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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-24-1997 EDA CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MONDAY,NOVEMBER 24, 1997 Meeting No. 46 AGENDA ROLL CALL: President McCarty, Vice President, Secretary, Commissioner, Commissioner A. AGENDA ADDITIONS: B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. November 10, 1997 EDA Meeting Minutes C. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: None D. CONSENT AGENDA No items on consent agenda. E. COUNCIL BUSINESS 1. Consideration of Resolution No. 97-EDA72 Authorizing the Negotiation and • Execution of a Contract for Professional Services for the Development of Design Themes for Highway 10 Corridor. F. REPORTS G. ADJOURNMENT 1 PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW ill2 3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 4 Meeting No.45 5 November 10, 1997 6 Mounds View City Hall 7 2401 Hwy.10,Mounds View MN 55112 8 *********************************************************************************** 9 10 CALL TO ORDER 11 12 The Economic Development Authority was called to order by Vice President Koopmeiners at 7:40 p.m.on 13 November 10, 1997. 14 15 ROLL CALL 16 17 MEMBERS PRESENT: Gary Quick,Roger Stigney,Roger Koopmeiners,Executive Director Cathy Bennett, 18 Clerk Administrator Chuck Whiting, and City Attorney Bob Long. 19 20 HERS ABSENT: Duane McCarty 21 22 OTHERS PRESENT: None 23 24 A. AGENDA ADDITIONS: 25 26 None. . 27 28 B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: - 29 30 1. October 13,1997 EDA Meeting Minutes: 31 32 MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Stigney to approve the minutes of the EDA Meeting on October 13, 1997 as • 33 presented. 34 35 VOTE: 3 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried 36 37 C. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: 38 39 None. 40 41 p. CONSENT AGENDA, 42 43 No items on Consent Agenda. 44 45 E. COUNCIL BUSINESS: 46 47 1. Consideration of Resolution No.97-EDA-75,Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a 48 Participation Agreement for 8265 Spring Lake Road. 49 50 Ms.Bennett explained that in October the EDA delayed action on Resolution No.97-EDA-75 to enable other 51 builders to submit offers on the land without the criteria that would require the builder to identify a buyer at the 52 time of the transaction. She noted that she has since mailed out information to approximately fifteen local • 53 builders and has not received an additional offers to purchase the land. 54 EDA Meeting#45 '' ab°°' November 10, 1997 Page 2 1 Preferred Builders has offered$28,000 for the land and is proposing to build a three bedroom modified two 2 story single family home. Upon approval of the Participation Agreement the EDA and Preferred Builders will 3 have 30 days to enter into a Contract for Private Development which will specifically address the requirements 4 for the development of the lot and outline the specifications of the home. In addition,prior to approval of the 5 contract,staff will verify builder references and financial capabilities of Preferred Builders,Inc. The contract 6 will come back to the EDA for final approval prior to execution. 7 8 Mr.Stigney inquired as to when the contractor will begin construction of the home. Ms.Bennett stated she 9 believed they would be starting as soon as possible. 10 11 MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Quick to approve Resolution No.97-EDA-75,Approving and Authorizing the 12 Execution of a Participation Agreement for 8365 Spring Lake Road. 13 14 VOTE: 3 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried 15 16 acting on any agreement. 17 18 F. REPORTS: 19 20 Report of EDA Board Members: 21 •22 Report of President McCarty: . No report 23 24 Report of Vice President Koopmeiners: No report. 25 26 Report of Commissioners: 27 28 Commissioner Quick: No report. 29 30 Commissioner Stigney: No report 31 32 Report of Executive Director: No report. 33 34 Report of Treasurer: No report. 35 36 Report of Attorney: No report 37 38 G. ADJOURNMENT: 39 40 MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Stigney to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m. 41 42 VOTE: 3 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried 43 44 45 Respectfully submitted, 47 - • - 48 Tamara D.Saeflce • 49 Recording Secretary Item No E 1 Meeting Date 11-24-97 Type of Business EDAB 411 WK Work Session;PH:Public Hearing; CA:Consent Agenda;EDAB:EDA Business Mounds View Economic Development Authority Staff Report ■ To: Mounds View Economic Development Authority From: Cathy Bennett, Director of Economic Development Item Title/Subject: Consideration of Resolution No. 97-EDA72 Authorizing the Negotiation and Execution of a Contract for Professional Services for the Development of Design Themes for Highway 10 Corridor Date of Report: November 21, 1997 Request: Staff is requesting and recommending the approval of Resolution No. 97-EDA72 which would authorize the negotiation and execution of a contract for professional services for the development of design themes for the Highway 10 Corridor. Members of the Planning Commission, Economic Development Commission and Park and Recreation Commission reinterviewed two companies who were finalists from the last interview in August of 1997. The interview panel chose Hoisington Koegler Group (HKG) to assist the community in developing design themes for the Highway 10 Corridor. Background: At the July 7, 1997 work session staff was directed to go out for a Request for Proposal for professional services to prepare a design theme for Highway 10 Corridor between Edgewood Drive and Silver Lake Road. The goal of the project is to develop 2-3 alternatives which would identify the area as the Mounds View City Center which is seen as a focal point of community activity and the City's commercial core. This request was precipitated in response to the level of development activity planned along the corridor. In addition, one of the major issues in the community and identified by the Council at goal setting sessions is the Highway 10 Corridor. Specifically land use and design issues are critical to the success of current and future corridor development. The City currently has a window of opportunity to implement a design theme with the current development proposals that will have a significant impact on the character