HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-02-2005 11b. attachementLake Elmo
City Council
08-02-2005
Agenda Section: Administrators Report No . 11B
Agenda Item: Old VillageMaster Planner/Coordinator
Background Information for July 5th, 2005:
At the July 5th Council meeting the Administrator was instructed to finalize proposals and potential
consulting firms that would provide planning/coordinating services to develop a plan, strategy and
standards to directing future old village development. The Administrator and Planner met with Dewey
Thorbeck and Bob Engstrom individually reviewing the proposed tasks, timeline, and expected products
upon completion. Approximately 1-1/2 hours was spent with each individual with a meeting conclusion of
an expected proposal to be forthcoming.
Both parties responded with their proposals for service attached. The proposals were received on 7-26-05.
Also attached find a list of tasks developed by staff to accomplish this task that was utilized to assist the
individuals in preparing their response.
It has been suggested that members of Council would like to interview the firms proposing service. Staff is
suggesting that Thursday August 4th be set up as a special meeting providing each individual with up to 45
minutes to present their proposal related to achieving the requested tasks.
Action Items: Motion set a meeting date of August 4th to
interview firms for Master Planner/ Coordinator for the Old
Village plan
Attachments:
Person responsible:
Martin Rafferty
To: Martin Raffei
r
From: ChucldDi
d
MEMO
(July 28, 2005)
istrator
Subject: Village .A1(ea Plan Coordinator
I have reviewed the proposals submitted by Thorbeck and Engstrom in response to the.
task list we recently provided both firms. It should be noted that both firms were
considered qualified, capable and knowledgeable of the Village Area as well as the
planning completed to date by the City, and the interests of the various land
owners/developers that have a financial stake in the Village Area development outcomes.
In fact, staff met with both firms prior to providing them a Task List, and solicited the
concept of a joint venture involving both firms. Both firms indicated that they would not
have interest in that concept.
It should also be noted that, with the intent of expediency, this has been less than a formal
RFP process — and the proposals in some respects reflect that fact. This further
complicates the selection process since the manner in which the respective firms respond
the City's Task List becomes a major factor in the selection of one firm or the other.
My review of the proposals lead me to conclude that the Thorbeck firm's proposal
best responds to the Task List City staff provided both firms, and that is the major
factor upon which a decision should be rendered in this case. At our request,
Thorbeck has also provided task -by -task "Not to Exceed" costs — without their
knowledge of the overall fee that has been proposed by the Engstrom firm. (copy
attached) Thorbeck has also indicated that a decision to proceed with Stages 2 and 3 of
his proposal will be entirely dependent on the outcome of Stage 1 — a prudent proposal in
my view.
4
Description of Tasks
The City envisions the tasks for this undertaking will involve at least the following:
Task #1 — Review of all Old Village Policy and planning work completed to date
(Public and private), and the infrastructure studies and feasibility work by the City
to support those plans and policies.
Task #2 — Meet with all major property owners/developers with interests within
the Village Area to determine the status of their development plans/schedules and
their positions with regard to mutual Village Area planning.
Task #3 — Meet with the City Council (either individually, or as a group in a
Public Workshop setting) to determine their perspectives and visions regarding
the development of the Village Area, particularly in reference to handicapped
housing and a community center site.
Task #4 — Develop a strategy for fair/equitable distribution of the potential 160
unit incentive block that has been reserved by the City Council that responds to
cooperation among property owners and the handicapped housing/community
center goals attached to the incentive.
Task #5 — Determine the market feasibility and types of office/retail development
probable within the Old Village.
Task #56— Coordinate with the City Community Improvement Commission to
determine the market -feasible scale and type of senior housing appropriate for the
Old Village.
Task #7 — Determine the maximum geographic extent of redevelopment of
existing Old Village areas suggested and sustainable from Tasks 2-3.
Task #8— Utilizing the outcomes of Tasks 1-4, preparation of graphics depicting
how Old Village redevelopment plans will physically link with new development
to occur on adjacent vacant lands responsive to prior work accomplished by the
City as to policy and design guidelines for that new development.
