MINUTES URBAN DESIGN REVIEW BOARD Date: Tuesday, May 16, 2017 Location: Members present: Members absent: Staff present: Guests: City Council Chambers Scott, Naura Heiman-Godar, Tim Hielkema, Colleen MacRae, Carey Nagle, Dennis Reynolds, and Stephanie Weisenbach Catherine Dietz-Kilen, Amanda Nagle, and Tim Rypma Rita Conner, Naomi Hamlett, Ryan Moffatt, and Erin Olson-Douglas OED; Roger Brown Legal, Pam Cooksey, Steve Naber, and Ben Cole - Engineering Todd Garner Substance Architecture; Kevin Waggner Shuck Britson; Larry Spellerburg Calhoun Burns; Stan Stallsmith HR Green; Scott OPN Architects; Justin Doyle and James Spiller Blackbird Investments A. Call to Order: meeting called to order at 7:32am. B. Approval of Minutes of April 25, 2017 Motion: approve as presented By: MacRae Second: Reynolds C. mination of a member of the Urban Design Review Board to serve on the Skywalk Committee for a term commencing June 30, 2016. Item will be delayed to another meeting date. members present were able or interested in serving. D. Review and Recommendation on Preliminary Design of Locust Street Bridge Construction and Court Avenue, Scott Avenue, and SW 1 st Street Bridge Rehabilitation Locust Street Bridge: Erin Olson-Douglas gave overview of downtown bridge overhaul, history of TIGER grant, referenced that each of the 4 bridges to have preliminary design reviews will be voted on separately. Locust Street Bridge will be replaced, which has been determined to be the most economical solution. Bridge will mimic the design of the Grand Avenue Bridge, but the lane configuration, width and length is different. The bridge will still have decorative scalloped fascia, same railing system, lights will be the upgraded downtown Mid-American standard consisting of LED lights with a painted black pole. Pedestrian lights are to be incorporated into the railing system. Todd Garner, Substance Architecture, discussed the specific lane configuration as designed and indicated that a major difference from the Grand Avenue Bridge will be the use of a bike sharrow rather than a dedicated bike line. The buttresses of both the Grand Avenue and Locust Street bridges will be aligned intentionally for symmetry and maximization of the view of the river. Backlight LED light strips will illuminate the scalloped panels at night, and will be readily accessible from the bridge deck for maintenance crews needing to work on the lights. A Wyoming Barrier is the type of safety railing system to be incorporated into the bridge.
-- Page 2 -- Mr. Garner stated that the development team are still working through the details of the curbing type to be used on the bridge, and will attempt to learn much from the Grand Avenue Bridge that is well under construction. Kevin Waggner indicated the lights are not planned to be on a dimmable system currently. The lights will be lineal and integral to the bridge, so flooding events still pose a risk, but the proposed design would minimize this risk. The cover plate system of the lighting provides for easy maintenance. The west trail segment will have lighting installed. The fasteners on the scalloped metal panels will be concealed, and the reply from the design team was that they would be concealed from side view. Pam Cooksey discussed the limitations of changing the width of the bridge due to existing openings in the levee. She shared that the plans on the Grand Avenue Bridge will provide a protected bike lane, which will tie into the planned East Grand Avenue lane improvement pilot project. The existing width of Locust Street would not allow for this kind of flexibility and there are no immediate plans for a lane striping reconfiguration on Locust Street to accommodate bicycles; Grand Ave will provide bike connections for this area of downtown. The timeline for the East Grand improvements to be installed is September 2017, prior to the bridge reopening. Mr. Waggner stated that there is currently no special treatment planned for the underside of the bridge that would conceal the structural elements. Encourage consideration of the lane configurations on the bridge deck and the width of the vehicle lanes and parking being reduced to have 11 travel lanes and 8 parallel parking lanes. Provide additional details on the sidewalk sections/curbing on the bridge. Provide more details about how the scalloped panels will connect to the bridge, particularly once they are installed on the Grand Avenue Bridge. Provide more details on LED lighting of bridge fascia and pedestrian lights in railing, once available. Consider seating and trash receptacles to be placed on all bridges under the scope of this project. Interested in additional detail on the abutments at final review Motion: approve staff recommendation with forwarded. By: Reynolds Second: Heiman-Godar SW 1 st Street Bridge Erin Olson-Douglas presented the history of the bridge and indicated that the conversion of this former vehicular bridge to a multi-use trail bridge occurred in 2006. The scope of the work is a structural bridge rehabilitation, and the project has the lowest budget of the bridges under consideration. The existing raised walkway with lower roadbed will also be removed to create flush continuous surface. A B-cycle kiosk is proposed to be located at the southern approach to the bridge. Parks and Recreation will continue to study the design and funding opportunities to connect a missing riverfront trail segment on the north side of the bridge. Tim Monson gave an overview of the structural rehab elements and mentioned that the development team will continue to look at keeping the planters in some format, but will need to further study the scope of spalling deterioration and whether the current planters are integral to the bridge deck, which will be removed and replaced. Tim Monson explained the damage directly underneath the planters that is known from the early evaluation work, and that they may attempt to reuse or rebuild the planters to improve drainage conditions.