of the corridor. In addition, staff will develop a strategic plan for implementation of the elements that are identified in the design theme process which will include a capital improvement plan for the Corridor. These ideas can also be integrated into the Comprehensive Planning Process. City of Mounds View Staff Report November 21, 1997 Page 2 Process and Conclusions: Staff mailed the attached request for proposals to 15 consulting firms in the Twin Cities. We received 8 proposals of which 4 were chosen for interviews by members of the Planning Commission with the assistance of staff. Planning Commission members Bobbie Brooks and Jean Miller volunteered to assist City staff in interviewing the 4 firms on August 19th and 21st. The interview panel selected two firms and requested that a larger panel conduct second interviews with these firms to come up with one recommendation. In August, this item was postponed by the EDA until further evaluation of the zing road concept was conducted. Although this is a related item to the ring road concept it is not exclusively tied to the ring road. The purpose of developing design themes was to integrate some standard into the current development proposals along Highway 10 to begin implementing a cohesive feel of the corridor through Mounds View. In addition,the City has an opportunity to implement a gateway to Mounds View's "City Center" since an easement has been granted by the Silverview Estates PUD which is located at Silver Lake Road and Highway 10. At the November work session the EDA once again gave staff the direction to continue with this process. Interviews of HKG and SRF Consulting Group were conducted on November 20th by Bobbi Brooks, Steve Larson, Ron Schmidt, Scott Dentz, Rick Jopke and myself. After much discussion it was unanimously decided to recommend HKG to assist the City in developing design themes. Although both proposals were very comparable in scope, it was felt that HKG was more design oriented and creative in their approach. I have attached a copy of their proposal for your review. itql & tVIAL14 Cathy Be , Dir. of Economic Development Recommendation: Staff is recommending approval of Resolution No. 97-EDA72 which would authorize the negotiation and execution of a Contract for Professional Services with Hoisington Koegler Group for the development of design themes for the Highway 10 Corridor in Mounds View. • MOUNDS VIEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY RESOLUTION NO. 97-EDA72 COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE NEGOTIATION AND EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF DESIGN THEMES FOR HIGHWAY 10 CORRIDOR It is hereby resolved by the Board of Commissioners(the"Board")of the Mounds View Economic Development Authority(the"Authority")as follows: 1. RECITALS: (a) the Authority has the powers provided in Minnesota Statutes; Sections 469.124 to 469.124 and 469.090 to 469.108 (collectively the"Act"). (b) Pursuant to and in furtherance of the objectives of the Act, the Authority has undertaken a program to promote development and redevelopment of certain land within . the City of Mounds View and in this connection is engaged in carrying out the Mounds View Economic Development Project(the"Project")within the City. (c) There has been approved pursuant to the Act a Project Plan for the Project. (d) The redevelopment and development of property within the Project are stated objectives of the Project Plan. (e) In order to achieve the objectives of the Project Plan, the Authority has determined the need to contract with urban design, planning, transportation, engineering, land use and environmental professional service companies to aid and assist in the redevelopment and development of property within the Project. (f) The Authority desires to develop design themes for the Highway 10 Corridor between Edgewood Drive and Silver Lake Road to identify a focal point of community activity as Mounds View's City Center. • (g) It has been recommended by members of the Mounds View Planning Commission, Economic Development Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and Staff to enter into a contract for professional services (the"Contract") with the Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. to develop 2-3 design concepts for Mounds View City Center for an 1111 amount not to exceed $10,000. EDA RESOLUTION NO. 97-EDA72 PAGE TWO OF TWO 2. The Board hereby determines that the Authority's negotiation and execution of a Contract would be in furtherance of the Project Plan and hereby approves and authorizes said actions, including the negotiation and execution of the Contract by the officers of the Authority in their discretion and at such time, if any, as they may deem appropriate. 3. Upon final negotiation, execution and delivery of the Contract, the officers and employees of the Authority(including members of the City staff and Commission, acting in their capacity as staff to the Authority as well) are hereby authorized and directed to take or cause to be taken such actions as may be appropriate or necessary on behalf of the Authority to implement the Contract which is being accomplished for redevelopment purposes. 4. The Board hereby determines that the negotiation, execution and performance of the Contract will help realize the public purposes of the Act and are in furtherance of the Plan. Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Mounds View Economic Development Authority on November 24, 1997. ATTEST: President (SEAL) Executive Director • CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES HIGHWAY 10 DESIGN THEME REQUEST: The City of Mounds View's Economic Development Authority(EDA)is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to work with City Stall;the Planning Commission and Economic Development Commission to prepare a design theme for the Highway 10 redevelopment corridor between Edgewood Drive and Silver Lake Road,located in the City of Mounds View. GOAL OF PROJECT: The goal of this project is to develop 2-3 design alternatives which would identify the area between Edgewood Drive and Silver Lake Road on Highway 10 as the Mounds View City Center,i.e. a focal point of community activity and the City's commercial core. The City is seeking to transform Highway 10 corridor into a more unified, attractive corridor that conveys a sense of place and contributes to the overall community