Task #8 — Prepare a Work Product describing the outcomes of the assigned tasks
#1-#8 and a recommended strategy/action plan necessary to accomplish the
Village Area Plans in a coordinated manner given multiple land owners and
developers, including a methodology for implementing both dwelling unit
incentives/bonuses and the transfer of development rights that is implied by the
current Village Area Plan.
The intended outcome of these tasks is a detailed strategy for the coordination and
execution of the Public/private components of the Old Village initiative. "Who must do
what, and when" to accomplish the Old Village Plan goals.
ARCHITECTS
MEMORANDUM
July 21, 2005
Chuck Dillerud
City of Lake Elmo
3800 Laverne Avenue
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Re: Master Planner for Old Village Housing Development
Dear Chuck:
Based on our meeting with Martin Rafferty and yourself on July 13 and the City's
Description of Tasks that you emailed yesterday, the following is Thorbeck Architects
proposal to extend our earlier work on the Old Village Neighborhood Housing Study to
function as Master Planner for proposed new development surrounding the Old Village.
As we understand, the Old Village Plan (Option # 4) is the preferred design direction of
the City Council, however there will be changes as a result of the decision to extend
metropolitan sewer connections to serve the Old Village and the new development, as
well as some new ideas that the City Council wants to explore, such as housing for the
disabled and a community center attached to the 160 unit incentive block that has been
reserved by the City Council that responds to cooperation among property
owners/developers. The housing density is to average 3.0 units/net acre.
It is the desire of the City that a strategy for new development be in place by the time
the current moratorium on development expires on October 5. 2005.
Work Tasks
The work tasks are organized in three phases with review and approval by the City
Council at the end of each phase. The intended outcome of these tasks is a detailed
strategy for the coordination and execution of the public/private components of the Old
Village Area initiative, i.e., "who must do what and when" to accomplish the Old
Village Plan goals:
Phase One — Analysis and Strategy
Task 1 — Review all Old Village Policy and planning work completed to date (public
and private), and the infrastructure studies and feasibility work by the City to support
those plans and policies.
Task 2 — Meet with City Council in a public workshop setting to determine their
perspectives and visions regarding the development of the Old Village Area, particularly
in reference to housing for the disabled and a community center site.
1409wi1lowstreet
minneapolis, m n 5 5 4 0 3
612 • 871 • 7979
fax: 871 • 8088
Task 3 — Meet individually with all major property owners/developers with interests
within the Old Village Area to determine the status of their development
plans/schedules and their positions with regard to mutual Old Village Area planning and
development. Lake Elmo City Planner to be in attendance at each of the meetings.
Task 4 — Based on information from Tasks 1-3, and in consultation with City Planner,
develop a strategy for fair/equitable distribution of the potential 160 unit incentive block
that has been reserved by the City Council that responds to cooperation among property
owners/developers and the housing for the disabled/community center goals attached to
the inventive. Meet with property/owners to review the proposed strategy, modify as
necessary to obtain consensus, and submit to City Council for review and approval.
Phase Two — Market Feasibility and Redevelopment Plan
Task 5 — Determine the market feasibility and types of office/retail development
probable within the Old Village Area.
Task 6 — Coordinate with the City Community Improvement Commission to determine
the market -feasible scale and type of senior housing appropriate for the Old Village
Area.
Task 7 — Determine the maximum geographic extent of redevelopment of existing Old
Village areas suggested and sustainable from Tasks 2-3. Review with City Planner and
meet with property owners/developers collectivelv. modify as necessary to obtain
consensus.
Task 8 — Utilizing the outcomes of Tasks 1-7 prepare graphics depicting how the Old
Village Area development plans will physically link with new development to occur on
adjacent vacant lands responsive to prior work accomplished by the City as to policy
and design guidelines for that development. Review with City Planner and meet with
property owners/developers collectively, modify as necessary to obtain consensus and
submit to City Council for review and approval.
