HomeMy WebLinkAboutLARIMER COUNTY COURTHOUSE - SITE PLAN ADVISORY REVIEW - 37-98A - REPORTS - RECOMMENDATION/REPORT W/ATTACHMENTSA. Yes, as you would expect, a lot of thought has been put into security. The concept is that
the public and those under custody will never mix except in the courtroom. Those under
custody will enter the building by special Sheriff/Police van or bus into a "sally -port"
which is an underground garage with two doors, with only one door open at a time. This
area is served by a secured elevator within the core of the building. At the entries for the
general public, there will be metal scanning devices. Basically, the general public will
circulate on the perimeter of the building and have views to the south and west. Those
under custody will be in secured areas in the internal areas of the building.
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Downtown Civic Center Master Plan for the conceptual vision for the 12 block area
bounded by Oak Street, Meldrum Street, Cherry Street and College Avenue.
15. Is there any housing associated with the Plan?
A. Yes, two of the three blocks north of Maple Street are designated for housing.
16. Is the Trolley Car Barn considered historic? Will it.be preserved?
A. Yes, the Car Bam is historic and will be preserved. We are currently putting on a new
roof and masonry work is scheduled. It is used for storage of miscellaneous materials and
impounded vehicles.
17. Is there any daycare associated with any of the projects on the "four corners?"
A. No.
18. Is there any pedestrian connection through the middle of the blocks over to Martinez
Park?
A. Yes, the Civic Center Master Plan indicates a pedestrian connection from Mountain
Avenue to Cherry Street.
19. Will the temporary parking by the Freight Depot be paved?
A. No, we are planning to use recycled asphalt which compacts better than gravel and can be
striped.
20. Who will maintain the temporary parking lot? As you know, the parking lots in the area
get heavy usage on weekend evenings.
A. The City Streets Department is responsible for maintenance just as they are now for the
public parking lots.
21. What is the City's timeline for acquiring sites for the Performing Arts Center, Library and
Police Building?
A. The timeline is 1998-1999 but the Police Building concept has been dropped in favor of
district station somewhere in the southeast part of the City.
22. Will there be adequate security for the Justice Center?
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A. Keep in mind that according to the Civic Center Master Plan, each re -developed
commercial block in the plan area will feature its own parking garage.
10. What is the time frame for the future City Administration Building?
A. Our best estimate at this time is that the building will be designed in 1999, constructed in
2000, and occupied in 2001.
11. I'm concerned about increased traffic in the neighborhood north of downtown. It appears
that an intense activity is shifting north from Mountain Avenue closer to the nearby
residential area.
A. Keep in mind that the County is not adding any new employees, in the short term, for the
Justice Center. Many of the current employees park in the lot across from St. Jospeph's
School. Also, the County and the City have hired a traffic engineer to prepare a traffic
impact analysis to assess the new traffic patterns based on all four legs of the intersection
re -developing. This is loosely referred to as the "four corners study" and will help us get a
handle on the anticipated traffic impacts in the immediate area. This traffic impact analysis
will be available to the public upon its completion.
12. As far as County staffing goes, is it not possible that each department within the Justice
Center could add employees incrementally over time as their functions expand?
A. Yes, each department could add employees over time. The key point, however, is that
new departments will not shift over other than the ones originally assigned to the new
Justice Center.
13. What about encouraging alternative modes?
A. The Transit Center will be the northern terminus for all bus routes, just as it is now in the
open parking lot. Our hope is that a transit center will encourage downtown employees to
take the bus to work. Also, the Parking Garage will feature bicycle lockers so bike
commuters can secure and protect their bikes.
14. So, will all of Block 32 (north of the Justice Center) be converted to government
functions? What about mixed -use? I'm afraid of the abandonment of downtown due to
government workers going home on nights and weekends and leaving a void in the
downtown. This happens in a lot of cities and is undesirable.
