HomeMy WebLinkAboutTHE UNION ON ELIZABETH (FORMERLY 1208 W. ELIZABETH STREET) - PDP/FDP - FDP170024 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - LUC REQUIREMENTSl ; , i , � r i un Dadra he). to
( it'v Plan — Principles and Policies
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Principle T 19: The transportation system will be adequate for the movement of goods
and people.
Policy T 19.2 - New Roadways
New streets will be designed and constructed to achieve adopted acceptable Level of Service and design
standards.
Principle T 24: Transportation infrastructure will be designed and constructed to a level
of quality commensurate with community values.
Policy T 24.2 - Sustainable Design
Plan, build, and maintain streets, trails, intersections, and sidewalks using sustainable design principles.
Policy T 24.3 - Attractive Public Spaces
Plan, build, and maintain streets, trails, intersections, and sidewalks as attractive public spaces.
Policy T 24.4— Street Design Criteria
Keep street design standards current with community values, new modes of travel, and new technical
standards such as green streets and reshaping existing streets.
Principle T 25: Transportation infrastructure will ensure the provision of high quality
facilities for the movement of goods, people, and information.
Policy T 25.2 - Transportation of Information
The City will consider and appropriately encourage the development and sharing of both public and
private infrastructure to facilitate the movement of information throughout the City.
Policy T 25.3 — New and Existing Roadways
New roadways will be designed and constructed to ensure an acceptable Level of Service and design
standards. Existing roadways will be enhanced as necessary to meet current and future needs and
design standards
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Union on Elizabeth
City Plan — Principles and Policies
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Policy T 9.2 - Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Transit Interface and Access
Provide the highest Level of Service with respect to the interface of pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit in
Enhanced Travel Corridors. A fundamental consideration in the design of an Enhanced Travel Corridor
will be making the character of the corridor and access to transit safe, secure, attractive, and convenient
for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Principle T10: Using transit will be a safe, affordable, easy, and convenient mobility
option for all ages and abilities.
Policy T 10.1 - Transit Stops
Integrate transit stops into existing and future business districts and Neighborhood Commercial Centers
in a way that makes it easy for transit riders to shop, access local services, and travel to work. Provide
transit stops within easy walking distance of most residences and destinations. Design and locate transit
stops as an integral part of these origins and destinations and provide adequate lighting, security,
pedestrian amenities, wheelchair accessibility, bicycle parking, and weather protection.
Principle T11: Bicycling will be a safe, easy, and convenient mobility option for all ages
and abilities.
Policy T 11.1 - Bicycle Facilities
Ensure safe and convenient access by bicycle in neighborhoods and other pedestrian and bicyclist -
oriented districts.
Policy T 11.2 — System Design
Provide a comprehensive, citywide system of on- and off -road bicycle transportation facilities.
Principle T 12: The pedestrian network will provide a safe, easy, and convenient mobility
option for all ages and abilities.
Policy T 12.1- Connections
Direct pedestrian connections will be provided from places of residence to transit, schools, activity
centers, work, and public facilities.
Policy T 12.2 — Pedestrian Network
Develop a complete pedestrian network in ETCs and Activity Centers.
Policy T 12.4—ADA Compliance
Pedestrian facilities will comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Policy T 12.5 — Safe and Secure
Develop safe and secure pedestrian settings by developing and maintaining a well -lit, inhabited
pedestrian network and by mitigating the impacts of vehicles. Connections will be clearly visible and
accessible, incorporating markings, signage, lighting, and paving materials.
Principle T 13: Driving will be a safe, easy, and convenient mobility option.
Policy T 13.1 - Complete Network
Develop a complete street network with access and connectivity to and through corridors in accordance
with the Hastcr.Streel Plan.
Policy T 13.2 - Neighborhood Traffic
Provide a complete street network that minimizes through traffic on collector and local streets in
neighborhoods.
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City Plan — Principles and Policies
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elements, and locating neighborhoods close to activity centers and services so that physically active
modes of transportation are a desirable and convenient choice. (Also see the Community and
Neighborhood Livability and Transportation chapters.)
Safety and Wellness policies are achieved by Union on Elizabeth by virtue of locating
high density housing in an area where tenants can walk or ride bikes to a variety of
destinations including the CSU campus, the Campus West commercial area, and
nearby parks and grocery stores. This development encourages the use of bicycles by
providing convenient and secure bike parking spaces within the development. In
addition the proposed pedestrian streetscape improvements will encourage other
neighborhood residents to use alternative modes as well.
TRANSPORTATION
Principle T 3: Land use planning decisions, management strategies, and incentives will
support and be coordinated with the City's transportation vision.
Policy T 3.1- Pedestrian Mobility
Promote a mix of land uses and activities that will maximize the potential for pedestrian mobility
throughout the community and minimize the distance traveled.
Policy T 3.2 - Bicycle Facilities
Encourage bicycling for transportation through an urban development pattern that places major activity
centers and neighborhood destinations within a comfortable bicycling distance.