fabric. Techniques could include an overall scheme for landscaping,lighting,signage,and fencing,and methods for marking the gateway points into this area(Edgewood Drive and Silver Lake Road.) The design theme would be implemented along the parcels fronting on Highway 10, and attention needs to be given to existing land use,property conditions,natural features,and the amount of land available for implementing a design theme. Use of a portion of the Highway 10 right-of-way is a possibility but not guaranteed. The City is seeking recommendations on whether the design approach should be formal or informal in nature,given the character of the larger community. The City also desires to utilize wherever possible natural features within the corridor such as wetlands and woodlands. BACKGROUND: The City of Mounds View is located 10 miles north of Minneapolis and St. Paul directly west of Interstate 35W on Highway I Q. Mounds View is in the northwest corner of Ramsey County and is bordered by the communities of New Brighton,Arden Hills,Fridley,Blaine, Shoreview and Spring Lake Park. Mounds View has a population of 13,000 people and has grown from a bedroom community to a bustling suburb with diverse residential neighborhoods and three quality business parks. The Mounds View City Council has directed that high priority be given to the Highway 10 corridor as the major thoroughfare in Mounds View,the focal point of the City's commercial zoning and as having considerable potential for strengthening the City's economic base. It is also recognized that Highway 10 has a significant impact on the liveability of Mounds View and how the community is perceived. On March 17, 1997,the City Council discussed community and economic development issues in Mounds View with staff One of the major issues discussed was the importance of the Highway 10 corridor. At that time,the City Council indicated that Highway 10 should be given a high priority, with immediate attention given to land use and design issues. City of Mounds View-Request for Proposals Highway 10 Design Theme • July 7, 1997 Page 2 Between December, 1996 and now,the City has received three major development proposals along the Highway 10 corridor: • O'Neil Property,which has received PUD zoning approval for a 16-screen movie theater,three office buildings and two restaurant sites ■ D.W. Jones Property,which has received PUD zoning approval for an 83-unit senior citizen housing development,gas station/convenience market/fast food restaurant/car wash,and office buildings and/or sit-down restaurant ■ Silver Lake Commons,which is under review and includes a major renovation of the Red Oak Apartments and construction of 16 new rental townhomes In addition,Mounds View was one of four cities which participated in a design course sponsored by the University of Minnesota. The issue selected for Mounds View for study was the Highway 10 corridor. One of the outcomes of this course was a sketch plan for the development of a ring road which would define the City's commercial core centered on Highway 10. It also resulted in discussions about the need to develop a stronger sense of place within this core or"heart"of Mounds View,and the need to tame Highway 10. At present, Highway 10 tends to act as a barrier and a route through the City rather than a stage for presenting the community of Mounds View. • The City Council acting as the Economic Development Authority authorized this request for proposals for a design theme in order to find ways to overcome the current state of the Highway 10 corridor. It is the City's desire to create a more unified,attractive image for the City,to encourage a more coherent commercial district,and to create a City Center which would serve as a community focal point. Establishing a more coordinated approach to landscaping,signage,lighting and fencing, and establishing guidelines for building design and property appearance along Highway 10 would encourage higher quality development and strengthen the City's economic base. The design theme would also include proposed designs for the gateway points at Edgewood Drive and Silver Lake Road. These design elements would create a place which would attract businesses and customers,and which would present Mounds View as an attractive,prosperous community. It is also important that a design theme established as a reference point in working with private developers along Highway 10 on their site and landscaping plans. PROJECT AREA: The project area includes the Highway 10 corridor between its intersections with Silver Lake Road and County Road H2. (The City is seeking to realign Edgewood Drive so it will intersect Highway 10 at right angles approximately half way between Long Lake Road and County Road H2. It is hoped that approval will be obtained from MnDOT for a full-movement,signat»ed intersection at this point, and the existing uncontrolled full-movement intersection at Edgewood Drive will be abandoned. If this is accomplished,Edgewood would become the gateway to the Mounds View City Center.) The length of this stretch of Highway 10 is approximately one mile. The project area would include the parcels fronting Highway 10 and the highway right- of-way itself City of Mounds View-Request for Proposals ioHighway 10 Design Theme July 7, 1997 • Page 3 SCOPE OF PROJECT: The scope of the project would include the following: 1. Visual evaluation of conditions on properties fronting Highway 10 for purposes of assessing the feasibility of implementing a design theme and the type of theme which would be appropriate. Attention would be given to type of land use,property condition,natural features,and amount of land available for implementing a design theme. For example,notations would be made where existing improvements such as buildings and parking lots are situated relative to the Highway right-of-way line. The area to be assessed would be the north and south sides of Highway 10 between County Road H2 to Silver Lake Road. Notations on constraints to the implementation of a design theme should be included. The information from the visual evaluation would be mapped or otherwise synthesized. An exacting study is not expected. The City would make available development plans on file with the City, aerial photographs, drawings showing approximate location of buildings and structures from Ramsey County. The idea is to identify where there are none to minor to severe limitations on fitting design improvements, and to give • consideration to adjacent site conditions in developing the design theme. 