Task Three — Final Report and Recommended Strategy
Task 9 — Prepare a work product describing the outcomes of the assigned Tasks 1-8 and
a recommended strategy/action plan necessary to accomplish the Old Village Area plans
in a coordinated manner given multiple land owners and developers, including a
methodology for implementing both dwelling unit incentives/bonuses and the transfer of
development rights that is implied by the current Old Village Area Plan. Review with
City Planner and meet with property owners/developers collectively. modify as
necessary to obtain consensus, and submit final report and recommended strategy/action
plan to City Council for review and approval.
Consultants
We propose to utilize the following sub -consultants to assist in the accomplishment of
the work tasks:
Page 2
James Mccomb & Associates for market feasibility studies for types of office/retail
development and scale and type of senior housing appropriate for the Old Village.
Sykes Land Architects, LLC. (formerly Land & Water Design Institute) for assistance in
analysis of planning work completed to date (public and private), and the infrastructure
studies and feasibility work by the City to support those plans and policies; and site
design issues related to new development and community center.
Schedule
We believe Phase One can be completed by October 5, 2005. The remaining work tasks
depend upon the results of Phase One, but with consensus of the property
owners/developers in a cooperative utilization of the City Council incentives, the
subsequent phases are more detail oriented that could be developed after the moratorium
expires.
Fees
Since the scope of services is unknown at this point in time, we propose to work on a
time and expense basis through Phase One or until a specific scope of services can be
identified. At that time a not -to -exceed amount, including any sub -consultant time, can
be prepared for specific scopes of work. Our current hourly rates are as follows:
Principal $145.00
Senior Consultant 125.00
Project Manager/Designer I 95.00
Project Designer II 85.00
Project Designer III 75.00
Staff Level I 65.00
Out of pocket expenses directly attributable to the project are billed at direct cost times
1.10 for mileage (at IRS approved rate), photography, printing, equipment utilization,
communication, and materials directly attributable to the project.
As Master Planner for the Old Village Area plan, we believe our previous work will
serve the City well as property owners/developers move forward in a cooperative
methodology with specific proposals for new village scale housing that preserves open
space and rural character reflecting the goals of the current Old Village Plan; resolves
storm water issues; and provides for new city facilities, parks and new business
expansion.
We are ready to start work immediately as soon as authorization is received.
Sincerely,
Dewey Thorbeck, FAIA, FAAR
President
Page 3
Page 1 of 1
Chuck. Dillerud
From:
Sent:
To:
Dewey Thorbeck [Dewey@thorbeck.com]
Thursday, July 28, 2005 11:24 AM
Chuck Dillerud
Subject: Master Planner for Old Village Area
Ch uck,
This is my preliminary thinking regarding the professional time required for the work tasks in the proposal I sent
on July 21. It is based on the assumption that we will be able to nurture a cooperative planning strategy that will
have the bulk of the work on each property done by the individual developers:
Phase One (Tasks 1-4)
Phase Two (Tasks 5-8)
Phase Three (Task 9)
Total not -to -exceed fee
$14,720
13,200 (including an allowance of $5,000 for market feasibility studies)
8,000
$35,920 (plus expenses estimated at $1,500) _ $37,420
The approach I outlined has the City Council reviewing and approving the results of each phase before
proceeding into the next, allowing for adjustments to the work (up or down) that will depend on the degree of
cooperation by the property/owners developers and City Council action.
Look this over and let's talk this afternoon.
Dewey
7/28/2005
_RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPERS_
4801 West 81st Street* Suite 101a Minneapolis, Minnesota 53437* (612) 893-1001 Fax (612) 893-1841
22 July 2005
Marty Rafferty, City Administrator
Chuck Dillerud, Planning Director
Lake Elmo City Council
City of Lake Elmo
3800 Laverne Ave.
Lake Elmo, MN 55042-9629
Greetings:
We are pleased to respond to your request for a master planner for the Old Village.