Union on Elizabeth will help the City achieve the above land use planning objectives
related to transportation. This development is ideally located to encourage alternative
modes of travel and will be making streetscape improvements that will make walking
and biking in the neighborhood safer, more convenient and more pleasant than it is
now. 434 bike parking spaces are proposed with this development, almost 100 more
spaces than required.
Policy T 3.3 - Transit Supportive Design
Implement and integrate Transit Supportive Design strategies with respect to new and infill development
opportunities along Enhanced Travel Corridors.
Principle T 8: Transportation that provides opportunities for residents to lead healthy and
active lifestyles will be promoted.
Policy T 8.1- Support Active Transportation
Support physically active transportation (e.g., bicycling, walking, wheelchairs, etc.) by continuing bike and
pedestrian safety education and encouragement programs, providing law enforcement, and maintaining
bike lanes, sidewalks, trails, lighting, and facilities for easy and safe use.
Policy T 8.2 - Design for Active Living
Promote neighborhood and community design that encourages physical activity by establishing easy
access to parks and trails, providing interesting routes that feature art and other visually interesting
elements, and locating neighborhoods close to activity centers and services so that physically active
modes of transportation are a desirable and convenient choice.
Principle T 9: Enhanced Travel Corridors will contain amenities and designs that
specifically promote walking, the use of mass transit, and bicycling.
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City Plan — Principles and Policies
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Support the transformation of existing, underutilized Community Commercial Districts through infill and
redevelopment over time to more intense centers of activity that include a mixture of land uses and
activities, an enhanced appearance, and access to all transportation modes.
See above.
Policy LIV 35.5 — High -Frequency Transit
Many of the city's Community Commercial Districts are located along Enhanced Travel Corridors and are
intended to serve as primary hubs of the city's high -frequency transit system. Locate transit stops
centrally and adjacent to the commercial core of the District. Retail, restaurants, and other active uses
should be visible and accessible from the transit stop. Provide for transfers to feeder buses (local bus
network) in the design and location of these stops. Provide comfortable waiting areas, appropriate for
year-round weather conditions, at all transit stops. Passenger loading zones should be close to the stop,
but should not interfere with pedestrian access.
Principle LIV 37: The campuses of Colorado State University and Front Range
Community College will be integrated into the community structure, and treated as
prominent community institutions and major destinations served by the City's multi -
modal transportation system.
Policy LIV 37.3 —Supporting Uses and Housing
Include student -oriented housing, retail, services, and entertainment designed to function as part of the
Campus District. Form strong pedestrian and bicycle linkages throughout the district and provide
connections to city systems beyond the campus.
Policy LIV 37.4 —Campus District Edges
Development within Campus Districts should be compatible with surrounding uses and their design
characteristics. Mitigate negative impacts on surrounding areas as development occurs.
Policy LIV 37.6 —Parking Structures
Where appropriate (as shown on campus master plans), use parking structures to reduce the areas
covered by parking lots, thereby making space available for infill and redevelopment opportunities.
SAFETY AND WELLNESS
Principle SW 1: The City will foster a safe community.
Policy SW 1.5 - Maintain Public Safety through Design
Provide a sense of security and safety within buildings, parking areas, walkways, alleys, bike lanes, public
spaces, and streets through environmental design considerations, such as adequate lighting, visibility,
maintained landscaping, and location of facilities. (Also see the Community and Neighborhood Livability
chapter's Community Appearance and Design section).
The pedestrian walkway and parking garage are designed to eliminate hiding spaces
and security lighting will be provided at night. In addition Union on Elizabeth will have
on -site personnel that will patrol the site on a regular basis.
Principle SW 2: The City will provide opportunities for residents to lead
healthy and active lifestyles.
Policy SW 2.4 — Design for Active Living
Promote neighborhood and community design that encourages physical activity by establishing easy
access to parks and trails, providing interesting routes that feature art and other visually interesting
Thinking outside of the box tot over two ciccaaes
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City Plan — Principles and Policies
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Promote compatibility between higher intensity development desired within Commercial Districts and
adjacent neighborhoods using a combination of the following techniques:
• Concentrate the tallest buildings along Enhanced Travel Corridors, Transportation Corridors, or
primary street frontages.
• Provide gradual transitions in building height and mass so that new structures located within
Commercial Districts have a scale that is comparable to and/or compatible with the adjacent
neighborhood along the shared lot line or street frontage.
• Incorporate lower -intensity housing types (e.g., townhomes, duplexes) along street frontages
shared with an adjacent neighborhood
See above.
Policy LIV 31.7 - Housing
Incorporate a variety of housing options in Commercial Districts as infill and redevelopment occur over
time:
• Residential units may be incorporated on upper floors of mixed -use buildings at the core of the
Commercial District or in freestanding residential buildings along district edges.
• Residential housing types along district edges should be compatible with the scale and massing of
surrounding neighborhoods.
