HomeMy WebLinkAboutFORT COLLINS COLORADOAN - PDP - 41-03 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - PLANNING OBJECTIVESFort Collins Coloradoan — Project Development Plan
December 16, 2UU3
An outdoor employee plaza space has been designed just west of the main
building entry and has access from the exterior walkway system. Pedestrian routes
have been carefully thought out and appropriate walkways have been shown on
the proposed site plan for all pedestrian circulation.
Architectural style is to have clean, simple lines and to reflect a modern theme.
The primary building material is to be brick.
6) Description of Variances:
No variances are being requested with this development proposal.
7) Description of Avoidance / Mitigation of Conflicts between land uses / Natural
Habitats and Features:
Adjacent land uses include Railroad tracks to the north, with RC zoning north of
the railroad tracks; Riverside Avenue to the south, with E zoning south of Riverside
Avenue; Industrial zoning to the east / south-east; and E and I zoning to the west
of the property.
There are no existing natural habitats or natural features on site as most of the site
is covered by asphalt. Existing drainage patterns will be maintained. Total
amount of pervious surface will be increased with this development.
8) Neighborhood Meeting Issues:
A neighborhood meeting has not yet been held for this development proposal.
9) Name of Project / Prior Names of Project for Conceptual Review:
The first Conceptual Review Team meeting was held on December 16, 2002
under the name 1212 Riverside Drive, Coloradoan Building (including old Collins
Cashway) Expansion.
A second Conceptual Review Team meeting was held on August 25, 2003 under
the name New Office Building for the Coloradoan (demolition of the old Collins
Cashway) and Remodel and Expansion of Existing Building at 1212 Riverside
Drive.
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Fort Collins Coloradoan — Project Development Plan
Objectives
16, 2003
plaza spaces will provide connections for pedestrians from the public walk
along Riverside and from parking areas to the building entrances.
vi) Buffering — Landscape buffer with berming is provided along Riverside
Avenue to the extent possible. Minimum side and rear setbacks are
provided and will be landscaped. An exception to the required 30 foot
deep landscape yard adjoining the proposed building is allowed for under
section 3.5.3.(B)(2)(d)2.c where an established pattern of the existing
buildings on site and on adjacent parcels do not comply with this standard
and make a pedestrian -oriented street front infeasible.
vii) Lighting — Parking areas will be illuminated by 40OW metal halide lights on
20 foot poles.
3) Proposed Ownership and Maintenance of PDP:
The property, including landscaping, will be maintained by The Colordoan.
4) Estimate of Number of Employees:
There are currently 190 employees that will work within the proposed office
building. By the year 2018, it is anticipated that there will be 228 employees
working within the building.
5) Description of Design Choices:
The building location on the property was driven in part by the need to have the
new office building constructed before demolition of the existing Collins Cashway
building occurs; in part by site constraints created by program requirements for a
future press building expansion adjoining the west fagade of the office building;
and in part by circulation requirements for service vehicles, employees, and
visitors
The existing site is nearly all asphalt. The proposed development actually
increases the amount of pervious surface on the property. Existing trees are being
preserved to the extent feasible. A substantial increase in quantity of plant material
is proposed with this re -development than exists today. Foundation plantings,
parking lot plantings, buffer plantings and street trees are all provided, as shown
on the landscape plan. Plants have been selected to compliment the architectural
style of the building, to provide year round interest, to accent entrances, and to
provide shade in heavily used spaces. Landform modification has also been
carefully thought out to add to the overall landscape character. Raised beds will
be sculpted to create interest and provide a sense of privacy to users of the plaza
space. Berming is incorporated into the buffer plantings along Riverside Avenue to
more effectively screen parking from the streetscape.
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Fort Collins Coloradoan — Project Development Plan
Planning Objectives December 16, 2003
This Project Development Plan for the Fort Collins Coloradoan is a re -development of
the existing Collins Cashway office / retail building and site. The re -development
proposes a new office building for the Fort Collins Coloradoan. Once the new office
building is constructed, the old Collins Cashway building will be demolished.
1) City Plan Principles / Policies achieved by the proposed plan:
Principle LU-1 — This project promotes a compact development pattern within a
well defined boundary by proposing re -development of an existing office /
industrial site.
Principle CAD-2 — This project provides an outdoor plaza space for employee and
visitor use that is functional, accessible, attractive, safe and comfortable.
Principle ECON-1 — This project allows for additional office space for the Fort
Collins Coloradoan which supports the City goal of having balanced and
sustainable economic development.
Principle GM 1 — This project is a re -development within the heart of the City
boundaries. This re -development does not create growth at the City's edges.
2) Site Description:
i) Open Space — The amount of open space will be increase with this
development proposal as the site is currently covered by a substantial
amount of asphalt. The existing building footprint is 30,900 sf and the
proposed building footprint is 19,600 sf. City open space requirements will
be met with this proposed development.
ii) Wetlands — There are no existing wetlands on the property. Bioswales will
be created to provide water quality treatment prior to release off -site.
iii) Natural Habitats / Features — There are no existing natural area on the
property.
iv) Landscaping —
Foundations plantings, parking lot landscape, and tree stocking will be
provided per City code. Buffering through landscaping and berming will be
provided along Riverside to aid in screening parking areas from the
adjacent streetscape.
v) Circulation — There will be three separate access points to the property from
Riverside Avenue, one of which is an existing access point. Internal drive
aisles will provide internal circulation for vehicles. A series of sidewalks and