A. Presently, the City owns only the east half of Block 32 and portions of the west half.
Other private businesses include Poudre Valley Creamery, Poudre Feed Supply, Ricker
Brothers Distributing, and Haiston Oil. The City Council may or may not authorize City
Staff to begin negotiating with these private owners for acquisition. Please refer to the
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5. What is proposed for the block north of LaPorte, directly across the street from the
Parking Garage?
A. This is known as Block 22. The City owns the west half of this block which includes the
Freight Depot and the long loading dock. The City also owns 281 North College at the
corner of College and Maple. Future plans call for a Transit Center. As mentioned, the
west half of this block will also feature temporary parking during the Parking Garage
construction phase.
6. What is the status of the new Performing Arts Center and the new Library?
A. The latest capital improvement plan, known as Building Community Choices, authorizes
City Council to acquire sites for a new Performing Arts Center and a new Library. The
direction from Council is that these two facilities should be located in the downtown area.
Funding is for site acquisition only.
7. What will be the impact on downtown parking for customers?
A. The City is very concerned about providing sufficient temporary parking during the
construction phases of both projects. This is why the new Parking Structure is being
constructed, and will be completed, prior to completion of the Justice Center. There will
be at least as much temporary parking provided as is being displaced. Temporary parking
will be primarily on the west half of Block 22 by the Freight Depot, on the east half of
Block 32 by the old Nghtwalker building, and on Block 33 by the old Trolley Car Barn.
In addition, parallel parking along sections of Olive, Mathews and Meldrum will be
converted to diagonal parking to increase the number of parking spaces close to
downtown merchants.
8. Will employees in the new City Administration Building park in the new Garage? If so,
will there be enough parking for the public? Could the Garage be expanded in the future
by adding another level? Will City and County employees hog all the parking?
A. City employees in the future building will park in the new Garage. The new garage will
hold about 900 spaces over the existing 600 spaces in the present lot which should
accommodate future employees. No, the Garage is not designed to be expanded by
adding another level. There will be a mix of public and permit parking in the Garage such
that employees do not take up all the parking.
9. Are we looking far enough into the future? Won't the parking demand increase over time
as the Justice Center, City Administration Building, and Transit Center become operative?
Will 900 spaces be sufficient in the long term?
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2. City of Fort Collins Downtown Parking Garage
The new parking garage will contain about 900 parking spaces and 15,000 square feet of ground -
floor retail along Mason Street. The structure will be four stories high with parking on the roof.
Total square footage is about 304,000 square feet. Stairwells are located on opposite corners
from the driveways. There will be a mix of permit and public parking. The request will be
processed as a Planning and Zoning Board Review (Type Two) under the Land Use Code.
QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, COMMENTS
Will there be temporary parking provided during the construction phase of the parking
garage?
A. Yes, temporary parking will be provided directly north on the same block as the Freight
Depot (Block 22). This parking will be for both permit holders and the general public.
Temporary parking will also be provided on portions of Block 32 by the former
Nightwalker building and Block 33 by the old Trolley Car Barn.
2. Where will construction parking and construction equipment be located?
A. Construction parking and equipment will be located on the east half of the block directly
north of the Justice Center (Block 32). This area presently contains old warehouses such.
as the Nightwalker drop-off building. The City owns this east half of the block. Presently,
crews are removing these buildings.
3. When is the start date for these two projects?
A. The Parking Garage (and temporary parking lot) will begin in November of 1998 and is
expected to be completed in September of 1999. The Justice Center will begin in January
of 1999 and is expected to be completed in July of 2000. It is important that the Garage
be completed prior to the opening of the Justice Center.
4. What is proposed for the block north of LaPorte, directly across from the Justice Center?
A. This is known as Block 32. As mentioned, the City presently owns the eastern half of this
block. Future plans for the east half include a new City Administration Building that
would contain about 60,000 to 70,000 square feet in a four-story office building directly
on the northwest corner of LaPorte and Mason.