. Incorporate residential amenities such as convenient parking, parks, plazas or other open spaces,
gathering places, and recreation facilities to enhance the living experience in the district.
• Concentrate high -density residential within one quarter (1/4) mile of existing and planned transit
stops to provide ease of access and to promote increased ridership overtime.
This project is located within the community commercial district and is located within a
1/8th mile of existing and planned transit stops. Elizabeth Street is planned as a future
BRT corridor, per the Elizabeth Street Enhanced Travel Corridor Plan.
Principle LIV 35: Community Commercial Districts will be communitywide destinations
and hubs for a high -frequency transit system. They will be quality mixed -use urban
activity centers that offer retail, offices, services, small civic uses, and higher density
housing, in an environment that promotes walking, bicycling, transit and ridesharing.
Policy LIV 35.1-Location
Community Commercial Districts are located along Enhanced Travel Corridors where they may be more
readily served by existing or future transit.
Policy LIV 35.2 - Mix of Uses
Community Commercial Districts may include a mix of uses, as follows:
• Principal uses: Retail, restaurants, offices, and other community services.
• Supporting uses: Higher density housing, day care (adult and child), civic and institutional uses, pocket
parks and other outdoor gathering spaces, and other supporting uses.
Discourage drive -through facilities. Where such facilities are allowed, they should be secondary in
emphasis to outdoor spaces for people, and relegated to secondary locations.
Policy LIV 35.3 -Scale
Encourage higher intensity infill and redevelopment in Community Commercial Districts to promote the
creation of active destinations for surrounding neighborhoods and the community and to create
concentrations of housing and employment sufficient to support high -frequency transit. Encourage vertical
mixed -use; however, limit maximum building height to five (5) to six (6) stories.
This project is proposing five stories of high density residential to support the
commercial uses within the Community Commercial Zone District.
Policy LIV 35.4 - Transform through Infill and Redevelopment
Thinking outside of the box for over two decades
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I'nion on Elizabeth
City Plan — Principles and Policies
Page 10 of 15
alternatives such as structured parking, angled or parallel on -street parking, shared parking, and others
as appropriate.
Structured parking for Union on Elizabeth reduces the amount of land devoted to
surface parking, resulting in a more pedestrian friendly and convenient environment for
residents. The visual impact of the 6-level parking garage is mitigated by placing the
residential units around all sides of the parking garage. The architectural facades
establish human scale at the street level along the frontages.
Principle LIV 31: Each commercial District should feature a mix of uses and an attractive
and inviting public realm that encourages pedestrian activity, reinforces the unique
identify of the District, and complements the scale and character of surrounding
neighborhoods.
Union on Elizabeth at Campus West project is supported many of the community and
neighborhood livability policies listed below (31-37).
The project is located in the Campus West Commercial area, a targeted infill and
redevelopment area, specifically called out in City Plan. It will provide higher density
housing, in an environment that promotes walking, bicycling, transit and ridesharing.
The development is just a block away from the CSU campus, providing safe convenient,
attractive, energy efficient and affordable units for CSU students. The proposed project
is compatible with surrounding uses and the development will dramatically improve
pedestrian connectivity and circulation in the neighborhood. In addition, the visual
quality of the neighborhood will improve with the proposed high quality architecture and
upscale streetscape improvements.
Policy LIV 31.2 - Site Layout and Building Orientation
Design Commercial Districts so that the arrangement of buildings and blocks contributes to a cohesive
urban fabric and provides attractive pedestrian -scale features and spaces:
• Orient primary entrances towards plazas, parks, or pedestrian -oriented streets, not to interior
blocks or parking lots. Anchor retail buildings may also have entries from off-street parking lots;
however, onstreet entries are strongly encouraged.
• Minimize building setbacks from public streets.
• Place surface parking lots behind or to the side of buildings.
• Relate the building placement, massing, and entryways to the street, nearby buildings, and
surrounding context.
Policy LIV 31.4 - Design for Pedestrian Activity
Design streets, buildings, and public spaces within Commercial Districts to be functional, and attractive,
and enhance pedestrian activity:
• Establish an attractive, safe, and pedestrian -oriented street network that includes street trees
incorporated into the sidewalk design, street furniture, pedestrian scale lighting, and mid -block
planting areas for enhanced pedestrian crossings.
• Include generous shade tree planting and walkways that directly connect origins and destinations
in parking lots.
• Incorporate a hierarchy of signage to reinforce the unique identity and character of each district.
See above.
Policy LIV 31.6 - Relationship to Surrounding Neighborhoods
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City Plan — Principles and Policies
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Policy LIV 30.3 — Improve Pedestrian and Bicycle Access
Improve pedestrian and bicycle connections with in and to Commercial Districts as infill and
redevelopment occur over time. (Also see the Transportation chapter.)
• Provide direct access between commercial Districts and adjoining uses.
• Clearly identify and distinguish pedestrian and bicycle travel routes from auto traffic through
parking areas, across streets, and along building frontages.