We have formed a collaboration of professionals that we are calling the Old Village
Design Group. In addition to myself, Bob Close and Bruce Jacobson at Close
Landscape Architecture (CLA) and Gerald Mazzara of Design Forum join us. As you are
probably aware, CLA has designed some outstanding projects such as the Ramsey
Town Center. You have also seen their work in two residential sub -divisions in Lake
Elmo. Gerald Mazzara, an architect specializing in residential architecture, has designed
Edinborough and Centennial Lakes in Edina. He also provided land planning, home
design, and architectural review of home and site plans for the Fields of St Croix II.
In addition to the tasks outlined by the city in the "Definition of Tasks" (July 19th 2005),
we propose to analyze previous planning efforts and explore new options for the location
of public and private facilities like the new city hall, community center, library, and
perhaps a K-12 charter school. The incorporation of these facilities into the master plan
has the potential to greatly strengthen the plan by creating important synergies between
civic, residential, commercial and recreational land uses.
Likewise, there is a need to have the stormwater management plan result in a city
amenity as well as being functional. We suggest that some Low Impact Development
guidelines be adopted as part of this exercise. Emmons and Oliver Resources are
advocates of Low Impact Development and should be considered as an additional
resource under a separate contract.
We propose to achieve the master plan goals through the establishment of specific
design parameters for:
• A low impact/sustainable community
• Historic preservation
• Green Belt continuation
• Neighborhood site planning
• Architectural character (style, scale, appropriate detailing)
• Variety of housing types (diversity and affordability)
• Landscaping
• Signage, lighting, and street furniture
These components — when considered together as part of a broader plan — will reinforce
and enrich the distinctive character of the Old Village of Lake Elmo.
We recognize that coordinating with the major landowners is a formidable task that
needs to be accomplished in a fair and balanced manner, while addressing the city's
broader goals. The resolution of differences will likely demand some creative solutions.
We have extensive experience with this consensus building process.
The assignment will proceed immediately upon approval, and be completed by October
15`h 2005. We propose to complete the work products for a fee of $58,000, payable
monthly.
Finally, on a personal note, it should be noted that Robert Engstrom Companies does
not own any developable land in the Old Village planning area. Based on the interaction
with the city of Lake Elmo over the past years, I have developed a fondness for the Old
Village and welcome the opportunity to assist in the preparation of an achievable master
plan.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert E Enistrom
Robert Engstrom Companies
4801 West 81st Street suite 101
Bloomington MN 55437
952-893-1001
Old Village Design Group
Lake Elmo
Project Understanding
Lake Elmo enjoys a unique combination of small town flavor and rural ambience, quite
unusual for a suburban community in the immediate Twin Cities area. Residents and
businesses alike are aware of the distinctive, appealing qualities that have characterized
the village throughout the years, but like all towns surrounding Saint Paul and
Minneapolis, the pressures of growth are inevitable and challenging.
Anticipating growth is more essential than ever for the small communities that desire to
maintain their historic integrity and quality of life. Lake Elmo confronted the Metropolitan
Council about issues of growth, desiring to guide their own future rather than acquiesce
to a more regional growth strategy. Eventually, a compromise was reached that
determined that Lake Elmo should indeed grow, but in a managed pattern to be
determined in large part by the community itself.
Accommodating growth and responding to an increasing population requires a
comprehensive examination of the community's strengths and vulnerabilities.
Exploration of vehicular and pedestrian circulation, access to transit, stormwater
management and integration with local and regional recreation systems must all be
studied as determinations are made about the locations and types of development that
should occur.
Major landowners are understandably anxious to develop their properties, but decisions
about the allocation of housing should not happen in isolation. Housing types, densities
and locations should be tied to the bigger picture:
• When and where should new civic uses be developed?
• Will Highway 5 be realigned?
• What are the best strategies for accessing and augmenting regional recreational
systems?
• What is the best long-range development pattern for the entire community?