2
NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING MINUTES
PROJECTS: Larimer County Justice Center
City of Fort Collins Downtown Parking Garage
DATE: June 29, 1998
CONSULTANTS: Brian Chaffee, Fentress-Bradburn, Architects
Brent Mather, Fentress-Bradburn, Architects
Greg Billingham, Fentress-Bradburn Architects
Jana McKenzie, EDAW
Eldon Ward, Cityscape Urban Design
Don Monahan, Walker Parking Consultants
COUNTY REPS: Dave Spencer, Director of Facilities
Neil Gluckman, Assistant County Manager
CITY REPS: Jack Gianola, Special Projects Manager
Suzanne Edminster, Transportation Manager
Carol Champion, Parking Supervisor
Wally Piccone, Parks Planning Director
Ted Shepard, Senior City Planner
CONSTRUCTION: Jerry Pault, Hensel -Phelps Construction Company
John Murphy, Hensel -Phelps Construction Company
Alan Bleismer, Hensel -Phelps Construction Company
The meeting beganwith an introduction of the design and construction team and County and City
representatives. Mr. Brian Chaffee, lead architect, described both projects in detail.
Larimer County Justice Center
The new Larimer County Justice Center will be a five story building above grade with one story
below grade for secured parking. There will be a total of about 150,000 square feet. The facility
will accommodate 13 courtrooms and offices for the State of Colorado Eighth Judicial District,
Larimer County Court, Traffic Court and the City's Municipal Court. In addition, there will be
offices for the District Attorney and Probation Officers. The underground parking area will
feature a "sally -port" and a non-public, secured elevator for transporting those who are under the
custody of the Larimer County Sherifi's Department. A small outdoor civic park in proposed for
the internal area of the site. There is a small parking lot along Howes across from St. Joseph's
School. The request will be processed as a "Site Plan Advisory Review" and forwarded to the
City of Fort Collins Planning and Zoning Board.
Latimer County Courthot IDAW, Inc.
Project Development Plan submittal il6F012.01
Submittal Rap ement Lh., cont'd. August 11, 1998
vii. Narrative description of how conflicts between land used or disturbances to wetlands or
natural area are being avoided or mitigated
No known land use conflicts or disturbances to natural areas emst on the project site.
viii. Written narrative addressing each concern4ssue raised at the neighborhood meeting(s),
if a meeting has been held
(See attachment 6, dated: June 29, 1998.)
ix. Name of the project as well as any previous name the project may have come through
conceptual review with.
Latimer County Courthouse
Larimer County Courthou. IDAW, Inc.
Project Development Plan Submittal #6F012.01
Submittal Requirement l.h., cont'd. August 11, 1998
ii. Description of the proposed open space, buffering, landscaping, circulation, transition
areas, wetlands and natural areas on site and in the general vicinity of the project.
The proposed park site occupies the center of Block 31 adjacent to the proposed Larimer
County Courthouse which will occupy the northeast comer of the site. The site is
bordered on the south by existing public and privately operated buildings. To the west, a
portion of the existing parking lot large enough to hold approx. 35 cars ,will be
maintained. No wetlands or natural areas have been identified on the existing site. The
proposed park will consist of a hardscape plaza adjacent to the southwest axis of the
courthouse, which serves as a focal point for the circulation going through the site. The
plaza is meant to act as a transition space between the open space and the more formal
environment of the courthouse. This plaza will incorporate an interactive water feature,
which will strengthen the parks relationship to the courthouse axis and then evolve into
the natural forms expressed in the landscape. The function of this is to serve both as a
metaphor symbolic of justice, its meaning to the community and to physically lead people
through the space.
The open spaces reconstructs a natural area in which park users can engage in a number
of activities. It also serves as a detention basin to meet onsite storm water retention. Its
bowl shape is directed toward the plaza and water feature so that the space is adaptable
for outdoor performances. -
Circulation through the site is emphasized by a major walkway which winds through the
site's north -south axis. Secondary circulation paths enter the site from the east and west.
All circulation paths pass through the central plaza which then tie into the downtown
streetscape. This provides the opportunity to link the downtown area and the courthouse
public and open space for various activities.