• Improve pedestrian/bicycle linkages across arterial streets and along transportation corridors.
• Avoid superblocks, dead-end streets, and cul-de-sacs.
• Coordinate with impacted neighborhoods to find context -sensitive solutions to address connectivity
and neighborhood needs.
The Union on Elizabeth development provides a midblock pedestrian connection at the
Scott Ave alignment between Plum and Elizabeth Streets. This pedestrian walkway will
provide safer and more direct access to public transportation and other amenities such
as restaurants and shopping for residents in the area. A new pedestrian crossing,
across Elizabeth Street is proposed in the future offering a safer way to access
amenities on the southern side of Elizabeth Street.
Policy LIV 30.4— Reduce Visual Impacts of Parking
Reduce the visual impacts of parking lots from primary pedestrian streets, plazas, and public spaces and
promote a more pedestrian -friendly environment by:
• Locating lots behind buildings, in side yards, or in the interior of blocks.
• Softening and screening their visual impacts with a perimeter landscape buffer.
• Breaking large lots into smaller blocks of parking separated by landscaped islands.
• Allowing appropriate small businesses (e.g., carts, kiosks) to foster human activity.
All parking must provide for visibility, personal safety, and security.
The parking is completely contained within the parking garage behind the residential
units.
Policy LIV 30.5 — Parking Structures
Do not allow parking structures to dominate the street frontage. Other parking structure considerations
include the following:
a. Minimize interruptions in pedestrian interest and activity for parking structures fronting primary
pedestrian streets with retail or other uses with a high level of walk-in clientele along the ground -level
frontage.
b. On other streets where a parking structure's ground level will be occupied by cars, require a
landscaped setback to soften the visual impact on the street and sidewalk.
c. Use architectural elements to establish human scale at the street level along the frontage of
primary pedestrian streets, plazas, and public spaces where practical.
d. Incorporate architectural design that is compatible with adjacent buildings.
e. Locate auto entrances so as to minimize pedestrian and traffic conflicts.
f. Provide a safe and secure environment for both pedestrians and vehicular traffic.
The visual impact of the parking garage is mitigated by integrating living units on all
sides of the structure including the public street. Only one entry and exit point for the
parking garage is proposed, limiting the potential for conflicts between pedestrian and
vehicular traffic.
Policy LIV 30.6 — Reduce Land Devoted to Surface Parking Lots
To support transit use and a more pedestrian -friendly environment, reduce land devoted to surface
parking lots as infill and redevelopment occur. Adhere to maximum parking ratios for commercial uses
and reduce or eliminate minimum parking requirements for transit -supportive uses. Encourage
Thinking outside of the box for over two decades
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Union on Elizabeth
City Plan — Principles and Policies
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two, three, four and five bedroom units designed using a modern style architecture with
natural stone features and wide overhangs. The units along the ground floor along the
interior paseo will have individual porches. The five -story building will have articulated
facades and step -backs to mitigate the size of the building and to provide a transition to
the adjoining neighbors.
The pedestrian areas at the ground level offer a variety of seating opportunities, upscale
street furniture and unique landscape details that include green wall systems, and
playful lighting.
Policy LIV 22.8 - Reduce the Visual Prominence of Garages and Driveways
To foster visual interest along a neighborhood street, limit the street frontage devoted to protruding
garage doors and driveway curb crossings using one or more of the following techniques:
Recess garages, or tuck them into side or rear yards (if feasible), using variety and creativity to
avoid a
streetscape dominated by the repetition of garage doors.
• Locate garages further from the street to allow narrower driveway frontage at the curb, leaving
more room for an attractive streetscape.
• Incorporate alleys and various forms of shared driveways to reduce the need for driveway curb
cuts and street -facing garage doors. Such alleys and driveways can also serve as locations for
ancillary buildings, utilities, service functions, and interior -block parking access.
It is recognized that there may be ways a residential property can be custom -designed to mitigate the
view of a protruding garage opening.
The visual impact of the parking garage is mitigated by integrating living units on all
sides of the structure. One ingress and egress point for the parking garage is located
on the southeastern side of the building, mitigating multiple access points along
Elizabeth Street.
Principle LIV 25: The City will require and assist with coordinated neighborhood design
efforts among separate development parcels.
Policy LIV 25.1 - Coordinate Neighborhood Planning and Phasing
Encourage and participate in coordinated design and planning efforts among property owners in various
neighborhoods. Identify locations for connecting streets, schools, parks, civic buildings, edges, and other
shared facilities and spaces.
A neighborhood meeting was held on July 13, 2017 to get community input for this
project.
Policy LIV 25.2 - Require Overall Coordination
Require all new development proposals to demonstrate that they form or contribute to a greater
neighborhood. Development should contribute to the neighborhood in terms of interconnecting streets,
schools, parks, Neighborhood Commercial Districts, and open space systems.