2. Tour of the City to assess its general character and the impact of the Highway 10 corridor. Review of the sketch plan for the Ring Road concept developed during the University of Minnesota design course. 3. Review of the active development plans for sites in the Highway 10 corridor to assess and make recommendations on how the design theme could be coordinated with these development plans. 4. Preparation of two or three concept plans for a design theme along Highway 10,with attention to specific conditions in the corridor and illustrating both a formal and informal treatment for the corridor. The design theme should include proposals for landscaping,lighting signage,fencing, and street furniture as deemed appropriate by the designer. A suggested color scheme should be included. The design theme should also include details showing how the gateways at Silver Lake Road and Edgewood Drive, and the major intersections at Long Lake Road and County Road I would be treated. 5. Perspective renderings or simulations of key locations in the Highway 10 corridor to illustrate the visual impact of the design theme. 6. Attendance at least one meeting with the Planning Commission and Economic • Development Commission,and one meeting with the Economic Development Authority to present and discuss the design theme alternatives. Attendance at one. community forum on the design theme. • City of Mounds View-Request for Proposals Highway 10 Design Theme July 7, 1997 Page 4 PROJECT BUDGET: The budget for this project is not to exceed$10,000. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS: 1. Description of firm's expertise and qualifications for the study. 2. Description and location of comparable studies completed or in progress. 3. List of key staff members that would be involved in the study. Include their roles, background and experience. 4. Proposed scope of work 5. Proposed work schedule to include completion date. 6. Proposed detailed budget to complete the study. 7. Description of final documents completed as part of study. Submit complete proposal no later than August 1, 1997 to: Pamela Sheldon OR Cathy Bennett Community Development Director Economic Development Director City of Mounds View City of Mounds View 2401 Highway 10 2401 Highway 10 Mounds View,MN 55112 Mounds View,MN 55112 612-717-4000 612-717-4000 612-784-3462(FAX) 612-784-3462 (FAX) REVIEW PROCESS: Submittal Deadline August 1, 1997 EDC/Planning Commission Review/Interviews August 13, 1997 Recommendation to EDA August 18, 1997 EDA Selection of Firm August 18, 1997 Contract Executed August 25, 1997 NADATA\USERSTAMMSHAREISPECPROASP043.971HWY1ODES.RFP • Creative Solutions for Land Planning and Design Hoisington Koegler GroupInc.IncEEO 11111 August 1, 1997 • Ms. Pamela Sheldon, Community Development Director City of Mounds View 2401 Highway 10\ Mounds View, Minnesota 55112 RE: Proposal for Highway 10 Design Theme Dear Ms. Sheldon: Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. is pleased to submit this proposal for creating a design theme for the Highway 10 Corridor in Mounds View. This project represents a great opportunity to improve the corridor's aesthetics and for the community to announce itself, but it is also a way of defining Mounds View in ways that are compelling and meaningful to the community. Though subtle, there are patterns and landmarks here that can lend an image and identity unique to Mounds View. This must be the goal of such a project; to mimic another community's well-designed corridor only diminishes the qualities and character of your community. IKGi has been involved with a number of corridors in suburban communities and we have found a growing desire to establish "gateways" as a way of marking points of entry. The Highway 10 corridor has no discernible points of arrival, and no apparent structure to provide identity for Mounds View. One moment you are in Mounds View, the next you are not; development seems to simply blend communities together so that one place looks very much like anothet We would aim to create a design theme that is a part of the Mounds View community — a part of this place. This project presents an opportunity to reflect the spirit of the Mounds View community in a very direct way — a way that touches every driver on Highway 10 and every resident of the community. But to make it an accurate reflection, the people of the community must be involved. Community involvement is one of the hallmarks of HKGi, and the insight that can be gained through the process of talking to people will be critical to the success of this project. Please call me if you have any questions you might have regarding our proposal. We look forward to meeting with you to discuss the project further. Sincerely, Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. ichael Schroeder Vice President 7300 Metro Boulevard.Suite 525.Minneapolis.Minnesota 55439 Background and Qualifications Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. was established in 1982 with a practice that focused on urban and regional planning. Since then, additional disciplines have been added, and the firm has evolved to the point where most projects are related to landscape architecture and urban design. HKGi currently has a staff of seven • landscape architects and two urban planners. HKGi has established a reputation for excellence in concep- tual design, detail design and community, land use and environ- mental planning,including projects related to corridor design and streetscapes. Recent and current projects with similar issues and goals as the Highway 10 corridor project include: • Gateway Corridor Design Concepts;Champlin,Minnesota • Highway 10 Corridor Study;Elk River,Minnesota • Larpenteur Avenue Streetscape Study; Falcon Heights, Minnesota • Brooklyn Boulevard Streetscape Design; Brooklyn Park, Minnesota • Streetscape Framework Plan;Russell, Kansas • Riverfront Pathway along the Mississippi River, Elk River, Minnesota • • Downtown Redevelopment Strategy; Hugo,Minnesota • Little Canada Road Streetscape/Rice Street-Little Canada Road Area Redevelopment Study;Little Canada.Minnesota • Old Highway 8 Corridor Study;New Brighton,Minnesota • Mound Visions;Mound,Minnesota In each case,the design resulted from an understanding