Lake Elmo has successfully maintained its rural, small-town character in the face of
rapid suburban growth. To continue to do so, it is essential that the community take a
step back and examine broader issues of growth to inform critical decisions about when,
where and what types of development should occur in the near term. Our team proposes
to facilitate this process, which will include conversations with landowners about setting
aside personal agendas for the moment to identify the "common good" as well as
exploring and carefully assessing development scenarios that can be incorporated into a
master plan for the Old Village area.
We believe that goals of the Lake Elmo community are important and commendable. We
propose to work with you to help determine the community's future with a viable,
implementable plan that reinforces your goals and aspirations.
1
ROBERT E. ENGS IROM
President, Robert Engstrom Companies
4801 West 81 St Street
Bloomington, MN 55437
Phone: (952)893-1001
Fax: (952)893-1841
E-Mail: bob@engstromco.com
Website: www.engstromeo.com
Currently, Robert Engstrom is developing or has developed several residential communities in the Twin
Cities region including Cloverdale Farm, a 250 acre neighborhood, and The Fields of St. Croix, a new 241
acre conservation community that preserves over 50 percent of the site for open space and agriculture. Both
are located near Lake Elmo, Minnesota. In January of 1999, The Fields of St. Croix was awarded two Best
In American Living Awards at the National Association of Home Builders' convention. In recognition of the
nation's best new housing designs it received a Gold National Award for Best Community Under 150 Units,
and also received the highest National Award for being judged "Best in the Region". Currently under
development in Maplewood is New Century, a 165 unit infill neighborhood featuring a variety of housing
types and an improved streetscape. New Century received the Regional 2002 Best "Smart Growth"
Neighborhood Award. New developments for 2004 include Territorial Place, a 37 unit condominium in
downtown Stillwater.
He is a pioneer in the planning and development of townhouse and open space communities. Also, the
developer and builder of Summit Place, a three,block urban restoration and new construction neighborhood
in the Cathedral Hill Historic District of St. Paul. In 1992, Summit Place received the Urban Land Institute
Award of Excellence, the most prestigious national land use recognition. Previous developments include
Highpointe, The Woods at Elm Creek and White Oaks of Elm Creek in Champlin; Chatterton Ponds,
Deerwood, Wildflower, The Woodlands and Great Oaks in Eagan, and Woodbury Crossing which includes
the new Math and Science, Academy Charter School.
He is a longtime member of ULI - the Urban Land Institute, a 18,000 member research and education
.. organization. He was Vice President of ULI, and Chairman of the Education, Membership and District
:Council ;committees. During 1997-1999, he was chairman of the ULI Imier City Forum. He is the author of
the Urban Land Institute's publication, The Planning and Design of Townhouses and Condominiums. In
October of 2003, he was one of six Life Trustee Members elected by the ULI.
At present, he is a member of the ULI Environmental Council, a ULI District Council Counselor, and a
member of the ULI Minnesota District Council Executive Committee. Also, a member of the Builders
Association of the Twin Cities Public Policy Committee, a Board Member of SLUC, The Sensible -Land Use
Coalition and the Minnesota Thunder PLUS, a non-profit organization working with inner city youth of
Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the first ring suburbs.
Bob and Phyllis Engstrom are graduates of the University of Minnesota and are long time residents of the
city of Minneapolis. They enjoy a lake across the street from their home along with easy access to the
Minneapolis Parks and Parkway System. Also, Bob is currently a member of CUE -the Minneapolis
Committee on Urban Environment, Board Member ofKNA-Kenny Neighborhood Association and an active
member of Hope Presbyterian Church in Richfield.
Gerald Mazzara
Principal
Design Forum Inc..
History/Studio Art
University of Saint Thomas, 1964
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture
University of Minnesota, 1967 '
DESIGN FORUM
Gerald began his design career at the Pemtom Companies as Director of
Design, overseeing numerous award -winning developments consisting of
mixed density residential open space neighborhoods. He has been
associated with Bob Engstrom since' 1967, helping to create the first
townhome communities in the Twin City area. His residential and.
commercial work canoe found throughout Minnesota as well as
Wisconsin; Florida, Montana, and California.