Principle LIV 30: Commercial Districts will be designed to accommodate all modes of
travel - pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and motor vehicle - in a compact setting.
Policy LIV 30.1 - Provide a Balanced Circulation System
Seek to create a balanced circulation system in Commercial Districts that supports pedestrian, bicycle,
and transit, as well as motor vehicle use. (Also see the Transportation chapter.)
Thinking outside of the box for over two decades
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I pion on hliiabeth
City Plan — Principles and Policies
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Design new landscaping projects based on maintainability over the life cycle of the project using proper
soil amendment and ground preparation practices, as well as the appropriate use of hardscape elements,
trees, mulches, turf grass, other plant materials, and irrigation systems. Low maintenance practices can
be achieved in both turf and non -turf planting areas, provided these areas are designed and installed to
minimize weeds, erosion and repairs.
Plant material will be selected based on water requirements, hardiness and ease of
maintenance. Plants will consist of trees that the City forester approves, evergreen and
deciduous shrubs and high performing grasses and perennials that require only
seasonal maintenance. Turf areas are minimized. Xeriscape principles of utilizing soil
amendments, mulches and efficient irrigation will be followed to ensure that the
landscape is both attractive and sustainable.
PRINCIPLE LIV 21: New neighborhoods will be integral parts of the broader
community structure, connected through shared facilities such as streets, schools,
parks, transit stops, trails, civic facilities, and a Neighborhood Commercial Center or
Community Commercial District.
Policy LIV 21.4 - Provide Access to Transit
The Union on Elizabeth development is designed to become an integral part of the
Campus West neighborhood. Design characteristics that contribute to this integration
include improvements to block connectivity. Currently pedestrian access between Plum
Street and Elizabeth Street is limited to Shields or City Park Avenue, or other points that
were not designed as pedestrian access ways. The Union on Elizabeth development
provides a midblock pedestrian connection at the Scott Ave alignment between Plum
and Elizabeth Streets. This pedestrian walkway will provide safer and more direct
access to public transportation and other amenities such as restaurants and shopping
for residents in the area.
Principle LIV22: The design of residential neighborhoods should emphasize creativity, diversity,
and individuality, be responsive to its context, and contribute to a comfortable, interesting
community.
Policy LIV 22.4 - Orient Buildings to Public Streets or Spaces
Orient residential buildings towards public sidewalks or other public outdoor spaces that connect to
streets, the commercial core, and transit stops. Examples of public outdoor spaces include parks,
squares, gardens with walkways, and courtyards.
Policy LIV 22.5 - Create Visually Interesting Streetscapes
All new residential buildings should be designed to emphasize the visually interesting features of the
building, as seen from the public street and sidewalk, and to minimize and mitigate the visual impact of
garage doors, driveways, and other off-street parking.
Policy LIV 22.6 - Enhance Street Design and Image
Enhance prominent connecting streets in neighborhoods by forming circles, squares, medians, or other
special places to recall history, give identity, and calm traffic. Tree lined streets and boulevards with
inviting, landscaped walkways, parkways, and medians, will add to the image of these districts as safe
and comfortable places to live.
Union on Elizabeth offers a high end, high amenity student housing model unique to
Fort Collins. The project is designed to be highly urban in character oriented to public
streets with an outward focus. The highly articulated street facades of the buildings
change their relationship to the street in an undulating pattern of alternating intimate or
expansive pedestrian spaces at the ground level. The building will consist of studio,
Thinking outside of the box for over two decades
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l nion on Elizabeth
City Plan — Principles and Policies
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While most of the lighting for Union on Elizabeth will be provided by the public
streetlights along the adjacent street, the developer proposes to add pedestrian scale
lighting where it is needed to provide good visibility and security during the evening and
nighttime. This low-level pedestrian scale lighting will be located in the pedestrian
walkways throughout the project site.
The lighting will be designed to achieve the desired illumination level and preserve "dark
sky" views at nighttime, avoiding sharp contrasts between bright spots and shadows,
spillover glare, and emphasis of the light source. Fixtures will be selected to enhance
the street environment by establishing a consistent style with height, design, color, and
finishes.
Principle LIV12: Security and crime prevention will be important factors in urban design.
Policy LIV 12.1 - Design for Crime Prevention and Security
Employ a natural approach to crime prevention through the design and layout of new development.
Natural crime prevention means the natural community surveillance that results from visibility and
observation by citizens who feel a sense of ownership of the community. Foster these qualities through
urban design and development patterns, avoiding and addressing hidden areas and those difficult to
access.
Policy LIV 12.2 - Utilize Security Lighting and Landscaping
Provide security lighting at low, even levels to create comfortable area -wide visibility and pedestrian
security, not highly contrasting bright spots and shadows. Design landscaping to avoid hidden areas.
particularly where such areas may be used at night, such as near building approaches and entrances,
transit stops and stations.
