assist efforts by private landowners and organizations to integrate open lands into new
development and to protect, restore, or enhance privately owned natural areas within the Growth
Management Area.
Policy OL -1.4 Partnerships. The City will seek to develop effective local and regional partnerships
with other governmental organizations and the private sector for the protection and preservation of
locally and regionally valued open lands. It will also seek the cooperation and assistance of citizens,
businesses, community groups, conservation organizations, and governmental agencies in the
development and implementation of programs to protect and preserve local and regional open lands.
Policy OL -1.13 Access. The City will design trail routes in open lands to enhance access and
recreation while minimizing ecological impacts. Determination of type of trail or suitability for access
will be made dependent on potential ecological impacts and recreation needs. Special attention will be
given to environmentally sensitive trail design, location, and construction:
Policy CAD-z.3 Entryways. Community entryways will be enhanced and accentuated at key entry
points to the City including interstate interchange areas, and other major arterial streets leading into
the City.
PRINCIPLE CAD-4: Security and crime prevention will continue to be important factors in urban design.
Policy CAD-4.1 Crime Prevention and Security. A natural approach to crime prevention will continue
to be important in the design and layout of new development. Natural crime preventionmeans the
natural community surveillance that results from visibility and observation by citizens who feel a sense
of ownership of the community. These qualities will continue to be fostered by the urban design of
development. Anonymous environments, hidden areas, difficult access, etc. will be addressed and
avoided.
Policy CAD-4.2 Lighting and Landscaping. Security lighting should generally be at low, even levels to
create comfortable area -wide visibility and not highly contrasting bright spots and shadows. Lighting
should be selected to reduce glare and preserve "dark sky" views of night skies. Landscaping should be
designed to avoid hidden areas,. particularly where such areas may be used at night, such as near -
hes and entrances. building approac
PRINCIPLE CAD-6: Artistic enrichment and cultural opportunity are vital to community values, quality of
life, and economic and social wellness. The City will promote, encourage and stimulate the growth of
cultural development and participation.
Policy CAD-6.2 Types of Projects. The City will provide, maintain; and operate historic and cultural
facilities. A full range of performing, historical, and visual arts programs will be produced and
presented.
Polity CAD-6-3 Acquisitions. The City will acquire, exhibit, preserve and store historic artifacts and
works of art of local, regional, national and international significance. The Art in Public Places program
should continue in effect, to be administered by City staff in conjunction with the Art in Public Places
Board.
PRINCIPLE ENV-6: Natural habitat/ecosystems.(wildlife, wetlands, and riparian areas) will be protected
and enhanced within the developed landscape of Fort Collins
Policy ENV-6.s Protection and Enhancement. The City's regulatory powers will be used to preserve,
protect, and enhance the resources and values of natural areas by directing development away from
sensitive natural features -- such as wetlands, riparian areas and wildlife habitat. When it is not
possible to direct development away from natural areas, these areas will be protected in the developed
landscape.
Policy ENV-6.2 Floodplains. The City will preserve and protect natural areas in the soo-year
floodplain of the Poudre River, Spring Creek, Fossil Creek, Boxelder Creek and other waterways.
PRINCIPLE ENV-8: The City will minimize potentially hazardous conditions associated with flooding,
recognize and manage for the preservation of floodplain values, adhere to all City mandated codes,
policies, and goals, and comply with all State and Federally mandated laws and regulations related to the
management of activities in flood prone areas.
3._z�vo PageyeFzS
b. The location and pattern of streets, buildings and open spaces must facilitate direct
pedestrian access. Commercial buildings should provide direct access from street corners
to improve access to bus stop facilities. Shopping areas should provide for pedestrian and,
bicycle connections to adjoining neighborhoods.
c. Creating barriers which separate commercial developments from residential areas and
transit should be avoided. Lot patterns should be provide safe and direct pedestrian
connections from residential areas to schools, parks, transit, employment centers, and
other neighborhood uses.
d: Direct sidewalk access should be provided between cul-de-sacs and nearby transit facilities.
Policy T-5.4 Sidewalks. Sidewalks will be designed, constructed, and maintained to provide safety,
comfort, and a "walkable" community. New development will follow adopted design standards for: `.
sidewalk design. Older,.existing streets will be retrofitted to provide improved, widened, or detached
sidewalks in conjunction with capital improvement or maintenance projects.
PRINCIPLE.T-7: The City will encourage the development of attractive and easy to navigate pedestrian
facilities to create an interesting pedestrian network. .
Policy T-7.z: Pedestrian facilities. The City will encourage the provision of pedestrian scale.
improvements that fit the context of the area. The color, materials, and form of pedestrian facilities
and features should be.appropriate to their surroundings, as well as the functional unity of the
pedestrian network, through means such as:
a. Developing attractive improvements which enhance the character and pedestrian scale of .
the urban environment including streetscape design, vertical treatments, widened
sidewalks, and furnishings.
b. Incorporating special design features, public art, and site details that can enhance the
pedestrian scale of streets and become an urban amenity.
c. Encouraging outdoor cafes and activity, areas that contribute to the character and human
scale of the sidewalk environment. Building design and details should support the .
human scale of the street incorporating such elements as windows and other
openings, porches and recesses, awnings, and patios.
