HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-07-18 Public hearingNOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will
be held by the City Council of Iowa City, Iowa, at
7:00 p.m. on the 20th day of June, 2017, in Emma
J. Harvat Hall, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa
City, Iowa, or if said meeting is cancelled, at the
next meeting of the City Council thereafter as
posted by the City Clerk; at which hearing the
Council will consider:
1. An ordinance conditionally rezoning
approximately 0.62 acres of land from
Community Commercial (CC -2) Zone to
Riverfront Crossings — West Riverfront
(RFC -WR) zone for property located at
513 S. Riverside Drive (REZ17-00005).
A copy of the proposed ordinance is on file for
public examination in the office of the City Clerk,
City Hail, Iowa City, Iowa. Persons wishing to
make their views known for Council consideration
are encouraged to appear at the above-
mentioned time and place.
JULIE VOPARIL, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
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STAFF REPORT
To: Planning and Zoning Commission Prepared by: Karen Howard
Item: REZ17-00005
Date: May 18, 2017
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Commercial (CC -2) zone to Riverfront Crossings -
Applicant:
513 Riverside, LLC
Purpose:
528 S. Clinton Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Contact:
Charles Graves
Size:
13 Woodcrest Lane NE
Existing Land Use and Zoning:
Iowa City, IA 52240
Surrounding Land Use and Zoning:
319-337-4700
Charlie@cghanson.com
Requested Action:
Rezone 513 South Riverside Drive from Community
Commercial (CC -2) zone to Riverfront Crossings -
West Riverfront (RFC -WR)
Purpose:
Redevelop the property according to the Riverfront
Crossings — West Riverfront standards
Location:
513 S. Riverside Drive
Size:
Approximately 0.6 acres (27,040 square feet)
Existing Land Use and Zoning:
vacant -former convenience store/gas station (CC -2)
Surrounding Land Use and Zoning:
North: undeveloped - University of Iowa (P-2)
South: fast food/take-out restaurants (CC -2)
East: used auto dealership (CC -2) and Iowa River
West: multi -family residential (RM -44)
File Date:
March 30, 2017
45 Day Limitation Period:
May 14, 2017 (waived by applicant)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The applicant, 513 Riverside LLC, has requested a rezoning from Community Commercial (CC -2)
Zone to Riverfront Crossings West Riverfront (RFC -WR) Zone for 0.6 acres at 513 S. Riverside
Drive. This property is currently vacant, but was previously a Kum & Go convenience store and
gas station. Kum & Go vacated and sold the property when they moved the operation to their new
location at the corner of Benton and Riverside Drive. The property is located in the Riverfront
Crossings West Riverfront subdistrict and is directly adjacent to the west campus area of the
University of Iowa and across the street from properties that abut the Iowa River and the Iowa
River Corridor Trail.
In 2016 the City of Iowa City conducted a planning effort to improve conditions along Riverside
Drive for pedestrians and to improve the aesthetics of the corridor to encourage reinvestment and
redevelopment. This planning effort resulted in the South Riverside Drive Streetscape Master
Plan. The first phase of implementation of that plan will include a pedestrian tunnel through the
railroad embankment, full signalization and pedestrian crossing at the Myrtle intersection, and
improved sidewalks, parkway buffer and street trees from the Myrtle Avenue to Benton Street
along the west side of Riverside Drive. Similar to properties that have been rezoned and
developed according to the Riverfront Crossings form -based code along Riverside Drive south of
the Iowa Interstate Railroad embankment, additional right-of-way along the frontage of the subject
property will be needed to achieve this safer and more comfortable pedestrian environment to
support the increase in residential population made possible with the subject rezoning.
The applicant did not hold a Good Neighbor Meeting.
ANALYSIS
Current and proposed zoning: The current CC -2 zoning is intended for major retail commercial
areas that serve a significant segment of the community population. The maximum building height
in the CC -2 Zone is 35 feet. The zone is primarily a commercial zone, but allows upper floor
residential uses by special exception. Minimal parking and building setbacks apply, but parking
may be placed between buildings and the street, which has resulted in the auto -dominated
commercial strip development along Riverside Drive.
