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4.0. 5.0. HRSR 12-21-1998 ELK RIVER HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEMORANDUM TO: Housing and Redevelopment Authority FROM Paul T. Steinman, Director of Economic Development DATE: December 17, 1998 SUBJECT: Agenda Memo for December 21, 1998, HRA Meeting 4. Discuss King and Main Project- Terry Veech Issue The issue before the HRA at this time is to consider its options regarding its commitment to Midwest Building Components on the di development of the King and Main site. The HRA's letter of intent with Midwest Building Components will end on December 31, 1998. Background The HRA signed a letter of intent with Midwest Building Components in approximately July 1998, to allow MBC to be the only developer working with the HRA on the King and Main site through the end of December 1998. MBC had outlined a variety of activities which they would accomplish within this six month period and to date, it appears to staff as though they have accomplished the following activities: • Complete a concept design for the site • Discuss such concept design with Planning Commission • Do soil borings and review environmental testing on the site • Actively market the proposed building to prospective tenants The one remaining activity yet to be completed is for letters of intent to be signed by prospective tenants for occupation of the proposed building. This obviously is the most challenging aspect of the project and to date has not occurred. • P.O. Box 490 • 13065 Orono Parkway • Elk River, MN 55330-1743 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425 Equal Opportunity Housing and Equal Opportunity Employment Staff feels it is appropriate at this time to consider stepping back to continue the HRA's marketing approach to this site once again starting in January 1999. Staff has had several contacts with developers interested in stepping into this project upon completion of the HRA's commitment with MBC. Should the HRA proceed with the staff recommendation, staff will begin working with these parties toward progress on development of this site. Recommendation Staff recommends the HRA authorize staff to begin discussions with other developers on January 1, 1998, regarding development of the King and Main site. 5. Update/Discussion on Central Business District Visioning A meeting of the Central Business District (CBD)Visioning Group was held on Tuesday, December 15, 1998. The purpose of this meeting was to begin to specifically address the completion of various activities which came about in the visioning retreat held on October 23. There were approximately 12 people attending the meeting on December 15. With these 12 people, staff identified approximately seven specific alactivities which assigned members of the group will pursue over the next couple of months regarding the CBD Plan. These activities included the following: • Gather letters of interest from people interested in completing a market study for the CBD • Identify the criteria for redevelopment sites • Identify commuter rail options criteria for sites,public input • Develop criteria of a beautification plan for the CBD • Further define guidelines for a coordinated bank/HRA funding program for facade improvements • Explore completion of painting a mural on the cinema building wall People assigned to participate in these activities will provide a progress report to Theresa Washburn, the HRA consultant, when she returns for another set of meetings on January 14 and 15, 1999. At this next set of meetings, Theresa will further outline numerous additional activities related to the CBD Plan and assign tasks to CBD participants to accomplish such activities within a certain time frame. Theresa Washburn will return at least one additional time to complete the remainder of her identified scope of services. Attachments • Notes from October 23, 1998, Visioning Retreat Notes from October 23, 1998, CBD Visioning Retreat ttendees: Don Sherper; Tony Darkenwald; Bob Minton; Don Heinzman; Sara Coppock; Renee Sande; Mark Pederson; Michael Chambers; Joseph Schuster; Margo Foster; Bud Houlton; Michelle Masica; Judith Sass-Gesch; Kurt Kragness; Pat Dwyer; Charlie Blesener; Ron Black; Duane Kropuenske; Shelle Perleberg; Wilma Loebig; John Houlton; Stewart Wilson; Chuck Gilliam; David Flannery; Hank Duitsman; John Weicht; Lee Cairns; Bryan Adams City Staff: Paul Steinman; Steve Wensman; Scott Harlicker; Theresa Washburn, Consultant Identification of CBD, Links to and from CBD, and Potential Redevelopment Areas • Gates - River - Elevator on Highway 10 - School Street • Utilize river better • Want train station in CBD • Breakdown barrier of 10/railroad tracks • Business - Develop as you go (allow market to determine) • Corridors - Pay attention to Main Street (east) • Connecting corridor • CBD needs to be redeveloped • Commuter rail station should be at entrance to town with retail shops • Redevelopment along Highway 10 • Riverfront - build on EDA site - theater/retail/business • Connect riverfront pathways to Main Street • Events in an outdoor riverfront theater • Redevelop north side of Highway 10 • Improve pedestrian access across Highway 10 • Strong corridor - 169 and School Street • Professional area - downtown, specialized retail, bed and breakfast - along riverfront • Art in the Park/Farmers Market • Historic building/Banners • Keep clean - looking nice • Redevelopment along railroad tracks • Removal of"stump art" as you are entering town from the east • Links to the mall/city hall/government center • Redevelopment with housing • Better signage • Uniform plantings/decorating • Utilize river/foot bridge across Highway 10 • CBD - utilize the river/walkways/bikeway • Buildings with big windows • Somehow unify the two districts/light rail • Boys and Girls Club - School - locate in downtown - link • 169 development to link business • Specialty restaurants • Energy efficiency 11, • CBD - downtown and Jackson • Older homes/small offices 111°. • Downtown retain historic character • Greenways linking the areas • Light rail - across tracks/use feed mill for light rail • Bandshell performing arts • Trying to encourage pedestrian traffic and parking on perimeter • CBD - larger area with redevelopment • Whole area will expand - all the way west - houses converted to office use • Train station - near Cretex Manufacturing Plant • No architectural standards • City will need to create area for green space and anything else • Various architectural styles • CBD - School to 169 with redevelopment • River from Babcock to Orono - Ped walkway • Linkage should be evident • Railroad station - not in CBD • Concerts/Farmers Market - greensp ace • Linear forest (soften noise) • Green space on north side of 10 • Suggested standards - show what might be possible • CBD - downtown - night life/music • CBD - mirror existing CBD • Theme - Highway 10 acts as major barrier • Limited redevelopment - tie in with river • Model - Chicago communities with commuter rail • Performing arts facility with high grade space • Design - capitalize on brick structures • Green space - utilize park for green space versus parking • CBD/Morton Avenue/Highway 10 with links on Jackson/Freeport/Gates • Redevelop along Jackson Avenue north • Requires a lot of redevelopment - continue architectural elements in links • Maintain historic character - bricks • Use river - would like to keep EDA site open for river viewing • Bed and Breakfast/Supper Club in CBD • Performing arts theater downtown • More events downtown with restaurants • Big chunk for development - privately owned. • Larger CBD district • Link Elk Park Center with downtown • Keep looking pretty/flowers/garland • Can reach tourist market • City/Utilities Commission to maintain • Two entrances to river/utilize river • Two level historic style building - King and Main (for more retail space) • All brick facades • Art center close to downtown • Better parking - change rules • Unity with businesses working together • • Redevelop portions of the edge areas • Unified theme throughout the city • Connect shopping/school area/south end • Need grocery in CBD - use flowers to soften • Bridge across highway • Need a theme for CBD • Develop riverfront - use existing plan • Visuals - look at what other communities have done • Shops/retail/service - lower level with housing above • CBD - 4th Street/river/Gates • Same links - Jackson - East Main Street • Redevelop everything north side of railroad tracks • River - Marina - Nautical themes i.e. docking, riverboat/river town • Tunnel underneath Highway 10 - look at intersections • Architectural standards should be voluntary • Keep EDA site undeveloped to protect view of river • CBD - Evans/3rd Street/Morton • Access to river - destination - canoes/kayaks • Needs to have attractive appeal - not uniform standards - utilize brick structures • Include condominium style buildings • Critical to redevelop north of the railroad tracks 1111 • Performing arts center at Gates and UPA Drive • CBD - East Main Street to 169 • Performing arts center in former County Market building • Shuttle people back and forth to CBD • Arts center - HRA/School/Arts Group • Would not put it at School Street - support putting arts facility at County Market space • CBD - Morton/Gates/6th Street • Downtown currently not appealing - keep nice piece of entrance land as green space • Opposed to Wal-Mart • Increase retail opportunities in CBD • Redevelopment - housing to retail • Would like the town known for something • Dodge/Elk Park Center/work together • Farmers Market/dock connected to EDA site in CBD/arts center • Tourism • Define downtown up to Lion's Park • Redevelopment Jackson Avenue north to School Street into office • Corridors are important/underpass is possible • Light rail - will people use it? • Define area for commuter rail station • Feeling of downtown - sidewalks to be replaced feel of New England town? • Keep space open to river - viewing area - bridge over 10 on King Avenue • Condominiums above - retail below • • New office - consider retail on main floor • CBD - Jackson/Lion's Park • Redevelopment on edges • Events/beautify areas • Easier walking in CBD • Shuttle service • Utilize the river - open up space • Use Jackson for relocation of businesses • Use closed businesses and empty buildings • Events - holiday displays • Encourage homes off of Main Street • Utilize Lion's Park/with specific events • Bed and Breakfast • Likes idea of extending CBD • Building for performing arts by schools in Lion's Park • Utilize the park more in CBD • Create parking near performing arts • #1 priority is pedestrian access over the railroad track at Highway 10 • Turn former County Market space into roller skating rink • Utilize taxi services • Two downtowns - identify the core and extensions • Core could be distinct - don't allow franchises or chain stores - keep it unique • The more quaint the better • Design ordinances firm - implement unique design • Plans for riverfront pathway project should be implemented • Remind people in other business areas that there is a downtown - links • CBD - larger - Jackson/4th/river • CBD park is underutilized • Arts center/public space near park • Redevelop some of the core area • Design park areas • Emphasize river/entertainment • Fine dining - have a public space • Ambiance for elderly • CBD - Jackson/School Street • Redevelop railroad area • Take downtown out to 169 with architectural scale and facades • Redevelopment - bring commercial adjacent to tracks with elevated building scales • Highway 10 to Main Street - look with treatments • Mixed use housing • Two business districts • Downtown - seasonal events • Riverfront utilized • Need to provide better access to CBD • Retail corridor - discount versus downtown specialized retail • Railroad detail - have to have bridging to access tracks on Highway 10 • Possible funding to change infrastructure in CBD • Business along the river - tourism attraction • Image - emphasize visible areas with good signage and flowers I I le • Show the river off- continue historic theme • Continue historic theme on 169 • Linkages to Lion's Park • Performing arts - near school • Need to utilize all different area for arts • Development - link with Otsego • Public sculptures along Highway 10 • Redevelop all around Main Street • Should all be included with downtown • Arts center on edge of historic downtown • Tree line Jackson Avenue • Give kids a safe way to get to CBD • Adequate event parking • Identify Elk River positively for commuter rail riders • River landing - river boat • Housing which allows for green space • Keep signage nice • Restricted height and design in core area • Grocery store in core area • Sidewalk - replace • CBD - with corridors and visible connections with mixed use businesses • Redevelopment north side of railroad tracks • Commuter rail downtown • Keep visible access to the river • Possible overpass - make a visible connection • Need to determine location of commuter rail station now - this determines what will happen in the future Business Working Group • Chuck Gilliam Renee Sande Don Heinzman Paul Steinman 1. Definition of fine dining 2. Complete a market study - who, how much 3. Identify commuter rail station priority areas 4. Criteria to identify redevelopment areas Top Ten Businesses/Services 1. Fine dining/banquet facilities with river view 2. Arts center 3. Grocery store/deli/general store 4. Book store/Coffee shop 5. Micro brewery/restaurant 6. Community Center 7. Specialty retail S. Canoe outfitter/sports related to river 9. Medical Clinic (expanded) . 