of the intrinsic qualities of the community,drawing from historical,cul- tural and natural patterns and context for clues to the most appro- priate design. The result is a unique design with meaning for each community. Critical to the success of each HKGi project is the participa- tion of the community. We believe that without the local knowl- 1111 edge that City officials and residents provide, no amount of pro- fessional expertise will yield a wholly satisfactory solution. HKGi Hoisington Koe_ier Group Inc. ©® 9R9, • is a leader in the use of a consensus building approach that blends the creativity of the public and decision-makers with the professional design and planning expertise offered by our staff. HKGi's ability to successfully complete projects stems from an emphasis of linking plans with clear implementation strategies. We do not like to see our plans sit on a shelf;we want to see them implemented and used by our client communities. A part of our work includes sessions with clients to strategize appropriate meth- ods for making the plans become reality. The Highway 10 project should allow Mounds View residents to become directly involved in the process of creating the solution. It should offer the opportunity to utilize both professional exper- • tise and local knowledge in a process that challenges the commu- nity to better understand the corridor,its unique influences,and its • ultimate potential for telling a story of the Mounds Mew commu- nity. Hoisington Koegler Group Inc.brings unique*ills and ex- pertise to the task of creating concept designs for Highway 10 corridor. The firm has considerable background in corridor plan- ' ning and streetscape design,and has developed practical methods of involving the public and communicating design ideas. By blend- ing our experience with the interests of residents,there is no doubt that exciting,unique and meaningful solutions can be created. • ©® Hoisington Koegler Group inc. Understanding fib Based on discussions with Pam Sheldon and investigations of the Highway 10 corridor in Mounds View, we have gained a basic understanding of the project and the City's goals for enhancing this area. Our understanding of the project includes the following: • The project area stretches approximately one mile along Highway 10 between County Road H2 and Silver Lake Road, embracing an area that has been defined as the core or"heart" of the Mounds View community. • The corridor is currently a mix of development types and uses interspersed with pockets of"nature." The passage fromArden Hills and New Brighton to Spring Lake Park and Blaine through Mounds View appears rather unremarkable and undistinguished from neighboring communities. There is little sense of this corridor belonging to Mounds View. i • The goal of this project is to define enhancements that lead to a stronger sense of place for the core of the Mounds View community. Key issues include the creation of design elements that reflect the character of the larger community and the definition of Highway 10 as a"seam"rather than a barrier. • Corridor enhancements and specific design improvements would focus on the frontage of Highway 10 parcels, with consideration of land use, site features and existing development, and available land. Development activity has continued as the City considers a design theme,but individual developers have expressed respect for the City's goals for enhancing the corridor. • A limited amount of public involvement is defined in the request for proposal: HKGi would encourage the identification of a • focus group to guide the process and provide critical insight as themes are considered. Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. ©® nnui 410 • A schedule for the project has not been defined,but should be structured to allow for refinements to the design to occur over the winter and implementation of priority enhancements to :7in in the spring of 1998. • • • • i ©© Hoisington Koegler Group Inc ae • Approach 110 Overview— An approach to this project must be orgrni7ed to build an un- derstanding of critical issues and community desires, and to de- : t velop a plan that responds creatively. Involvement of the commu- E nity is the key: if the concepts developed for the Highway 10 cor- ridor are to have meaning to the community,it will be as a result of the local knowledge provided by residents. This process places people at the forefront, making them part of the initial investiga tion, providing ways for them to evaluate ideas throughout the project,and strategizing methods for them to be involved through- out the process of implementing any enhancements. Participation, 1 for this project, would involve a focus group composed of repre- sentatives of City Commissions and the community. The transfer of ideas between the community and the consult- ant happens best in a workshop environment.The consultant comes into a workshop session with ideas in a formative stage,and modi- • fications occur with direct input from those attending. The session becomes one of learning and growth,rather than presentation and reaction. There can be more formal presentations at the end of the process;in the beginning,the emphasis should be on sharing ideas and developing strong,meaningful concepts for corridor enhance- ments. People are generally busy,and even dedicated individuals have demands on their time that take away from worthy efforts. In this project, we need to have people participate in the process. We intend,therefore,to make very good use of the time they will share, and to make the process rewarding and fun. As we expect the community to provide information to us,we must translate that information into ideas. We need to listen, and then seek solutions that build from the input provided,not a solu- tion that might have worked in another city. Once concepts have been generated and put into a form that can be understood, the Ecommunity will be asked to evaluate the concepts. In the end,one • concept will evolve that best respects the opportunities of the cor- ridor,the desires of the community,and the qualities of the place. Hoisington Koegier Group Inc. ©® • It is important that the project not end at this point. We do not intend to create a "paper plan"—one that looks great but never happens. Our intention is to work with the City to strategize meth- ods for implementation—defining the next steps