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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFORT COLLINS DISCOVERY MUSEUM - PDP - 6-10 - REPORTS - PLANNING OBJECTIVES�o Response: 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 i000 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 traffic control at Cherry and Mason. It would be the responsibility of the city as part of their traffic management planning. Comment: Look at the long term 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, . OZ Architecture David Schafer AIA LEED AP Principal ?.u.aaic Paw:6e16 Comment: Will noise levels be increased by this building? Response: Nd. 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 -zoo years. The use of materials such as concrete are durable, and have a permanence to them. The facility is also planned forflexibility to 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 want to 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 connect with that history and culture, and become a facility that the community takes ownership in? Response: The facility -will connect 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: Concern 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? Page :s of 15 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. 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 deter traffic 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, but this 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 parkin 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. ;'izoao Fage :� c i:, ne included a shadow analysis, a visual analysis and a summary of our findings with this submittal pursuant to section 3.5.1(G) of the land use code. (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. Martinez Park is to the west, and the Poudre River Trail runs along the northern edge of the site. The Discovery Museum compliments these public uses. The Union Pacific Railroad tracks and commercial uses exist to the east. The railroad tracks will be fenced to discourage people from crossing them. Vacant lands are located across Cherry. Street to the 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 Outfall channel. The only construction that may occur in wetland areas or natural habitats as part of this project is 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 300' 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 g, zoio. Specific neighbor comments are listed below, along with our response: .3. ja.zmc Page a c`: a? a fire truck turnaround and limit impacts in the floodway to the north. The southern face of the building was driven by the utility easements, the parking lot layout and the desire for water 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 qz', 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 change over 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 break down 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-Or L (public open lands) with the exception of the appendage to the East that we will be eliminating from the`Platand'the triangle; which we will be retaining, but with only landscaping and street trees showing in our submission. The trianole of space and East section that will be eliminated from the Plat are zoned C-C-R. Section B-3=a of division 4.i-A 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 forthe 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 . ;,aamc Page is ;of 12 s UP 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 20o8. the museum anticipates 26 emolovees i5 of which would be fulltime (FTE). and the remaining ii would be part time employees. (v) Description of rationale behind the assumptions and choices made by the applicant: The new approximately 46.000 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 River trail. 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. The site 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 7.71.2a11 Pageucflx �o the developable site area. The: Mason Street North Condos mixed -use development is across Mason Court at the southwest corner of the site. The building is anticipated to be approximately 46,000 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 Museum will employ between it fulltime employees, and ii part time employees serving the facility. Pedestrians and bicyclist can access the Fort Collins Discovery Museum via a trail that connects to the Poudre River Trail, and also from a sidewalk along Mason Court that 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. Agate will provide access between the -west side of the building and the trail. The parking area contains 7i 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' Street outfall with its associated wetlands and riparian forest and the existing north -south bike trail access to the Poudre Trail. The 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 River trailhead 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 s'- 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. ;,i.mv Faye ac cE:e floodplain regulations, and other appropriate conservation techniques. New development will not be allowed within the floodway and product corridor of the ioo-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 ioo-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 ioo-year floodplain will be designed in such a way 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, or sediment transport. PRINCIPLE PRC-6: Scenic and aesthetic qualities within the Poudre River Corridor will be protected and enhanced. Policy PRC-6.x Visual Resources. Development within the Poudre River Corridor will be located and designed to best maintain or enhance views of the river, 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, fanning, pollution prevention, and conservation/reconstruction of historic sites and structures. Policy PRC-7.s Environmental Learning Opportunities. The City will continue to be supportive of environmental learning opportunities in the Poudre River Corridor. PRINCIPLE PRC-g: 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.% 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. 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 11.565 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 ;gx.zmo Pagegok, 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, overtime, 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.s 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-2.3 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 appropriate, will be coordinated with Transportation Corridors.to provide a functional network with many access points. Policy.WC-2.1 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. PolicyPRC-%.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 corridorfor 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 Riverfloodplain 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 j ;7a.zom Page 8-i8 �o base. it 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. Policy DD-3.1 Character of Downtown. The visual distinctiveness of Downtown and its component sub -districts will be maintained and reinforced. Polity 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, and/or 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 interest to large walls. Policy 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. Policy DD-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 zy-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. 3.3,1.202c Pazy70`7 PRINCIPLE OL-2: Open lands are important in providing the City with a well-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 naturalareas. 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 130 May 4, 2004 neighborhoods, parks, activity centers, commercial centers, and streets 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-s: 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-2.16 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.i 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 },i.zmc Page 6 of 6 �o Policy 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. Polity 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 floodplain to avoid additional modifications and structural controls. Polity ENV-8-3 Minimize Flood Damage. The City will recognize that maintenance, restoration and enhancement of the natural resources and the beneficial functions of floodplains is a concurrent goal with reducing human vulnerability to flood damage. Polity 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-i: 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 -1.2 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 regionallyvalued 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. 1.1.2010 PaV50i5 Policy CAD-2-3 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 GAD-y: 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 prevention means 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 building approaches and entrances. 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. Policy 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 ioo-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. 7.u.zoac Paget'--q so 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-7.1 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 areasthat 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-z: 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-2.1 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-z.z 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. 3.31.202V 1>a9e3of3 (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 patter within a well- defined boundary. Policy LU-i.z 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. Polity 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.z 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 or to promote certain types of development. Polity 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 a regular basis. Polity 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 clearto and convenient for pedestrians. ,.a, a.v Page z of x ARCHITECTURE URBAN DESIGN m INTERIOR DESIGN i March i, 2070 Revised for PDP re -submittal March 32., 2010: pages 10-3.2 contain the underlined revisions 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 970-221-6805 Architect: David Schafer OZ Architecture 18o5 �9tn Street #2054 Boulder, CO 80302 303-449-89oo 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 #aoo Fort Collins, CO 80524 970-221-4158 33s•2oto Pageioh g;2oo9l8o9ooi.00 fort collins ma eumlarthlvel-00330 pdp resubmittai4pcip roviemjco33o statement of plarming objectives - revised.doc BOULDER PHONE: 303.449.8900 1805 29TH STREET, SUITE 2054 FAX: 303.449.3886 DENVER BOULDER COLORADO SPRINGS IAS VEGAS LAKE TAHOE BOULDER, COLORADO 80301 WWW.OZARCH.COM