'Representative Projects
Minnesota/Wisconsin
■ ' Fields of St; Croix Phase I - Architectural Review + 8 custom'
homes; Lake Elmo, MN • :
Fields of St. Croix II - Master Plan, 23 custom homes, 14 twin
homes, Overall Architectural Review; Lake Elmo, -MN _
Pinecrofti- Overall.Site Plan, Architectural Review, 3 custom homes;
Baytown, MN
Edinborough —Site Planning, Architectural Design of 392 attached
units; Edina, MN ' . •
• Centennial Lakes — Site Planning, Architectural Design of 265
attached units; Edina, MN .
■ O'Dells, Bay - Resort Community, Mixed Use SFD & SFA,
.Community Center and Pool Complex; Central Wisconsin
■ .> Half Moon Bay - Resort Community, Mixed Use SFD & SFA,
Community:Center and -Pool Complex; :Central 'i isconsin
in Process
• 300 Unit, Mixed Use Community - Western:Metro Area
185 Unit, Mixed Use Community - South Metro Area
■, . 150 Unit, Mixed Use Resort Community - Central Wisconsin
4801 WEST 81sT STREET SUITE 101
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA.55437
• 612.831,5926 FAX 612.831.2904
9
Company Profile — Close Landscape Architecture, Inc.
Introduction
Close Landscape Architecture, Inc. is a planning and design firm located in downtown St.
Paul, Minnesota. Bob Close founded the firm in 1976, initially combining teaching at the
University of Minnesota with his professional practice. Incorporated in 1988, Close Landscape
Architecture has the combined talents of ten people including seven registered landscape
architects, two design support staff and one office manager. We operate as an open studio,
conducting regularly scheduled in-house design work sessions to ensure efficient project
tracking, facilitate creative problem solving and maintain the highest standards for design
excellence. We have full computer aided design capabilities as well as desk top publishing and
word processing stations.
Office Philosophy
Close Landscape Architecture emphasizes creative, contextual, buildable design solutions
responding to the unique opportunities and specific program goals of each new client, site and
project. The common thread through all our work is the enrichment of the human experience and
the implementation of high quality, engaging and sustainable environments that are accessible to
all users.
In recent years, we have become increasingly focused on two primary areas of practice: urban
design and landscape architecture. We provide planning and design services for a variety of
project scales and for a broad range of both public and private clients. We value the involvement
of our clients throughout the design process; this relationship is essential to project success, and
provides the foundation for the inclusive and collaborative process that has become our signature.
Mission Statement - `Advocacy Throueh Professional Practice'
We believe that in everything we do — design work, collaboration, teaching, marketing,
publishing, community service and so' on — we should advocate from a set of defined values.
Value -Based Design Office
We subscribe to a set of core values that helps us define the work we do and the kinds of projects
that interest, challenge and contribute to a broader discussion — we seek to be invited to the table
to influence positive change, promote design creativity and pursue new models to meet current
and future challenges in the Twin Cities and regional marketplace. These values also help us
understand how to work together, work with other disciplines and with our clients. The following
is an outline of some of these basic values including:
• Our work should enrich the human experience;
• Our work is based on a set of urban design principles
• Our work seeks new models with emphasis on creativity and vision;
• Our work integrates education and mentoring as part of our practice;
• Our work should be fun; enjoyment is as important as meeting deadlines.
a
Bob Close, ASLA
Principal
Registered Landscape Architect
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
University of Minnesota, 1976
B.A. English/Studio Arts
University of Minnesota, 1969
Bob Close established his practice, Close Landscape Architecture, in 1976. From
the outset, his work has focused on the creation of engaging, sustainable and
livable environments, whether in the public domain or for private clients.
Bob has extensive experience ranging from the design of urban parks and public
spaces, and institutions to master planning for campuses, cities, housing
developments and private facilities. His work can be found throughout the
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Parks, and in corporate facilities, institutions
and residences dotting the Twin Cities region and in the five -state area.