-- Page 3 -- Tim Monson mentioned that current plans do not have any distinction between pedestrians and bikes. Feels that reuse of existing or replacement planters should be looked at, as this helps create a more pedestrian feel to the bridge and helps with the transition from trail to bridge. Would like to see the use of lane striping, pavement treatment or colored pavers to demarcate the pedestrian walking path from the bicycle path. Appreciate the simple solution of the multi-use platform; it has the expression of a pedestrian plaza. There needs to be careful examination, study and improvement of the transitions of the bridge to adjoining recreational trails. Better maintenance of the transition areas needs to happen with this project, such as potholes filled and pavement conditions improved. Continue coordination with Parks and Recreation to fill in the missing trail segment on the north side of the bridge. Are there other enhancements that could be made to differentiate this as a pedestrian bridge, rather than simply a former vehicle bridge. Its role as a multi-use bridge should be celebrated A site plan is needed to identify transitions and BCycle location Motion: approve preliminary design as presented noting By: Hielkema Second: Scott Avenue Bridge Erin Olson-Douglas gave brief overview of improvements of this bridge rehabilitation project and asked for the Board s consideration of several staff recommendations. Larry Spellerburg gave information on the additional scope of improvements necessary to improve the structural condition of the bridge, and discussed the retention of the bike lane on the bridge, new lighting system, safety barriers and rails, and replacement of approach and deck paving are all proposed improvements. Larry Spellerburg mentioned that the width of the bridge deck certainly accommodate a bike lane. Ben Cole indicated he is in discussions with the Traffic and Transportation Division on the inclusion of improved bicycle facilities and thought the upcoming Connect Downtown Transportation Master Plan would also address this bridge. Larry Spellerburg indicated that a new bridge was one solution evaluated, but the cost benefit analysis to perform rehabilitation work that could extend the life of the bridge by 30-40 years was a much more cost effective solution than bridge replacement. Provide additional details of how railing can better integrate with the architecture of the bridge, including a more rectilinear design of both the bridge railing and pedestrian barrier safety railing, which could mimic the design of the existing railing. Both of which should be black in color for added aesthetic effect. Be sure that any new lighting provided be sensitive to nearby eagle roosting populations. Current guardrail is an original type of design, and what is proposed does not match the quality of appearance of the aluminum railing installed in the 1970 s overhaul of the bridge. Suggested reusing the existing aluminum railing or looking at original photos of the bridge to see if the new railing can take design cues, or inspiration from the original design. Would like to see section details of railing system so that the Board can provide better feedback
-- Page 4 -- during the final design review. Suggest replacement of galvanized light pole with black painted poles. Work with Parks and Recreation to provide a more defined bike lane on the west side of the bridge. Request that some examination of continuous rehabilitation of bridges every 25 years may outweigh the fiscal responsibility of new bridge replacement. Motion: approve preliminary design review subject to evaluation of improved bike lane, upgrading street lights with black poles, and more information on the railing design with Board comments taken into consideration. By: Reynold Second: Weisenbach Court Avenue Bridge Scott recused himself. Erin Olson-Douglas discussed the scope of work to this historic bridge rehabilitation project, which includes replacement of the existing baluster railing, structural improvements to the bridge, and architectural rehabilitation of decorative historical elements, new sidewalks and deck, and replacement of historic period street lights. Stan Stallsmith mentioned that the design team is working on how to light the deck and roadway to meet more current lighting standards that the existing fixtures have done a deficient job of doing. Most railing is in poor shape and most cost effective measure is to replace with a material other than limestone for durabilitysake. The existing limestone balustrade was installed in the 1980 s and has already been degraded. Additionally, replacement limestone will likely not match the color of the bridge, even after cleaning. Options include a precast concrete option with sealer, a cast stone option, or a mix of cast stone capped with granite to assist with how long the material will last. Pre-cast options require periodic sealant to be installed, which can be a maintenance issue. The sidewalk width of the bridge will be thicker after rehab, to allow bridge inspection vehicles access where it currently doesn t exist. LED lights are proposed to downlight the bridge fascia, and the design intent is to replace current obsolete light poles in poor repair with a new and improved version. Current globe lights aren t dark sky friendly, and are high pressure sodium lights that are hard to maintain, can burn hot enough to discolor the globes, and are susceptible to vandalism. May need to add additional light poles to provide better light levels. There are no shared use bike lanes on either side of the bridge, as the lane configuration of Court Avenue on either side of the bridge has not been planned for this. Scott (consultant role), said the design team is looking at cost considerations of railing options, including the more durable option of granite caps. Mr. stated he is not personally comfortable with the stained pre-cast option. Also mentioned that whatever choice is made, the balustrades should not be required to be removed for future bridge deck repairs or replacements. Erin Olson-Douglas also stated that staff would like to work with the Engineering Department to ensure that a north-south pedestrian safety is addressed at the east end of the bridge, similar to what exists on the west side of the bridge. Consultants thought that the bridge width exists to make this a feasible option, and will continue to work with the Traffic and Transportation Division to see about increasing the size of the east bumpout. Suggest keeping high performance street lights separate from the historic lights don t just stick an arm onto historic fixtures to accomplish both lighting standards. Make sure that historic lights marry