The building at Union on Elizabeth is oriented to the public street. This orientation
heightens visibility that not only helps with police surveillance, but will increase
observation by residents who feel a sense of ownership in the community. The
landscape is designed to avoid hidden areas near building entrances. The pedestrian
walkway will include lighting not only to enhance the space but to provide security
lighting at low levels for pedestrians.
Principle LIV 14: Require quality and ecologically sound landscape design practices for
all public and private development projects throughout the community.
Policy LIV 14.1 - Encourage Unique Landscape Features
In addition to protecting existing natural features, encourage integration of unique landscape features into
the design and architecture of development and capital projects. These unique features may range from
informal and naturalized to highly structured and maintained features. Some examples include tree
groves within a project, stormwater facilities that become naturalized over time, walls with vines,
drainageway enhancements, and other small, uniquely landscaped spaces.
Policy LIV 14.2 - Promote Functional Landscape
Incorporate practical solutions to ensure a landscape design is functional in providing such elements as
natural setting, visual appeal, shade, foundation edge to buildings, screening, edible landscapes, buffers,
safety, and enhancement of built environment. Consider and address practical details such as sight
distance requirements and long-term maintenance in landscape design.
Policy LIV 14.3 - Design Low Maintenance Landscapes
thinking outside of the box for over two decades.
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I-nion on Elizabeth
City Plan — Principles and Policies
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few blocks from City Park, which includes open space with sport fields, a lake, natural
areas, a swimming pool, playground, and a golf course.
Principle LIV 10: The city's streetscapes will be designed with consideration to the visual
character and the experience of users and adjacent properties. Together, the layout of
the street network and the streets themselves will contribute to the character, form, and
scale of the city.
Policy LIV 10.1- Design Safe, Functional, and Visually Appealing Streets
Ensure all new public streets are designed in accordance with the City street standards and design all
new streets to be functional, safe, and visually appealing, with flexibility to serve the context and purpose
of the street corridor. Provide a layout that is simple, interconnected, and direct, avoiding circuitous
routes. Include elements such as shade trees, landscaped medians and parkways, public art, lighting,
and other amenities in the streetscape. Approve alternative street designs where they are needed to
accommodate unique situations, such as "green" stormwater functions, important landscape features, or
distinctive characteristics of a neighborhood or district, provided that they meet necessary safety,
accessibility, and maintenance requirements.
The streetscape, adjacent to the project site, is in accordance with the City street
standard and the West Elizabeth Enhanced Travel Corridor Plan (adopted October 16,
2016). Additional ROW will be dedicated with this development along with a 15' Utility
easement, while maintaining the existing parkway, street trees, lighting and a public
sidewalk located within the public right-of-way. The spaces between the public right-of-
way and the buildings are integrated into the streetscape to create visually exciting and
functional urban spaces. These urban spaces and adjacent paseos include special
paving, a variety of seating opportunities, lighting, trees and ornamental plant materials,
bike parking and internet access. In addition, a rain garden will be integrated into the
streetscape design.
Policy LIV 10.2 - Incorporate Street Trees
Utilize street trees to reinforce, define and connect the spaces and corridors created by buildings and
other features along a street. Preserve existing trees to the maximum extent feasible. Use canopy shade
trees for the majority of tree plantings, including a mixture of tree types, arranged to establish urban tree
canopy cover.
Existing street trees will remain and will be incorporated with the new streetscape
design to reinforce, define and connect the spaces and corridors created by buildings
and other features along the streetscape. If possible, and as shown on the landscape
plan, existing trees outside of the ROW along the streetscape will be preserved where
possible to enhance the development and existing streetscape.
Policy LIV 10.3 - Tailor Street Lighting
Tailor lighting fixture design and illumination to match the context of the street. Design lighting to achieve
the desired illumination level and preserve "dark sky' views at night time, avoiding sharp contrasts
between bright spots and shadows, spillover glare, and emphasis of the light source. Explore options for
the types of fixtures available for use within any street condition to enhance the street environment by
establishing a consistent style with height, design, color, and finishes. Design residential street light
fixtures for human, pedestrian scale, while providing an adequate level of illumination for safety. Where
higher pedestrian activity occurs, such as that associated with neighborhood or community centers,
districts, or transit stops, consider a combination of lighting options - such as exists in the Downtown -
with high mount fixtures for broad distribution of light within the street and smaller pedestrian -oriented
fixtures along the sidewalk corridors.
Thinking outside of the box for over two decades
419 Canyon Ave., Suite 200 ■ Fort Collins, CO 80521 ■ tel. 970.224.5828 ■ fax 970.224.1662
www.ripleydesigninc.com
I nion on t:limbeth
City Plan — Principles and Policies
Page 4 or 15
Principle LIV 7: A variety of housing types and densities for all income levels shall be
available throughout the Growth Management Area.
Policy LIV 7.1 - Encourage Variety in Housing Types and Locations
Encourage a variety of housing types and densities, including mixed -used developments that are well -
served by public transportation and close to employment centers, shopping, services, and amenities.