The Riverfront Crossings form -based zoning for the West Riverfront subdistrict allows for a broad
mix of commercial and residential uses. Unlike the CC -2 Zone, the Riverfront Crossings code
allows for a variety of building types, residential, commercial and mixed-use. New buildings must
be located close to the street and oriented to Riverside Drive with street -facing entries opening
onto an improved streetscape designed to provide a safe, comfortable and attractive environment
for pedestrians buffered from vehicular traffic on Riverside Drive. Parking must be located behind
or to the side of buildings and screened and buffered from the sidewalk and the street. Residential
density is limited by building height and the amount of parking that can be provided on the site.
The maximum building height in this area of the West Riverfront subdistrict is four stories. An
additional story may be granted through the bonus provisions. An open space requirement of 10
square feet per bedroom is required for properties containing residential uses. Building design
standards apply and will be administered through the staff design review process. If the project
includes residential uses, the affordable housing requirement that applies in Riverfront
Crossings will apply. At this time the owner of the property has not decided whether the
property will be developed with a commercial building or a mixed-use building. Both types of
buildings would be allowed and appropriate in this location according to the Riverfront Crossings
Master Plan.
Comprehensive Plan: The Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan was adopted in
January 2013 as an integral part of the City's Comprehensive Plan. The subject property is
located in the West Riverfront Subdistrict of Riverfront Crossings. One of the primary goals for
this subdistrict is to encourage redevelopment that will help create a more pedestrian -friendly
character along Riverside Drive by enhancing the streetscape and overall aesthetics, tempering
auto -dominated frontages by locating buildings closer to the street with parking behind or to the
side of buildings, and creating a place where people can live close to the Iowa River and to
shopping, restaurants, and other services. The new form -based zoning code for Riverfront
Crossings is intended to help implement that vision and contains standards for building and
parking placement, streetscape improvements, building form and design, and landscaping and
Page 2 of 6
open space requirements. Due to the absence of building and parking placement standards and
few requirements related to building form and design, the current CC -2 zoning will allow the
property will develop in a manner inconsistent with the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan.
One of the most important goals for the West Riverfront subdistrict is to improve the
environment along Riverside Drive to make it safer and more comfortable for pedestrians and
bicyclists. Since the requested rezoning will allow a significant increase in the residential
population in the area, staff recommends as a condition of rezoning, that the applicant dedicate
land along the Riverside Drive frontage of the property to widen the public right-of-way and
close driveways that are inconsistent with the new zoning and the City's access management
standards. Details of these necessary improvements are described in more detail in the traffic
and pedestrian circulation section, below. Closure of noncompliant driveways and the increased
right-of-way will be used to create a wider landscaped buffer between the traffic lanes on
Riverside Drive and the public sidewalk and a safer condition along the sidewalk and at the
intersection for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. This will improve public safety and provide
for a higher quality living environment for residents of the new building and encourage those
residents to walk or bike to area businesses and to other destinations in the community. In
addition, those improvements will provide safer bicycle, pedestrian, and vehicular access to any
new businesses developed on the site and a more attractive frontage condition that will be of
economic benefit to the property owner and the businesses. The City is also moving forward with
plans to create a pedestrian tunnel through the railroad embankment. The proposed tunnel will
allow safe pedestrian movement north along Riverside Drive to the subject property and to the
University campus and Downtown. The applicant has indicated willingness to dedicate the
necessary land for widening the right-of-way along Riverside Drive and to reduce the number of
driveways on the property.
For all the reasons stated above, staff finds that the requested zoning (RFC -WR) is consistent
with the City's Comprehensive Plan and will help to facilitate redevelopment that will comply with
the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan, provided that land along Riverside Drive is dedicated to the
City to allow for improvements to the street corridor necessary to accommodate the increase in
residential density and pedestrian -oriented commercial development allowed by the rezoning.
Compatibility with neighborhood: The proposed rezoning to RFC -WR will allow development
that is compatible with the future goals of the Comprehensive Plan to transform this auto -
dominated area into a more pedestrian -friendly environment with a better mix of residential uses
and neighborhood -serving businesses provided the public space along the street is also
improved to support a more walkable urban neighborhood. The form -based zoning standards
will help ensure that new buildings are compatible with the vision of the Riverfront Crossings
plan and with surrounding residential neighborhoods. Therefore, staff finds that the proposed
rezoning is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood, provided the necessary
improvements are made to the street corridor along Riverside Drive and Myrtle Avenue.