-- Page 5 -- well with any contemporary lights, and examine if fixtures can go taller than the current 12 ft. fixtures to try to better achieve current lighting standards with a historic appearing fixture. It should be desired to keep the majority of the globe lights out of reach to reduce potential vandalism, however, the historic lights on the corners of the bridge should remain in place. Open to looking at a combination type light fixture rather than introducing more fixtures to have to maintain. Also, alignment with the architecture of the bridge should still be strived for, rather than placing additional fixtures where it may not be architecturally appropriate. Suggests not getting too tall with fixtures to start calling attention to them and throwing off the appropriateness with the architectural weight of the bridge. Want to ensure that the lighting of the fascia is tastefully done and highlights the appropriate architectural features of the bridge, doesn t want to see a direct light source Provide more details on the agreed upon solution for the balustrade railing. This option should likely preclude pre-cast concrete as an option. Feel a strong preference to look at bike lane incorporation into the project, Ensure that removal of the limestone railing and balustrades be opened up to the local architectural salvage and historic preservation community. Add a bumpout to the east end of the bridge to provide a safer pedestrian crossing. A consensus of the members present recommended approval of the preliminary design review, subject to seeing additional detail on the railing and lighting systems used during the final design review. All bridges will come back for final approval. E. Review and Recommendation on the Financial Assistance of the Wilkins Building (fka: Younkers) 713 Walnut Street Rita Conner gave an overview and history of the project, and explained staff s evaluation of the change of terms in financial assistance. The net effect to the City in changing from tax abatement on the commercial space to TIF is approximately $440,000. Justin Doyle mentioned that the project is significantly over budget as a result of unforeseen expenses related to fire damage of the structure once work commenced, and balancing the requests of State Historic Preservation Office and National Parks Service s requests to make the heavily damaged former tea room as historically compatible as can be. This request will allow the developer to monetize the value of the TIF agreement, providing additional financing to help offset the project cost gap, and they will forgo previouslygranted residential tax abatement on the retail space and tea room. This approach seems like a win-win Feel that it was good to see the challenges first hand on the Board s tour of the project, and it was apparent that there were some challenges that had to be addressed. Continue to support the project and this request. Feel the project financials clearly show that the tea room restoration had unforeseen challenges that are hard to determine in the aftermath of the fire. A consensus of the Board members present recommended approval of the revised financial assistance terms and modified economic development agreement. F. Review and Recommendation on Revised Design of 701 Walnut (former Younkers Site) Rita Conner gave an overview of design changes made since the Board last saw the project in late 2016. Same intent of the previous design, although a refining of public spaces accessible from street level and skywalk level. James Spiller mentioned that the tower is now taller, with more dwelling units and commercial space on floors 31 and 32 of the tower. Additionally, modifications have resulted in a path from the skywalk to the street level that is 76 lineal feet shorter. The block seating in the pedestrian plaza has been retained to create a seating
-- Page 6 -- entertainment space, and that removal of the previously shown stairway water feature is being removed due to cost and maintenance concerns. The stairs will be at least 8 feet wide where it meets the sidewalk grade. Mr. Spiller also explained the changes to the movie screen, which in conjunction with the projector, is a portable system that can be carted into an external storage area on the building. This allows for more flexibility in the use of the skywalk level pedestrian space, which remains accessible to the public and a path of egress from the building and skywalk system. Suggest the pedestrian plaza space be reconfigured. Feel the trees previously created an airy edge to the plaza, and the new design has them more linear in fashion, which can make a skinny space feel even skinnier. Suggests not making barriers to the walkway into the space, and look at making trees more similar to previous design. Prefer the ribbon expression of the former tower, but admire how the new design that adds weight to the top and calls attention to the top of the tower, rather than the body of the tower. Feel the spirit of the changes seem appropriate, but would like to see more details flushed out with better renderings of the plaza space. A consensus of the members present suggested that an additional informational design review be provided in the future, when the design details of the pedestrian space have been fully flushed out. G. Other Business Upcoming Meetings The next meeting will be May 23, 2017. G. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 10:24am.