U1. 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
planned unit development.
The site is owned by Larimer County. The design and construction of the Courthouse
and park will be funded by Larimer County. The park will be maintained by the City of
Fort Collins.
iv. Estimate of number of employees for business, commercial, and industrial uses.
It is estimated that there will be a total of 250 employees for the entire facility.
V. Description of rationale behind the assumptions and choices made by the applicant.
The project has been designed to help achieve the goals and objectives of the Fort
Collins Civic Master Plan. It has also been designed in cooperation with the City of Fort
Collins Planning, Parks, Forestry and Maintenance Departments and the Larimer County
Staff.
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 applicants may choose to submit, evidence
that is beyond what is required in that section. Any variance from the criteria shall be
described
(See attached Submittal dated: August 11, 1998.)
Larimer County Courthouse EDAW, Inc.
Overall Development Plan Submittal #6F012.01
Submittal Requirement Id.
Larimer County Courthouse
Statement of Planning Objective
The courthouse was designed as a five -story building in order to maximize future expansion, maintain area
for the public park, anticipate further building uses and to best maximize efficiency in blocking and
stacking of the court's program Within these five stories, the stacking of the departments within the
various floors has been determined based upon the volume of public access required. The departments with
the least public access have been located on upper levels while those departments which have maximum
public visitation have been located in the lower portions of the building. The first floor will house the
District and County Court Clerks, Probation, Traffic Court and Law Library; the second floor will consist
of the District Attorney, Jury Commission, Judicial District Administration and Municipal Court and
Clerks; CASA will be located in the third floor and the Public Defender will be located on the fourth floor.
County courts are located on the third floor while the District Courts are located on the fourth and fifth
floors.
The Courthouse layout utilizes three completely separate circulation routes for the principal participants in
the courtroom. The maintenance of separate circulation routes is mandatory for operation of a safe
courthouse. The main building entry faces the intersection of Mason Street and LaPorte Avenue, with a
secondary access to the courts on the southwest side of the building fronting on the public park At these
locations, there is access for the public and employees via security checkpoints consisting of courtrooms,
departmental space and public counters at judges' staff areas, which serve as reception areas for the judges.
The public circulation route has a distinct exiting system separate from the private circulation system.
Statement of appropriate City Plan principles and Policies achieved by the proposed
plan.
The proposed Larimer County Courthouse conforms with the following Land Use
Principles and Policies; LU-1 Compact Urban Form, LU-2.1 City -Wide Structure, LU-
2.2 Urban Design, T-5 Pedestrian Connection and Activity Center, CAD-1.3 Streetscape
Design, CAD-1.4 Street Tree Design, CAD-1.7 Street Art, CAD-2 Civic Buildings and
Grounds, CAD-4 Crime Prevention and Security.
The proposed Courthouse also adheres to the policies of the Downtown District and
promotes policy DD-1.2 After -Hour Activities. The project also falls within the land
uses of the Canyon Avenue Sub -District DD-1.9 Primary Government Center in the
Downtown.
The project will serve as a focal point and destination in the Canyon Avenue Subdistrict
In conclusion, this project will serve as a focal point and destination in the Canyon
Avenue Subdistrict and should further strengthen the character of the downtown district
of Fort Collins.
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Larimer County Courthouse - Site Plan Advisory Review, #37-98A
December 17, 1998 P & Z Meeting
Page 5
C. Extent
The construction of a five -story structure will involve coordination of public
improvements with the City of Fort Collins. Enhanced crosswalks will be phased in
after construction and will be provided on all four legs of the LaPorte/Mason intersection
to provide strong linkages to the future Parking Garage, Transit Facility and City
Administration Building. A northbound Mason Street left -turn lane will be constructed
for cars turning left to go west on LaPorte. A westbound LaPorte Avenue left turn lane
will be constructed to turn south to enter the future Parking Garage. The civic center
spine will be constructed so that, ultimately, there will be a strong pedestrian connection
from Mountain Avenue to Martinez Park. The civic center park is being designed and
constructed by the City in conjunction with the new Courthouse. These off -site
improvements have been anticipated in the Civic Center Master Plan and are being
implemented by the City and the County.