Traffic and pedestrian circulation: The proposed rezoning will allow a considerable increase
in residential density and new pedestrian -oriented commercial and mixed-use buildings. The
subject property fronts on Riverside Drive and Myrtle Avenue. One of the objectives of the
Riverfront Crossings Plan is to create high quality mixed-use neighborhoods with tree -lined
streets and safer conditions that encourage walking and biking. Riverside Drive is a high-
volume, 4 -lane arterial street that is also a State highway. The public right-of-way in this location
is only 63 feet wide. With the wide traffic lanes, higher traffic speeds, excessive number of
driveways and no on -street parking to buffer the pedestrian area, there is not enough space
between the street curb and the front property line of abutting properties to achieve a safe and
Page 3 of 6
comfortable environment for pedestrians. In much of the corridor the limited space does not
leave enough room for any landscape buffer between the sidewalk and the travel lanes along
the street and in some cases not even enough space for a sidewalk. Lack of street trees and an
excessive number of driveways further degrade the pedestrian environment along the corridor.
As mentioned, the City is planning improvements to the corridor to construct a pedestrian tunnel
through the railroad embankment located to the south of the property, extend a new sidewalk
north to the intersection of Myrtle Avenue, and signalize the Myrtle/Riverside Drive intersection
to improve pedestrian, bicycle, and traffic circulation in the area (See preliminary design, below).
As properties are rezoned along Riverside Drive, staff recommends requiring a dedication of
land to improve conditions for pedestrians and to ensure that the streetscape and frontage area
improvements required in the Riverfront Crossings form -based code can be achieved. The
cross-section in the South Riverside Drive Streetscape Master Plan (see below) calls for a
minimum of 20 feet between the street curb and the front property line. This pedestrian area
would include a 6 -foot sidewalk, 8 -foot wide area for street trees, and 6 -foot wide area between
the street curb and the trees for snow storage and utilities.
Page 4 of 6
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The applicant has agreed to enter into a conditional zoning agreement to dedicate land along
the frontage of the subject property to create a right-of-way that achieves the minimum
requirements specified in the streetscape master plan and the improvements necessary for
signalization of the intersection and also to reduce the number and location of driveways to be
consistent with the City's access management standards.
These modifications to the street corridor will improve conditions for future residents and
businesses that live or do business on the subject property. To improve traffic safety, staff
recommends requiring closure of several of the existing driveways in concert with the City's
streetscape project or prior to issuance of a building permit, whichever occurs first. At a
minimum the two driveways closest to the intersection of Myrtle and Riverside should be closed
to bring the site into compliance with the City's access management standards. With regard to
the southernmost driveway on Riverside Drive, depending on the type of building and the uses
proposed, some limited access, such as a right -out may be acceptable to support a ground level
commercial use on this corner. If, however, a 100% residential building is proposed, then
access should be restricted to the westernmost Myrtle Avenue driveway and all access points to
Riverside Drive should be closed. Regardless of the type of project proposed, negotiation of a
shared cross access easement between adjacent properties along this frontage may also
provide good options for safe traffic circulation for all modes of transportation. Further traffic
analysis will need to be conducted at the time a project is proposed to determine whether a
driveway is appropriate on Riverside Drive and, if allowed, its design and location should be in
accordance with the City's access management standards.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of REZ17-00005 a proposal to rezone approximately 0.6 acres of
property at 513 S. Riverside Drive from Community Commercial (CC -2) Zone to Riverfront
Crossings -West Riverfront (RFC -WR) Zone, subject to a conditional zoning agreement requiring
dedication of land along the Riverside Drive frontage to widen the pedestrian area within the
public right-of-way to a minimum of 20 feet measured between the inside of the street curb and
the new front property line, and closure of driveways consistent with the City's access
management standards. These conditions should be satisfied coincident with the City's street
improvement project or prior to issuance of a permit for any improvements to the subject property,
whichever occurs first.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Location Map
Approved by:
Department of Neighborhood and Development Services
Page 6 of 6
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A rezoning application submitted by 513 Riverside, LLC
to rezone property at 513 S. Riverside Drive from
Community Commercial (CC -2) to to
Riverfront Crossings -West Rivefront Subdistrict (RFC -WR)
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Planning and Zoning Commission
May 18, 2017 — Formal Meeting
Page 2 of 6
Theobald asked if a translator will be present at the meeting when this item is discussed.
Hektoen stated she believes the applicant is bringing a translator.
Hensch moved to set a public hearing for June 1, 2017 on an application for a
Comprehensive Plan amendment item CPA17-00005.
Parsons seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0.