in the process, and the timing,funding and priority of ideas that have been gener- ated • The approach described below is based on our understanding of the project to this point. It is intended,therefore,as a guide; it can be modified to more directly address the needs and concerns of the City of Mounds View. • Identify what exists... This corridor,while it may seem like many others,has forces influencing that make it different, or that will cause different de- sign responses. Every piece of ground is unique,and our goal in looking at what exists is to uncover the patterns that make it unique. Once those patterns are recognized and understood, the task of developing corridor enhancements that are meaningful and appro- priate to the community can begin. Through the work of this stage, we hope to identify the elements that will build identity from the underlying character of the area. We have found it useful to tour the project area and the sur- rounding community at the beginning of the project, with local experts as tour guides. Often we gain a level of information through this kind of a tour that cannot be gained through study of maps and reports. While some information might be anecdotal, it usually proves to be most valuable. HKGi will review existing background information provided by the City. City staff would be interviewed about issues affecting the corridor, and current or anticipated projects that might affect the corridor. HKGi would also interview the focus group to gain a • historical perspective or a view of Mounds View's future;knowing how the community has evolved and how the it envisions its future may provide insight to appropriate themes. Information provided ©© Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. E111 111 by the City and other local sources would be considered quantitative — a critical balance to insight gained through Workshop One and the tour of the corridor area. HKGi will define where enhancements are possible given the • limitations of existing development. A visual evaluation of the • corridor would also be performed,concentrating on the definition of positive and negative corridor attributes. Land use, site and building conditions, natural features, view sheds, landmarks and other critical factors will also be recorded. A review of work per- iformed by the University of Minnesota will be helpful in under- standing directions defined for the corridor to this point. • The information learned would be summarized in graphics that depict opportunities and constraints present in the Highway 10 cor- ridor, providing the consultant with the foundation necessary for good questions to be asked at a community in Workshop One. Understand what is desired_ As we begin to understand of the physical conditions of the Highway 10 corridor, we would begin to involve people from the community in setting initial directions for its enhancements. This • will occur before any plans have been drawn, any commitments made, or any ideas discounted. At this stage, all ideas are valid. Through this part of the process,we gain tremendous information about the desired enhancements and insight into the values the community. holds. The focus group will.become the "sounding board" for the • concepts as they are developed even before plans are drawn. Our experience has been that projects are more successful when the community contributes directly;they become invested in the pro- cess and become supporters of their plan. We are well versed in public participation processes,and feel it is an integral element of the success of our past work; we, therefore, welcome the partici- • pation of the community through a focus group. Their efforts will begin in earnest during Workshop One. Hoisington Koegler Group Inc ©© ©® • We do not expect solutions at this point. Rather,we will rely on the participants to provide input about elements of the com- munity that they feel are significant.and to begin the dialog that is necessary for later exploration and evaluation. The process for involvement needs to be carefully crafted to keep discussions fo- cused,and to provide the consultant with the information needed to fully understand the Highway 10 area and the factors influenc- ing it. Workshop participants would work in small groups to respond to a series of prepared questions,and then to discuss their responses in a large group format. The workshop environment is one of energy, enthusiasm and possibility, and the consultant is given a wealth of information to carry forward into the design process. Our goal in working directly with the community during the work- shop is to understand the values held by the people of Mounds .. View. The only way Highway 10 can be shaped to wholly reflect the community is to encourage their participation in this process. Explore what is possible_ • Initially,HKGi will consider a wide range of alternative solu- tions. We might consider solutions that are grand, bold or dra- matic...or solutions that are more subtle,with the relationships to Mounds View only becoming obvious over time. Some solutions might structures... some might be more of the land. Some could be contained in a single small place...while others might be spread along the length of the corridor. It is only through exploration that we will find the right answer. The right solution will not likely be the first one considered. HKGi will generate a number of possible solutions for evaluation in Workshop Two. Ideas may.be presented in a variety of forms, including drawings,illustrations,diagrams,plans,models or other graphics. The focus group will be responsible for determining . which ideas have the most potential — how well each idea re- flects the character and spirit of Mounds View;which ideas have the best chance of being supported by the community and agen- ©® Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. 