4. Findings of Fact/Conclusion
A. The construction of the new Larimer County Courthouse fulfills the vision of the
Downtown Civic Center Master Plan.
B. The location of the new Larimer County Courthouse within the Civic Center
Subdistrict of the Downtown Zone District, is appropriate.
C. The civic/institutional character of the new Larimer County Courthouse
contributes to quality of the surrounding mix of office, retail, employment and is
appropriate given the context of the general vicinity.
D. The extent of the new Larimer County Jail Courthouse meets the intent and
findings of the recently adopted Civic Center Master Plan.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Planning and Zoning Board advise the Larimer County
Commissioners that the location, character and extent of the proposed Larimer County
Courthouse is appropriate.
Larimer County Courthouse - Site Plan Advisory Review, #37-98A
December 17, 1998 P & Z Meeting
Page 4
location, character, and extent thereof has been submitted for approval by the
commission."
It should be noted that a recommendation of denial by the Planning and Zoning Board
is forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners which may overturn the P & Z
Board by no less than a two-thirds vote. This process is similar to that used to review
new schools proposed by the Poudre School District.
5. Location. Character and Extent:
A. Location
As mentioned, Block 31 is the key component of the Civic Center Master Plan. The
construction of the new Courthouse on this block fulfills the vision of this sub -area plan.
Staff finds, therefore, that the location of the new Courthouse is in an appropriate
location.
B. Character
Clearly, the character of the Larimer County Courthouse is civic and institutional. Such
a character is appropriate for a civic center campus in the downtown. The fact that the
facility does not significantly deviate from its surroundings contributes to its acceptance
by other users in the general area. The City Zoning Department has not received one
complaint from other tenants or owners within the immediate block and surrounding
area.
A County -wide election on the funding of the new courthouse was held on November of
1996. The referred item passed and a portion of sales tax collected in Larimer County
for next several years will be used to pay the principal and interest on the bonds that
were issued to construct the facility.
In addition to the County -wide referendum, a neighborhood meeting was held June 29,
1998. Minutes to this meeting are attached. The primary concern of those attending
the meeting was how well will the interim parking plan compensate the loss of parking
due to the construction of both the new Courthouse and the new parking garage. The
other concern related to the timing and status of future re -development of the
surrounding blocks, particularly the Transit Center and City Administration Building.
There was support for the construction of the new Courthouse. Staff, therefore, finds
that the character of the new Courthouse is appropriate for the area.
Larimer County Courthouse - Site Plan Advisory Review, #37-98A
December 17, 1998 P & Z Meeting
Page 3
"The central organizing elements of the plan are two open space spines that
connect various buildings within a unified public realm of parks and plazas. The
parks and plazas provide meeting and gathering places, while providing linkages
for people to walk to cultural, civic, entertainment, or shopping activities."
The new Larimer County Courthouse includes a north -south spine which links Mountain
Avenue on the south to LaPorte Avenue on the north. This spine will terminate at
LaPorte Avenue and is expected to be carried north to Martinez Park as those parcels
to the north come in for re -development. A small civic center park will be developed by
the City in conjunction with the Courthouse. This park will contribute to creating a
dynamic public space in the middle of the block in accordance with the plan.
Further, in accordance with the design guidelines of the Plan, there will be a primary
building entrance oriented to the north towards LaPorte Avenue. A secondary entrance
is oriented to the south towards Mountain Avenue along the central axis. The two
building entrances are connected thereby creating a continuous series of parks and
plazas along the central axis.
The construction of the Courthouse continues the implementation strategy of
purchasing and re -developing property within the 12-block Civic Center planning area in
order to fulfill the vision of the Downtown Civic Center Master Plan.