This project offers a variety of different bedroom units, and retail, that is close to public
transportation, services, amenities and the CSU campus. This project is located on
Elizabeth Street which is an enhanced travel corridor which plans for future enhanced
public transportation services.
Policy LIV 7.2 - Develop an Adequate Supply of Housing
Encourage public and private for- profit and non-profit sectors to take actions to develop and maintain an
adequate supply of single- and multiple -family housing, including mobile homes and manufactured
housing.
This project will provide additional student housing supply which will help with demand
and vacancy rates and ultimately cost.
Policy LIV 7.4 - Maximize Land for Residential Development
Permit residential development in most neighborhoods and districts in order to maximize the potential
land available for development of housing and thereby positively influence housing affordability.
This project is located in a community commercial district and services the need for
student housing in the area. Additional student housing will help influence future
housing affordability by affecting vacancy rates in the area.
Policy LIV 7.6 - Basic Access
Support the construction of housing units with practical features that provide basic access and
functionality for people of all ages and widely varying mobility and ambulatory -related abilities.
This project will include accessible units.
Policy LIV 7.7 - Accommodate the Student Population
Plan for and incorporate new housing for the student population on campuses and in areas near
educational campuses and/or that are well -served by public transportation.
Union on Elizabeth will provide a high density. unique housing type designed to offer
students the ability to live just off campus in an exciting urban environment, designed
with their needs in mind. The rental apartments are designed to be safe, convenient,
comfortable and affordable for the average student. Accessible living units will be
provided for handicapped students.
There will be adequate parking facilities for bikes and cars as well as a being close to
existing transit stops. The location is convenient to campus as well as a variety of
goods and services available at the adjacent Campus west commercial area.
The clubhouse facility will include a recreation room with pool tables, TV's, and other
games, there will be a rooftop pool area with grills and lounge area, fitness center, and
study rooms for group study sessions. In addition, students living at Union on Elizabeth
are just one block from the CSU athletic fields and Moby Gymnasium and are also just a
Thinking outside of the box for over two decades
419 Canyon Ave., Suite 200 ■ Fort Collins, CO 80521 a tel. 970.224.5828 ■ fax 970.224.1662
www.ripleydesigninc.com
Onion on Elizabeth
City Plan — Principles and Policies
Page 3 of 15
• Channel development where it will be beneficial and can best improve access to jobs, housing, and
services with fewer and shorter auto trips.
• Promote reinvestment in areas where infrastructure already exists.
• Increase economic activity in the area to benefit existing residents and businesses and, where
necessary, provide the stimulus to redevelop.
By locating this project in a Targeted Infill and Redevelopment Area, Union on Elizabeth
will be achieving many of the City's specific objectives in regard to infill development.
• It will promote the revitalization of the Campus West commercial area, an
existing, underutilized commercial area near campus.
• It will concentrate higher density housing in a location that can be served by high
frequency transit and that can support higher levels of activity.
• It will enable students to access the campus, jobs, and services with fewer and
shorter auto trips.
• It will provide reinvestment in an area where infrastructure already exists.
• It will increase economic activity in an area that will benefit existing businesses
and, will help provide stimulus for more redevelopment in the area.
Principle LIV 6: Infill and redevelopment within residential areas will be
compatible with the established character of the neighborhood. In areas where
the desired character of the neighborhood is not established, or is not consistent
with the vision of City Plan, infill and redevelopment projects will set an enhanced
standard of quality.
Policy LIV 6.1 — Types of Infill and Redevelopment in Residential Areas
Infill and redevelopment in residential areas may occur through:
a. The addition of new dwellings on vacant lots and other undeveloped parcels surrounded by
existing residential development.
b. Dwelling units added to existing houses (e.g., basement or upstairs apartments).
c. Small, detached dwellings added to lots of sufficient size with existing houses (e.g., "alley houses"
or "granny flats").
d. Expansion or redevelopment of properties.
e. Neighborhood -related, non-residential development.
Union on Elizabeth will help to continue to transform the area along Elizabeth Street into
a distinct place with identifiable character and more marketable frontage. Needed
amenities will include pedestrian improvements like streetscapes, plazas, special
walkways, and lighting; access improvements like new pedestrian connections; and
landscaping.
Policy LIV 6.2 — Seek Compatibility with Neighborhoods
Encourage design that complements and extends the positive qualities of surrounding development and
adjacent buildings in terms of general intensity and use, street pattern, and any identifiable style,
proportions, shapes, relationship to the street, pattern of buildings and yards, and patterns created by
doors, windows, projections and recesses. Compatibility with these existing elements does not mean
uniformity.
This project is located south of multi -story student housing developments. It will seek
compatibility with the surrounding context of mass and form. It will respond to the mass
and scale of Eleven 13 and Lokal while providing significant setbacks.