410 cies beyond the local community; and which ideas are the most unique. They will be asked to guide the consultant toward corridor elements that best fit the community. • The alternative (or a combination of aspects of any of the alternatives) that workshop participants feels is the most appro- priate and best reflection of the community will be refined into a final concept design. Estimates of costs will also be defined as a part of this stage of the work. The final concept design will be presented at the end of the process in a community presentation. Define the Next Steps— The intent of this process is to a create acceptable, unique and meaningful design concept for the Highway 10 corridor in Mounds View. But to this point,there is only a concept. In order to move forward,HKGi would define the responsibility and pro- ' cedures for each element of the enhancement program;that is,we410 will describe whether the enhancement is to be accomplished by the private sector,the City of Mounds View,another jurisdiction outside of the city,a local service group or organization,or some combination of public agency, local groups and individuals. We will determine the level of design or review that will be required to ensure the accepted concepts are followed. This will provide for consistency in the development of an image, and continuity with the community's vision for the Highway 10 corridor as de- i fined through the focus group process. 1 Asa final step in the process.HKGi will work with city staff to set priorities for various enhancements, strategize funding op- portunities and develop a timeline for implementation. The products of this project will be a series of drawings, il- lustrations. diagrams and other graphics that portray.the possi- bilities for Highway 10 corridor enhancements. The emphasis will be on communicating the qualities of each element,and how . individual elements work to reinforce the image and identity of Hoisington Koester Group Inc ©© gill Dare • the Mounds View community. A summary report will be assembled that demonstrates the process, including the focus group input; 'phics demonstrating the design concepts;workshop summaries; next steps for moving toward implementation;and the priorities, funding opportunities and timeline. HKGi will make a formal presentation of the design concept and implementation strategy to the community at the end of the process. This will allow for the results of the work to become truly • public. Meetings with City boards and Commissions will then be held to allow the City to officially consider the design theme (in the context of public evaluation through the complete focus group and community presentation process). :3 • • • • • s ' 3 - • Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. , Ill Schedule and Fee The schedule for the Highway 10 corridor project should be established to allow the best possible participation from the com- munity. The schedule, as described generally below, should ac- commodate maximum participation. If the schedule is extended, holidays may limit participation. Therefore, the schedule for in • - volving volunteers and City officials should respect the holidays and prior commitments while encouraging their full participation. Although.HKGi is open in terms of schedule for this project, we suggest a schedule as described below be pursued. i., L L .� .13 . c 6T. r�i E. o u _. L 7 C12 O z n G. to _...,......._____,„.._ go Identify • • what Explore Define exists.— what the Plan for implementation... Begin Understand is next implementation...111.1 . what is possible... steps... desired... r s These target dates would provide focus group participants with adequate notice of meetings, and allow implementation of some • aspects of the enhancements beginning in the spring of 1998. The 1 t dates are proposed as a guide; a final schedule would be created with input from the City. 111 Hoisington Koegier Group Inc ©® • Based on our understanding of the project,the use of a focus group for public participation and a basic knowledge of the site • corridor image issues,Hoisington Koegler Group proposes to perform the work described above for a fee not to exceed$10,000, including expenses. HKGi has determined this fee in accordance with the project approach described above;it can be adjusted based on further discussions with the City. A breakdown of the project fee according to major tasks is as follows: Task 1.0 Identify what exists $2,150 Task 2.0 Understand what is desired $ 510 Task 3.0 Explore what is possible $4,840 Task 4.0 Define the next step $2.220 Fee $9,720 Expenses 1_2511 Total $9,970 • Hoisington Koegler Group Inc Q® ''ta rd GCLd- C3 1n/6,v;eL1 ' A philosophy for a "design theme" . .. • This project is about creating an environment that builds identity for the Mounds community. This is difficult due to the conditions that exist in the Highway 10 corri- dor -- especially because you cannot tell when you actually pass that point at which the Mounds View "region" is entered -- the "gateway." gate•way (gut' wa), n. 1. a passage or entrance that may be closed by a gate. 2. a structure for enclosing such an opening or entrance. 3.any passage by or point at which a region might be entered. Webster's Unabridged New World Dictionary • To make it Mounds View's corridor, it must say something about this place; it cannot simply be an idea transferred from another place. Because of this, some concepts might result in the creation of a design theme for the corridor that will not be obvious for years. • The project offers an opportunity to begin a project today that will benefit the commu- nity forever. This becomes a great reason to involve residents. But they should also participate because of the knowledge of the community they hold. The people of Mounds View must be a part of defining a 'design theme" that is meaningful to them. An approach to creating a "design theme" for Highway 10... Framework design... appropriate design character • draw from the natural,historical and cultural patterns and context to give meaning to a design • a design that"fits"Mounds View Strategic planning... buildable solutions • a range of implementation strategies based on the intrinsic strengths of the project and the community • finding a way to make the right things happen Inclusive participation... shared "buy-in ' • bring together diverse interests in an open,inviting,productive format • structured meetings,where everyone participates.and participants lend their"local knowledge"to the process • people of Mounds View are the beneficiaries of this project:they are.in part.responsible for making it happen PHILOSOPHY II Highway 10 Corridor Design Theme IBBI W� Homing=KocelerGrouo Inc. _. City of Mounds View, Minnesota ®8 • Working with "givens"... _.:::--.7.;-,,- .:'1:;-;.. .;-•:,-,;--- • - I Some elements of the design theme might otter the ;"X35'' r• r opportunity to make use of past work that was less :- • than effective -- bringing reason to elements that might not otherwise fit(or even be desirable). ...,: ----^"�s:_v,. Becker Square Beam Minnesota Memory, discovery, whimsy... ,-,. .F.