Bob taught urban design and landscape architecture studios at the University of
Minnesota College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture for nine years and
interdisciplinary design studios at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design for
three. He continues to lecture and teach occasional studios at the University. He
was recently appointed to his third term as an advisor to the Metropolitan Council
on their Livable Communities Advisory Committee. The program distributes funds
to the best projects promoting innovative new development models.
Representative Projects
• Ramsey Town Center, Ramsey, MN
• Upper Landing Park,and Housing on the Mississippi, Saint Paul, MN
• East River Flats Master Plan, Minneapolis, MN
- White Bear Lake Marina Triangle Master Plan, Minneapolis, MN
• Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework, St. Paul MN
Professional Experience
1977 — present - Founding Principal & President
Close Landscape Architecture
Teaching Experience
Adjunct Professor, Urban Design Studio
College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture
University of Minnesota,1999 & 2000
Instructor, Environmental Design Studio
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, 1984 -1986
Instructor, Landscape Architecture Design Studio
College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture
University of Minnesota, 1977 -1983
Professional Affiliations
Member and Former President - Minnesota Chapter of the American Society of
Landscape Architects (MASLA) and national organization (ASLA)
Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU)
Urban Land Institute (ULI)
Sensible Land Use Coalition (SLUG)
Member— Livable Communities Advisory Committee, Met Council
Member— Environmental Task Force, Met Council
Professional Awards:
Joseph Selvaggio Initiative, Cue Award, 2000; Lakestreet Midtown Greenway
Corridor Framework Plan, MASLA Honor Award, 2001; 179 Goodrich Avenue,
Award of Recognition, SPHPC 2001; City Homes on Park Avenue, Preservation
Award, MHPC, 2001; St. Paul North Quadrant Urban Village, Planning Award, APA
2002; Minneapolis Near Northside Master Plan,MASLA Award of Excellance,
2003; Smith Douglas Moore House, AIA MPLS Merit Award, 2003; Private
Residence on Kenilworth Creek, MASLA Merit Award, 2003: Lob Pine Award,
MASLA, 2003; Ramsey Town Center, AIA MN Honor Award, 2003; Ramsey Town
Center AIA Honor Award, 2004; 301 Kenwood AIA MN Honor Award, 2003;
Special Award, AIA MN, 2004; St. Anthony Village Flood Control Project, ACEC
Grand Award, 2004; Ramsey Town Center, Business Journal Best in Real Estate
Community Impact Winner, 2004; St. Anthony Village Flood Control Pond, MASLA
Merit Award, 2005; Ramsey Town Center, MASLA Merit Award, 2005
landscape architecture
Bruce Jacobson
Principal
Registered Landscape Architect
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
Iowa State University, 1980
Bruce joined Close Landscape Architecture in 1995. His experience in planning
and urban design draws from completed projects in a number of urban centers
across the country including the Twin Cities, Denver, and the Baltimore/
Washington D.C. metro area.
Much of this work defined strategies for neighborhood revitalization and economic
development organized around engaging public spaces, with an emphasis on
transit and mixed use. Central to this planning approach is the determination to
provide authentic, genuine places for people to gather, to conduct business, to call
home.
Bruce brings valuable experience to both planning and detailed site design. His
commitment to an inclusive and collaborative approach, including active public
participation, is key to the successful implementation of many CLA projects.