3. Exempt From Zoning :
The construction of the new Larimer County Courthouse is exempt from the Land Use
Code because the facility is owned and developed by Larimer County. This is similar to
the Larimer County Jail Expansion.
4. City's Right of Advisory Review:
Because of the exempt status of the proposed facility, the City is limited to an advisory
review by the Planning and Zoning Board and not the full force of the Zoning Code.
Colorado Revised Statutes provide a specific reference to the City's right to review the
planning and location of public buildings constructed by Larimer County. Section 31-
23-209 states:
"When the commission (Planning and Zoning Board) has adopted the master
plan of the municipality or of one or more major sections or districts thereof, no
street, square, park, or other public way, ground or open space, public building
or structure, or publicly or privately owned public utility shall be constructed or
authorized in the municipality or in such planned section and district until the
Larimer County Courthouse - Site Plan Advisory Review, #37-98A
December 17, 1998 P & Z Meeting
Page 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The request is exempt from requirements of the Land Use Code since the site is
owned and being developed by Larimer County. The request, however, is processed
as a Site Plan Advisory Review under the authority of State Statute 31-23-209 which
limits the City's review to the location, character and extent of the new facility. The
location, character and extent of the project are found to be appropriate and fulfill the
vision of the Downtown Civic Center Master Plan of 1996.
COMMENTS
1. Background:
The surrounding zoning and land uses are as follows:
N: D (Civic Center); Poudre Creamery, Abraxis Glass, Police Training
S: D (Civic Center); Larimer County Courthouse
E: D (Civic Center); Parking Lot (Future Parking Garage)
W: D (Canyon Avenue); St. Josephs Church and Elementary School
Block 31 is part of the original town plat. Historically, this part of the block consisted of
small, individually -owned businesses such as Steve's Garage, Fort Collins Sheet Metal.
In the early 1980's, the City and County jointly purchased the entire block and the
southwest corner of LaPorte and Mason was re -developed into a public parking lot.
2. Downtown Civic Center Master Plan:
In July of 1996, the City/County jointly adopted the Civic Center Master Plan.
According to the Plan:
"The Civic Center Plan is a framework for strategic actions that will reinforce the
role of downtown Fort Collins as the primary governmental, office, finance,
specialty, neighborhood retail, cultural, and entertainment center within the
community. The plan is intended to guide future development of the 12-block
Civic Center area as a human -scale, walkable, mixed -use district, anchored by
civic spaces and buildings, providing transportation choices and connections to
the surrounding environment."
"The district will be anchored by civic activities and buildings, including City and
County offices, City Hall, parks, and other major civic functions."
ITEM NO. 9
MEETING DATE 12/17/98
iiA STAFF Ted Shepard
Citv of Fort Collins PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
STAFF REPORT
PROJECT: Larimer County Courthouse, Site Plan Advisory Review, #37-98A
APPLICANT: Larimer County
c/o Mr. Brian Chaffee
Fentress-Bradburn and Associates
421 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
OWNER: Larimer County
c/o Mr. Dave Spencer
Facilities Department
212 West Mountain Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80521
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This is a request for a Site Plan Advisory Review for the new Larimer County
Courthouse. The building will be five stories above -grade with one story below grade
for secured parking. There will be a total of about 170,211 square feet of floor area.
The facility will accommodate 13 courtrooms and offices for the State of Colorado
Eighth Judicial District, Larimer County Court, Traffic Court and the City's Municipal
Court. In addition, there will be offices for the District Attorney and Probation Officers.
A small civic center park is being planned by the City in conjunction with the new
Courthouse. The parcel is located on a portion of Block 31 at the southwest corner of
LaPorte Avenue and Mason Street. Currently, this site is a public parking lot. The
parcel is 3.9 acres in size and zoned D, Downtown and within the Civic Center
Subdistrict.
(The civic center park is a building permit review in the Downtown Zone and is shown
on the plans for illustrative purposes only.)
RECOMMENDATION: Approval
COMMUNITY PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 281 N. College Ave. PO. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 (970) 221-6750
PLANNING DEPARTMENT