--4,7,11., '.- --y„—.---7;,. . Elements of the design theme must be memorable, ';- ^"' maybe being fully discovered ("seen") only after a ==; `�;."- they have been viewed several times. Some ele- 1 i. rot I ments might be more memorable -- and more _ vi enjoyable -- if they are treated in a more light- - .— hearted manner. Mississippi Riverwalk Elk River,Minnesota Appropriateness... uouuos:_:vrll) 4 ` ,�1� ..--- 1f_ "Unique" is not always the best answer; some- .4L04.10444..'44 ri. r I /y,,i,1 +4Ralarxr C49Mtta4 :;21';4i ley.. - times the strongest solution-will be found in what b .0111.V201 1T `' t is most"appropriate"--that which could only hap- ••" -\ "-nit Tr i _ - i - _,- ,'_1 pen here in Mounds ___ ''' View. '' ' ,r,,; Laroenteur Avenue Falcon Heights.Minnesota • "Gateway"... Some of the best gateways announce a community • I�_.. with ideas that speak without words; even when ~,'.. = ,_ "1 words are used.they are sometimes most appropri- !_i__ —. ate as a small part of the message. —''1—" jll : Itl Gateway Cumdor Champlin.Minnesota Identity... .k:} 14�il ,:,,., . -' I.;. a ,., : An identity cannot be created through a design , ' lt. .• le__ Y�a.:'�. . theme: the design theme can only reinforce an1. r• $ identity that already exists. The process must' , ',L4 bring out the community's true identity for a t ._,., �_ -', design theme to be meaningful. :_ ,~ �` ., • Larpenteur Avenue Streetscape Falcon Heights.Minnesota III CONSIDERATJONS t .' Highway 10 Corridor Design Theme City of Mounds View, Minnesota ® HotstoetonKae'ler GroupIInc. Consistency and coherency... --, y� y� i _1, -i.... Development along the Highway 10 corridor will s. to , -- ,,: always be somewhat varied. Mounds View's ' •� `o - • 1 I" t design theme needs to he strong enough to yield t A,... consistency along its length and build coherency .;.,� r y , to the patterns set upon the land. ,• Gateway Corridor Champlin.Minnesota • A barrier or a "seam"... 0:';- Highway 10 presents an obstacle to uniting t �_' �M Mounds View and might even be a barrier to the = f r 11.4.4 Hi !.� - -," SIU lY, idea of community. It should be a"seam"-- bind- - II,. ik ing the community together with threads that are ti „ •.y integral to the fabric of the Mounds View. Kat .1 ' '_ Old Highway 8 Condor Study New Brighton.Minnesota Civic elements... .v - - I : H 1 Civic elements should be prominent. visible fea- to s- 1 tures of the community. They should be recog- ,, o a nized as highlights and made integral to the V Highway corridor and its design theme. ,••....'L=` • Larpenteur e,Avenue Falcon Heights.Minnesota • The larger landscape... The Highway 10 corridor must bear a strong rela- w Y,t' #'— tionship to its context if it is to become a part of • ' ';. t.' " I • .:-.?.,• -� the Mounds View community. It must draw from •a -,- ' '. its surroundings. becoming both a highlight and a �' ' , l i part of the local larger landscape. ,,A. , --,•-' 'i ' 1 It 1 Gateway Corndor Champlin.Minnesota A story... . . -- EiTia 11 The design theme for Highway 10 offers an uppor- It „ ,^ . j � � t tunny to introduce the Mounds View community. 1-111 ,4 Ill= _ - ' , its local color. its history and its future. It should �, } tell a story about this place and its people. —1D — ” "moi 1.�t._ ."1 Y',-;i ` -• i R rl wji �Gfiele '1 ��15¶ .�4w Downtown Sueetscave Concept Plan Russell.Kansas C O N S I D E R A T I O N S S - • Highway 10 Corridor Design Theme pp gin Hoisington Koala QOM,Inc. City of Mounds View, Minnesota ®B • Identify what exists... • Review existing pians, studies,reports and other background infor- h % mo0 , tion to understand what has been learned previously. • Tour with local "experts" to gain anecdotal and physical informa- /J`l ICI ,• "iiiii + • tion about the Highway 10 corridor. • Meet with City staff to learn status of corridor--planned or poten- tial projects and factors that might influence the design theme. M'g'r"` ra•fel, !MOW, • Interview key focus group members about community history and local influences. • Assemble acquired information in graphics, with specific focus provided on identifications of land available for enhancements. Understand what is desired... • Determine composition of "focus group" (consider representation 4•414 ••••••• :� from City Council, Planning Commission, other City boards. com- munity groups,business/land owners and residents). •• • Conduct Highway 10 Corridor Workshop One with the focus g.;.„. group, providing the "local knowledge" of corridor issues and 1.Wit• community desires and values; and providing interested parties '0 ,•*. with the opportunity to contribute to the creation of enhancements • A for the Highway 10 corridor. • Summarize results of Workshop One. • Explore what is possible... • Generate a range of alternative concepts for the Highway 10 corri- dor, exploring elements that feature various significant community 61 'tlkt features(landscape,heritage,progressive attitude...). • Review alternative concepts with the focus group at Workshop Two, where the purpose is to determine which ideas eas best reflect the spirit and character of the community; which ideas are most "sup- ..;„../..... ....:"..• • Ii ' 4�Y portable;" which are the most unique or appropriate: or other crite- '�!' . • ria which the community may deem important. • Refine the preferred alternative, or a combination of any of the alternatives, into a final Design Concept for the Highway 10 Corridor. Define the next steps... �, •Define the responsibilities and procedures for implementing the -JaiJj• design concepts developed through this effort. • '1� mai__ •Determine the level of design or review required for each element. . . •Set priorities,establish timetable,and research funding. -- 4,.. •Use the steps outlined above to maintain consistency and commit- F-. — • ment to Highway 10 Corridor enhancements. and adherence to the •vision created by the focus group through this process. •Prepare summary report to demonstrate the process. direction and next steps. •Present final Highway 10 Design Concept at a Community Presentation. PROCESSIII Highway 10 Corridor Design Theme .—.°111....."--------", }` pp Hoisine[on Koeeler Group Inc. �: : City of Mounds View, Minnesota ®U