PRINCIPLE CAD-2: Public spaces, such as plazas, civic buildings, outdoor spaces, parks, and gateway
landscapes should be designed to be functional, accessible, attractive, safe and comfortable.
Policy CAD-2.s Civic Buildings and Grounds. Civic facilities -- such as community buildings,
government offices, recreation centers, post offices, plazas, libraries and schools -- should be placed in
central locations as highly visible focal points. The urban design and architectural quality should
express permanence, importance, and respect for broad citizen preferences and community identity.
Major public buildings should have a civic presence enhanced by their height, mass and materials. In
addition, public buildings should:
a. Be accessible by motorized vehicles, transit, bicycles and pedestrians.
b. Be integrated into a setting that includes generous landscaping and/or public outdoor
spaces.
Policy CAD-2.2 Public Space Design. Mixed -use commercial and civic design proposals should
incorporate one or several design components related to public outdoor space including pedestrian
circulation, transit facilities, plazas, pocket parks, sitting areas, children's play areas and public art. .
j :acid Pzge 3 of �c
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(i) Statement of appropriate City. Plan Principles and Policies achieved by the proposed plan:
Below is a listing of the specific city plan principles and policies that this project is designed to support:
PRINCIPLE LU-i: Growth within the City will promote a compact development pattern within a well-
defined boundary.
Policy LU-i.i Compact Urban Form. The desired urban form will be achieved by directing future
development to mixed -use neighborhoods and districts while reducing the potential for dispersed
growth not conducive to pedestrian and transit use and cohesive community development.
PRINCIPLE.LU-2: The City will maintain and enhance its character and sense of place as defined by its
neighborhoods, districts, corridors, and edges.,
Policy LU-2.1 City -Wide Structure. The City will adopt a city-wide structure of neighborhoods, .
districts corridors, and edges as a means of creating identifiable places and achieving the goals of
compact development that is well -served by all modes of travel. .
Policy LU-2.2 Urban Design. The design review process, supplemented by design standards and
guidelines, will be used to promote new construction and redevelopment that contribute positively to
the type of neighborhoods, districts, corridors and edges described herein while emphasizing the
special identity of each area.
Policy LU-3.a General Area Designations. The City Structure Plan will identify where the various
designations apply within the Fort Collins growth management area as an indication of the City's
intent to maintain certain conditions within these areas orto.promote certain types of development.
Policy LU-3.2 Amendments. Any significant changes to the area designations identified in the City
Structure Plan will require an amendment to the City Structure Plan and adequate public participation.
The City Structure Plan will be reviewed and evaluated on regular basis.
Policy LU-3.3 Development Regulations Established. Within each general area designation, specific
development regulations will be established to provide greater detail regarding the intensity of activity
desired, sequence and timing of development, and to address specific issues related to the types of
uses and character of development and other criteria to be accommodated.
PRINCIPLE T-5: The City will acknowledge pedestrian travel as a practical transportation mode and elevate
it in importance to be in balance with all other modes. Direct pedestrian connections will be provided from
places of residence to transit, schools, activity centers, work and public facilities.
Policy T-5.2 Connections. Pedestrian connections will be clearly visible and accessible, incorporating
markings, signage, lighting and paving materials. Other important pedestrian considerations include:
a. Building entries as viewed from the street should be clearly marked. Buildings should be
sited in ways to make their entries or intended uses clear to and convenient for
pedestrians.
3.1 z-,. Pace 7.:`:6
March 1, 2010
Steve Olt
City Project Planner
City of Fort Collins
Soo LaPorte Ave
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Reference: Statement of Planning Objectives: Fort Collins Discovery Museum
Steve,
In the following pages, you will find written documentation related to the planning objectives related to our
project, as required for PDP submittal. I have organized each point based on the list in the PDP submittal
requirements document.
Applicant/Consultants:
Developer/Project Manager:
Ron Kechter
Project manager
City of Fort Collins
Soo LaPorte Ave
Fort Collins, CO 80521
970-22i-68oS
Architect:
David Schafer
OZ Architecture
180S 29`h Street #2054
Boulder, CO 80301
303-449-8900
Landscape Architect:
Mark Kosmos/Jana McKenzie
AECOM
24o E. Mountain Ave
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-484-6073
Civil Engineer:
Randall Provencio
Northern Engineering
200 S College Ave #too
Fort Collins, CO 8OS24
970-221-4158
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BOULDER PHONE: 303.449.8900
1805 29TH STREET, SUITE 2054 FAX; 303,449.3886
BOULDER COLORADO SPRINGS LAS VEGAS LAKE TA140E BOULDER, COLORADO 80301, WWW.OZARCH.COM