REZONING ITEM (REZ17-00005):
Discussion of an application submitted by 513 Riverside, LLC for a rezoning of approximately
.62 -acres from Community Commercial (CC -2) zone to Riverfront Crossings -West Riverfront
(RFC -WR) zone for property located at 513 S. Riverside Drive.
Howard presented the Staff report and stated this property is located at the corner of Riverside
Drive and Myrtle Avenue, which is at the very north edge of the Riverfront Crossings West
Riverfront Zone. The property to the north is owned by The University of Iowa and they have
not indicated their future use of the property. To the west are some high density multi -family
properties and the other properties surrounding the area are zoned Community Commercial
(CC -2). Howard explained that one of the goals of the Riverfront Crossings Plan for this area is
to improve conditions along Riverside Drive for pedestrians and to improve the aesthetics of the
corridor, so when an upzoning to Riverfront Crossings zoning is requested, the City has been
requesting additional property to widen the pedestrian area along street frontages. This
particular property has a poor frontage condition. There is no sidewalk, and very little room
between the travel lanes and the private property to even provide a safe sidewalk to support the
new residential and commercial uses allowed by the proposed rezoning. The current zoning of
Community Commercial (CC -2) is not compatible with the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan as it
allows low -scale commercial development, limited housing above the commercial, and a very
auto -oriented area. Therefore, with additional land to enhance the public area along the street
to make it safe for future residents and customers, the change to Riverfront Crossings Zoning is
the appropriate zoning for the area.
With regards to the compatibility with the neighborhood, rezoning this property will bring the
property closer to compliance with the future vision for the area. Howard stated the largest
issue for this property is to make sure any new development has the kind of pedestrian facilities
necessary to support it. Howard showed images from the Riverfront Crossings Streetscape
Master Plan that was adopted last year. Riverside Drive is a State highway, there is no on -
street parking, and it has higher speeds than a typical residential or commercial street in the
downtown area. It is currently a four -lane arterial street with only about 60 feet of street right-of-
way. The City is planning improvements to the corridor to construct a pedestrian tunnel through
the railroad embankment located to the south of the property, extend a new sidewalk north to
the intersection of Myrtle Avenue, and signalize the Myrtle/Riverside Drive intersection to
improve pedestrian, bicycle, and traffic circulation in the area. Howard stated that as properties
are rezoned along Riverside Drive, staff recommends requiring a dedication of land to improve
conditions for pedestrians and to ensure that the streetscape and frontage area improvements
required in the Riverfront Crossings form -based code can be achieved. The cross-section in the
South Riverside Drive Streetscape Master Plan calls for a minimum of 20 feet between the
street curb and the front property line. This pedestrian area would include a 6 -foot sidewalk, 8-
Planning and Zoning Commission
May 18, 2017—Formal Meeting
Page 3 of 6
foot wide area for street trees, and 6 -foot wide area between the street curb and the trees for
snow storage and utilities.
The applicant has agreed to enter into a conditional zoning agreement to dedicate land along
the frontage of the subject property to create a right-of-way that achieves the minimum
requirements (the 20 feet) specified in the streetscape master plan and the improvements
necessary for signalization of the intersection and also to reduce the number and location of
driveways to be consistent with the City's access management standards. The applicant has
agreed to close the driveways closest to the intersection that don't meet current access
management standards. This should improve safety for pedestrian, bicyclists, and for drivers.
Howard explained that it may also be necessary to close the other driveway on Riverside Drive,
but depending on what the applicant chooses to do with the property (whether it is just
commercial or mixed-use), that a right -out only driveway might work. Howard explained that the
developer doesn't have a concept plan for the property at this time because the applicant is
unsure whether the project will be solely a commercial building or a mixed use building. Since
the form -based zoning standards in the Riverfront Crossings code will ensure that the building is
built in a manner consistent with the goals for the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan and there is
an imminent City project planned to improve conditions along Riverside Drive, In addition, the
developer is supportive and will participate in helping to achieve a safer and more pleasant
environment along the street to support future redevelopment. Therefore, staff is supportive of
the rezoning.
Staff recommends approval of REZ17-00005 a proposal to rezone approximately 0.6 acres of
property at 513 S. Riverside Drive from Community Commercial (CC -2) Zone to Riverfront
Crossings -West Riverfront (RFC -WR) Zone, subject to a conditional zoning agreement requiring
dedication of land along the Riverside Drive frontage to widen the pedestrian area within the
public right-of-way to a minimum of 20 feet measured between the street curb and the new front
property line, and closure of driveways consistent with the City's access management
standards. These conditions should be satisfied coincident with the City's street improvement
project or prior to issuance of a permit for any improvements to the subject property, whichever
occurs first.