Representative Projects
Close Landscape Architecture
• Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework - strategic
development plan and guidelines; Saint Paul, MN
• Lake Street Midtown Greenway Corridor Framework - urban design and
economic development plan; Minneapolis, MN
• Chicago / Lake Streetscape Master Plan - detailed design plan and guidelines
for mixed -use entertainment, transit and employment hub; Minneapolis, MN
• Near Northside Park and Open Space Master Plan — design framework of
parks, trails and public realm improvements for mixed use, mixed income
urban redevelopment; Minneapolis, MN
• Upper Landing Park Master Plan — conceptual and detailed design for
regional park along the Mississippi River; Saint Paul, MN
• Mississippi River Corridor Design Guidelines - multi -jurisdictional approach
to define long-term development strategies along the river; Saint Paul, MN
• White Bear Lake Marina Triangle Master Plan — urban design and
development guidelines for mixed use village; White Bear Lake, MN
• Arbor Lakes Residential Development — master plan and phase one design for
housing component adjacent to Main Street; Maple Grove, MN
• Ramsey Town Center — master plan and parks design for 322 acre mixed use
development; Ramsey, MN
• Como Park Campus Master Plan — design guidelines and implementation
strategy for campus improvements; Saint Paul, MN
Teaching Experience
Teaching Assistant, Graphic Studio Workshop
University of Maryland, Dept. of Landscape Arch.
Instructor, Landscape Design
George Washington University
275 East Fourth St. Suite 610 / St. Paul, Mn 55101 / p 651.222.5754 / f
651.222.1017 / www.closelandarch.com
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mix of land uses. Links to future regional transit are
considered, and environmental concerns played a
major role in the study as well, with rain gardens
integrated into reclaimed green spaces throughout
the site.
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andscape architecture
4A'1117,4.
Retained by the City of White Bear Lake, Close
Landscape Architecture led an interdisciplinary
team in the development of o master plan for the
Marina/Triangle District, the only commercial area
on White Bear Lake, one of the premier recreational
lakes in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Working
with an appointed Commission, the design team
studied a series of scenarios for future development,
settling on a plan that incorporated both he historic
Johnson Boat Works and existing retail uses into a
mixed -use "village" on the west shore of the lake.
The plan forwards state-of-the-art concepts for
redevelopment, transforming a 1960's shopping
mall into a compact, walkable community fronting
on a marina and waterfront promenade. Also
Development guidgnes provide recommentic-
lions fot housing, commercial uses, public tealm
imprcvements and other project components.
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andscape architecture
Ramsey Town Center -Master Plan
Ramsey, Minnesota
Close Landscape Architecture, working with the
Ramsey Town Center LLC Development Group,
created a master plan that captures the qualities of
traditional communities, yet encourages contemporary
solutions related to mixed -use, density, transit
connections and urban form. This new downtown
will include civic, entertainment and shopping uses
with more than 2,000 units of new housing. A
system of parks and open space will link people
with neighborhood amenities and regional
resources; many of these 'signature parkswill
integrate stormwater management elements as
major park features,
The Ramsey Town Center master plan strives to
achieve balance between the car and the rest of
our daily lives, by bringing the land uses close
together, creating "density by design" in housing
and retail districts, and bringing civic life back to
the place of commerce and recreation.
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andscape archirecture
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Minneapolis, Minnesota
As the lead park and open space design firm on
an interdisciplinary team, Close Landscape
Architecture developed plans for three parks
embedded in a new neighborhood on the Near
Northside of Minneapolis.
As a contemporary "village green," North Park is
designed for informal gathering and performance,
public celebrations and casual recreation. Bassett
Creek, previously contained in a pipe, will be
daylighted and pass through the park as an amenity.
Storm water will be cleansed in a series of land-
scaped treatment gardens before being returned
to Mississippi.
Together, the new system of parks will demonstrate
that environmental design innovation, educational
opportunities and community recreational uses are
compatible and appropriate in a twenty-first century
urban park.
Conceptual Master Plan
North Pork - Village Green
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Maple Grove, Minnesota
In collaboration with Opus Corporation and
a team of architects and engineers, Close
Landscape Architecture and ESG Architects
generated the initial concept for a phased,
mixed -use redevelopment plan for 1 200 acres,
currently the site of a gravel mining operation.
The bold concept was based on a series of "layers,`
including surrounding context, a new pattern of
streets and blocks, the green system of open space
and recreation, the blue system of freshwater and
stormwater, and the mix of industrial, residential
and commercial land uses.
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