10. Bed and Breakfast 11. Night Life Public Improvement Working Group • Judy Sass-Gesch Duane Kropuenske Ron Black Bob Minton Stewart Wilson Bryan Adams Scott Harlicker Steve Wensman Mike Chambers Joe Schuster 1. Compile old CBD plans 2. Pull out the best parts of each plan 3. Identify small plans easily accomplished/implemented 4. Identify core area as redevelopment district 5. Commuter rail location tied to overpass/underpass 6. Identify pedestrian and bike corridors 7. Public input key to plan adoption 8. Need a beautification plan Top Ten Physical Design Projects 1. Create a beautification plan for CBD 2. Decide on design theme 321.. . Design to utilize river Highway 10 underpass/overpass for vehicles and pedestrians Commuter rail station 6. Create better parking 7. Safer pedestrian/bike/walkways 8. Move toward building an art center in CBD Private Improvement Working Group Lee Cairns Pat Dwyer Sarah Coppock Shelle Perleberg 1. Design theme • How to pick a theme? • Pull businesses and property owners together • Provide historical records • Go back to original look • Provide recognition with plaques • How to encourage owners to participate - low interest financing • Landscape themes • Holiday decorations - who will do? 2. River plan • • Complete in phases - downtown area first • Theater • Bike path Activities/Events Working Group 110 Wilma Loebig Tony Darkenwald Bud Houlton Kurt Kragness Mark Pederson Michelle Masica Don Sherper • 1. Publicity 2. Construct two community bulletin boards 3. Involve families to stay in area 4. Combine river events - rock skipping 5. Continuity between downtown and Handke Stadium 6. Walking tour 7. Involve the School 8. Trade from CBD to Handke 9. Provide transportation 10. Work with Kelley Farm 11. Involve Otsego 12. Art Soup - Combine with Art Fair held by the river 13. Block off downtown area - provide shuttles 14. Concert combined with block party 15. Use EDA site in CBD 16. Holiday decorations - outline buildings trees with lights 1,7. Parade 8. Snow sculpture in downtown Top Ten Events 1. Heritage Festival 2. Art Soup/Arts Festival 3. Winter outdoor event - ski/carnival/dog sled race 4. Farmers Market 5. Decorate downtown for holidays 6. Concert in the Park - Lions or EDA site 7. Parade 8. Event on the river 9. Craft fair 10. Downtown block party III Organizations to be Involved in Process HRA 22 votes 2. Downtown Business/Property Owners 14 votes 40 3. School District 12 votes 4. Chamber of Commerce 12 votes 5. Arts Advocates 11 votes 6. Rivers Edge Development Corporation 11 votes 7. State of Minnesota 9 votes 8. Federal Government 7 votes All service clubs 5 votes EDA 3 votes DOT/State 3 votes Banks 2 votes Landscape Consultant 2 votes City Officials 2 votes Citizens of Elk River 1 vote Newspaper 1 vote Youth Groups 1 vote Historical Society 1 vote Foundations 1 vote Burlington Northern/Sante Fe RR 1 vote Planning Commission 1 vote • Energy City 1 vote Evening Visioning Reunion "'Brief Review of the Visioning Day ■ Map Drawing ■ Defining the who, what and where ■ Top 10 list Break up into groups ( if people really want to change the can) ■ Define one or two projects that can be started in the next two months. ■ Focus on the issues of who will do them, when they will be done, and the details of how they will be done. Exarnple(this is not reality): Let's say the events group chooses "Construct Community Bulletin Boards" Define who is involved? ■ The group chooses from the list ...City and Rivers Edge Define what they will do? ■ City will insure that the design firm presents some interesting and reasonably priced Community Bulletin Boards or Community Kiosks ■ Rivers Edge Group defines were they are going to place the Bulletin boards, how they will publicize there existence and what will be allowed to be posted. ■ Once cost is established, Rivers Edge will take charge of raising money and/or approaching favhcity for funding. en will this be done? ■ River's Edge will work up guidelines and rules by January 15, 1999 ■ City will have designers present design ideas by March 15, 1999 ■ Bulletin Boards up by May 15, 1999 Get definite on the who, what, where and when of 3 projects. This will assist us when we do the workplan sessions. Also, the groups may want to add or subtract from the projects on their list. That is fine • Establish the workplan session schedule 1110. Four individual group sessions ■ One meeting with City officials and employees ■ One final all group presentation Thursday, January 14, 1999 Morning Session 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. Lunch Session 11:30 — 2:00 p.m. Meeting with City 2:30 — 4:30 p.m. Evening Session 5:30 — 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 15, 1999 Compilation of sessions 8:30-10:30 a.m. or time for morning session if needed Presentation of workplan 11:30-1:00 p.m. Meeting with city employees 1:30 — 3:00 p.m. to review workplan and prepare for upcoming visit I s:eda/hra/cbdfoll