Hensch asked if there was an anticipated date or year when the street improvement project will
be complete. Howard stated it is under design currently and is budgeted for 2018. The City is
currently negotiating with the railroad for the pedestrian underpass.
Freerks asked if negotiations are complete with the other property owners to the south closer to
the railroad tracks so that the sidewalk improvements can be completed. Howard is unsure if
what conversations have taken place so far. However both property owners were contacted by
the City during the design of the Streetscape Master Plan.
Hensch asked if this was as far north as the Riverfront Crossings Plan goes. Howard answered
yes as everything to the north is University property.
Signs stated he did have a conversation with the applicant several months ago when they first
bought the property as he was expressing an interest in possibly doing some affordable housing
there and Signs directed him to the appropriate staff to have those conversations.
Freerks opened the public hearing
Planning and Zoning Commission
May 18, 2017 — Formal Meeting
Page 4 of 6
Charlie Graves (13 Woodcrest Lane NE) stated he just closed on the property about three
weeks ago. Kum & Go, the previous owner, was required to make sure it was a clean site as
part of the purchase agreement and the DNR just gave clearance. Graves has been in
conversations with the City and is aware of their planned improvements to the area and until he
knows exactly where his boundaries area and the setbacks required he cannot design a project.
They are imagining a commercial use or multi -use building for the property.
Martin asked if they are also purchasing 517 Riverside Drive or what the overall plan for the
area might be. Graves said there have been preliminary conversations with that property owner
but the owner doesn't wish to sell and the tenant of that property just signed a multi-year long-
term lease extension.
Martin asked then if the entrance/exit to his property then would be on Myrtle Avenue and
Graves confirmed that but said that they are exploring a right out only onto Riverside Drive as
well.
Parsons asked if the right -out only drive would directly abut the neighboring property or would a
buffer be maintained between the properties. Graves noted there are some Department of
Transportation requirements that a driveway be so many feet from a signal, so if there is a drive
they would try to have it as far from the intersection as possible. They would do their best to
maintain the buffer between properties.
Hektoen noted that Riverside Drive is a State Highway so any access points will have to be
approved by the Department of Transportation. Howard stated that additionally the City also
has access management requirements and this will all have to be reviewed once a development
plan is proposed.
Graves added the timing on this project is such that it takes them about six months to a year to
plan a project and get it designed. Therefore, it is imperative that they can get started so they
can work in parallel with the City doing the street improvements.
Freerks asked what the distance for building required would be from the RM -44 that is to the
west. Howard said the setback would be 10 feet from the adjacent property. Freerks asked if
there was any stepping required due to height. Howard stated that the stepping in the West
Riverfront Crossings is required only where a property abuts a single family zone.
Freerks noted her concern about not having a concept plan prior to approving this zoning
change, but acknowledged that approval of the rezoning at this time would be beneficial to
working together to achieve the necessary pedestrian improvements. Graves noted that to
draw up a concept plan and present something to investors they have to be sure the footprint
they are working with is correct, and in this case could not do so without knowing the zoning is
approved and what the setbacks required will be. Freerks understands that for this case, but
cautions that is not something the Commission will necessarily relax on in the future.
Freerks closed the public hearing.
Hensch moved to approve REZ17-00005 subject to the conditional zoning agreement as
outlined in the Staff Report.
Martin seconded the motion.
Planning and Zoning Commission
May 18, 2017—Formal Meeting
Page 5 of 6
Hensch noted he feels it is a great step up to go to a Form -Based Code in this area as the
current layout is extremely dangerous for pedestrians and vehicles. The applicant dedicating
the land for the improvements is much appreciated and needed.
Signs added that the lot has a steep hill behind it and the neighboring properties are much
higher so if a future building is taller on this site, it will not look out of place or be a hindrance.
Several others on the commission noted their agreement that the sloping site will help to
mitigate concern about a taller building on the site.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0.
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: MAY 4, 2017
Hensch moved to approve the meeting minutes of May 4, 2017.
Theobald seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.
PLANNING AND ZONING INFORMATION:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Martin moved to adjourn.
Parsons seconded.