Thinking outside of the box for over two decades
419 Canyon Ave., Suite 200 ■ Fort Collins, CO 80521 ■ tel. 970,224.5828 ■ fax 970.224.1662
www, ri pleydesig n i n c. com
Union on Elizabeth
City Plan — Principles and Policies
Page 2 of 15
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Principle ENV 1: Within the developed landscape of Fort Collins, natural
habitattecosystems (wildlife, wetlands, and riparian areas) will be protected and
enhanced.
Policy ENV 1.1 - Protect and Enhance Natural Features
Use regulatory powers to conserve, protect, and enhance the resources and values of high value
biological resources such as wetlands, riparian areas, and wildlife habitat by directing development away
from sensitive natural areas. When it is not possible to direct development away from sensitive natural
resources the development will be integrated into these areas to minimize impacts and mitigate any
losses.
Union on Elizabeth is an infill project and therefore isn't using green site located
elsewhere in the City. There are not any natural habitat or ecosystems within this infill
site.
Principle ENV 9: The City will reduce total mobile source emissions by focusing
on both technology (e.g., tailpipe emissions) and behavior (e.g., driving patterns).
Policy ENV 9.1 - Promote Alternative and Efficient Transportation Fuels and Vehicles
Promote alternative and efficient transportation fuels and vehicles that improve air quality. Invest in
infrastructure throughout the City to support alternative fuel vehicles and promote the use of such
vehicles through education and incentives. (Also see the Transportation chapter's Increase
Awareness section for information about reducing mobile source emissions by focusing on behavior.)
The Union on Elizabeth PDP/FDP will provide housing for approximately 425 students
located within easy bike and walking distance of the CSU Campus, the Mason Street
BRT and other activity centers. The site is an ideal location for student housing because
it will encourage students to use alternative modes of travel and help reduce vehicle
miles traveled. Development of high -density student housing at this location will help
the City reach their goals of encouraging alternative modes of travel. Adding 2700 SF
of retail space will provide additional uses and amenities for the dense student
population.
COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY
Principle LIV 4: Development will provide and pay its share of the cost of
providing needed public facilities and services concurrent with development.
The developers of Union on Elizabeth will be paying City fees that ensure that the
development pays its share of the cost of public improvements.
Principle LIV 5: The City will promote redevelopment and infill in areas
identified on the Targeted Infill and Redevelopment Areas Map.
Policy LIV 5.1 - Encourage Targeted Redevelopment and Infill
Encourage redevelopment and infill in Activity Centers and Targeted Infill and Redevelopment Areas
identified on the Targeted Infill and Redevelopment Areas Map The purpose of these areas is to:
• Promote the revitalization of existing, underutilized commercial and industrial areas.
• Concentrate higher density housing and mixed -use development in locations that are currently or
will be served by high frequency transit in the future and that can support higher levels of activity.
Thinking oUlSlde of the box for over two decades
419 Canyon Ave., Suite 200 ■ Fort Collins, CO 80521 ■ tel. 970.224.5828 ■ fax 970.224.1662
www.ripleydesigninc.com
land planning ■ landscape architecture ■ urban design ■ entitlement
August 16, 2017
Union on Elizabeth Project Development Plan (PDP)/Final Development Plan (FDP)
is supported by the following Principles and Policies found in
City Plan
Fort Collins
Adopted February 15, 2011
ECONOMIC HEALTH
Principle EH 4: The City will encourage the redevelopment of strategic areas
within the community as defined in the Community and Neighborhood Livability
and Neighborhood Principles and Policies.
Policy EH 4.1-Prioritize Targeted Redevelopment Areas
Create and utilize strategies and plans, as described in the Community and Neighborhood Livability and
Neighborhood chapter's Infill and Redevelopment section, to support redevelopment areas and prevent
areas from becoming blighted. The Targeted Infill and Redevelopment Areas (depicted on Figure LIV 1 in
the Community and Neighborhood Livability chapter) shall be a priority for future development, capital
investment, and public incentives.
The Union on Elizabeth development is located within the Campus West Targeted Infill
and Redevelopment Areas (depicted on Figure LIV 1 in the Community and
Neighborhood Livability Chapter.) The site currently consists of an older and small
commercial building and an adjacent older church. The small commercial building is in
slight disrepair. The existing uses are an underutilization of the site, due to its proximity
to CSU campus and the City's envisioning of the Campus West neighborhood as
identified in the West Elizabeth Enhanced Travel Corridor Plan approved in October
2016. The City Plan and the West Elizabeth Enhanced Travel Corridor Plan envisions a
higher density and higher intensity development/uses along Elizabeth Street west of
Shields Street. Redevelopment of this property will remove the current underutilized
uses and replace it with new, high quality retail and attractive student -oriented housing
close to campus. The student population that will be living in Union on Elizabeth will
provide an economic boost to the adjacent Campus West commercial district.
Thinking outside of the box for over two decades
401 W. Mountain Ave., Suite 100 ■ Fort Collins, CO 80521 ■ tel. 970.224.5828 ■ fax 970224,1662 ■
www.ripleydesigninc.com