A vote was taken and motion carried 6-0.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON
PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT AND ESTIMATED COST FOR THE
RIVERFRONT CROSSINGS PARK, PHASE 2 PROJECT
IN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA
TO ALL TAXPAYERS OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA, AND TO OTHER
INTERESTED PERSONS:
Public notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, will con-
duct a public hearing on plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the
construction of the RIVERFRONT CROSSINGS PARK, PHASE 2 Project in said city at
7:00 p.m. on the 18'5day of July. 2017, said meeting to be held in the Emma J. Harvat Hall
in the City Hall, 410 E. Washington Street in said city, or if said meeting is cancelled, at the
next meeting of the City Council thereafter as posted by the City Clerk.
This project includes site improvements for a nature play area within the currently
under -construction Riverfront Crossing Park, park located at site at 1001 Clinton
Street, Iowa City, Iowa. Scope of work includes installation of prefabricated play
equipment; custom features utilizing salvaged material from a deconstructed railroad
bridge and salvaged architectural stone arches; sidewalk installation; flagstone patio;
seeding; planting; and other related site construction as indicated in the Plan
Documents.
Said plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost are now on file in the office
of the City Clerk in the City Hall in Iowa City, Iowa, and may be inspected by any interested
persons.
Any interested persons may appear at said meeting of the City Council for the purpose of
making objections to and comments concerning said plans, specifications, contract or the
cost of making said improvement.
This notice is given by order of the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa and as
provided by law.
JULIE VOPARIL, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
PH -1
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CITY OF IOWA CIT 07.18-17
COUNCIL ACTION REPO . 6
June 20, 2017
Resolution setting a public hearing on July 18, 2017 on plans,
specifications, form of contract, and estimate of cost for the construction of
the Riverfront Crossings Park, Phase 2 Project, directing City Clerk to
publish notice of said hearing, and directing the city engineer to place said
plans on file for public inspection
Prepared By: Jul! Seydell Johnson - Parks & Recreation Director
Reviewed By: Ben Clark - Senior Civil Engineer
Jason Havel - City Engineer, Ron Knoche - Public Works Director
Geoff Fruin - City Manager, Dennis Bockenstedt - Finance Director
Fiscal Impact: The estimated cost for this project is $385,000 and will be funded with a
Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant and GO Bonds.
Recommendations: Staff: Approval
Commission: Park Commission reviewed project and recommended
approval on December 14, 2016
Attachments: Resolution, Nature Play Area Plan and Renderings
Executive Summary:
This agenda item begins the bidding process for the Riverfront Crossings, Phase 2 Project.
Phase 2 is the Nature Play Area.
Background / Analysis:
Riverfront Crossings Park, is located at the site of the City's decommissioned North Wastewater
Treatment Plant. In an effort to move critical infrastructure facilities out of the floodplain after
the major flood event in 2008, the City secured funding through the Iowa Flood Mitigation
Program to decommission and demolish the City's North Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
and convert the area into a new riverfront park. The approximately 25 acre park site is located
on the banks of the Iowa River. The City -owned portion of the site (approximately 17 acres) has
been cleared of the wastewater treatment plant in preparation for future park development.
The goal of the Riverfront Crossings Park is to transform the riverside area into a new flood
resilient park that includes walkable/bikeable connections from urban areas to the river and
enhance Ralston Creek to become a community asset. Phase 1 included creation of a 5 acre
wetland, undergrounding of overhead power lines, grading of the site in preparation for future
park amenities, construction of trails in the park including a new connection to Gilbert Street
along Highway 6, a bridge crossing of Ralston Creek at 2nd Street, and a north entrance and
parking area. A contract for construction of Phase 1 was awarded to PCI on June 6, 2017.
Phase 2 is a Nature Play Area, including the following play areas:
2-5 Year Old Play Area - Log slide, sand play and climbing features.
Explorer Path — Obstacle course for children made from logs, boulders and other
constructed obstacles.
0 Creek Access Patio and Stream Feature —Area for interaction and play with water.
Design includes Artful Rainwater Design to capture water for interaction.
• Tumble Mound and Tunnel — Sculpted earth hill with tunnel through middle.
• 5+ Year Old Play Area — Climbing, exploring and additional sand play for older children
Zip -Line Area — Dual zip line allowing individuals with limited mobility to also experience
the playground zip line. Parent-child swings and a Tee Pee structure are also in this
area.
The arches from Sabin Elementary School were salvaged when the building was demolished.
These arches will be used in the playground area as a horizontal landscape/climbing feature,
as well as parts of the railroad bridge being removed from Ralston Creek.
Much of the nature play area will feature access and experiences which allow families with a
wide range of mobility and cognitive abilities to play together. An accessible path flows through
the play spaces and will connect the playground to the parking area.
Project Timeline:
Set Public Hearing —June 20, 2017
Hold Public Hearing — July 18, 2017
Bid Letting —August 8, 2017
Award Date —August 15 2017
Construction Start — September, 2017
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Riverfront Crossings Park
Phase 1 Development
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON
PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF
CONTRACT AND ESTIMATED COST
FOR ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION
CENTER REMODELING PROJECT
2017 IN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY,
IOWA
TO ALL TAXPAYERS OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY, IOWA, AND TO OTHER INTERESTED
PERSONS:
Public notice is hereby given that the City
Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, will conduct
a public hearing on plans, specifications, form of
contract and estimated cost for the construction of
the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center Remodeling
Project 2017 in said City at 7 p.m. on the 18th day
of July, 2017, said meeting to be held in the
Emma J. Harvat Hall in City Hall in said City, or if
said meeting is cancelled, at the next meeting of
the City Council thereafter as posted by the City
Clerk.
Said plans, specifications, form of contract and
estimated cost are now on file in the office of the
City Clerk in City Hall in Iowa City, Iowa, and may
be inspected by any interested persons.
Any interested persons may appear at said
meeting of the City Council for the purpose of
making objections to and comments concerning
said plans, specifications, contract or the cost of
making said improvement.
This notice is given by order of the City Coun-
cil of the City of Iowa City, Iowa and as provided
by law.
KELLIE K. FRUEHLING, CITY CLERK
S..R CKmvmv Bw ,tr m Fetl .Mma0.n ,ofetlaWnbal Al Rev C .
RwroftM Pmf W Wl1T Ft m W dwme2sNp1, b RCOERT A LEE R CREIMN
CENIFR REMODE GPROJEC =11b 0718=7.oc
06/17
NPH -1
CITY OF IOWA CIT
COUNCIL ACTION REPOR
June 20, 2017
Resolution setting a public hearing on July 18, 2017 on plans, specifications,
form of contract, and estimate of cost for the construction of the Robert A.
Lee Recreation Center Remodeling 2017 Project, directing City Clerk to
publish notice of said hearing, and directing the City Engineer to place said
plans on file for public inspection
Prepared By:
Juli Seydell Johnson — Parks & Recreation Director
Reviewed By:
Brett Zimmerman — Civil Engineer
Jason Havel — City Engineer
Ron Knoche — Public Works Director
Dennis Bockenstedt— Finance Director
Ashley Monroe — Assistant City Manager
Fiscal Impact:
The estimated cost for this project is $168,826.00 and will be funded by
GO Bond proceeds, available in CIP Projects R4336 and R4330
Recommendations:
Staff: Approval
Commission: Park Commission reviewed project and recommended
approval on June 14, 2017
Attachments:
Resolution, Lower Level Restroom and Upper Level Office Photos and
Floor Plans
Executive Summary:
This agenda item begins the bidding process for the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center
Remodeling 2017 Project. This project includes renovations to make lower level restrooms and
stairs ADA compliant along with minor renovations to the upper level administrative office area.
Background / Analysis:
The Robert A. Lee Recreation Center (RALRC) was constructed in 1983. A review of the facility
in 2010 identified several areas of the facility, including rest rooms, which were not accessible to
persons with disabilities. This project renovates the two lower level lobby restrooms into two
accessible, single occupancy restrooms with entrance directly adjacent to the gym entrance and
creates a lactation room. These changes eliminate the staff office located adjacent to the gym,
necessitating a minor remodel to the administrative office area to accommodate an additional
office upstairs. The stair railing and stair treads will be replaced, as the railings do not meet
ADA standards.
Project Timeline:
Set Public Hearing — June 20, 2017
Hold Public Hearing — July 18, 2017
Bid Letting —August 8, 2017
Award Date — August 15 2017
Construction Start — September, 2017
Substantial Completion — December 22, 2017
Existinp, Conditions— Robert A Lee Recreation Center
Stair Railing; and (read Replacement
Lower Level Restrooms — Entrance to move to front lobby.
Staff Office Off Gym (Becomes part of rest rooms.)
Admin Office — Area to be replaced with 2 work stations.
Lower Level Restrooms
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