Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-06-15 Work Session minutesDublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 6, 2015 Minutes of Meeting Vice Mayor Gerber called the Monday, April 6, 2015 Study Session of Dublin City Council to order at 6:30 p.m. at the Dublin Municipal Building. Members present were: Vice Mayor Gerber, Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, Mr. Lecklider, Mr. Peterson, Ms. Salay and Mr. Reiner. Mayor Keenan was absent (excused). Staff members present were Mr. McDaniel, Mr. Foegler, Ms. Crandall, Ms. Mumma, Ms. O'Callaghan, Ms. Readier, Ms. Puskarcik, Mr. Langworthy, Mr. Gunderman, Ms. Husak, and Ms. Ray. Also present were: Greg Daniels, Squires Patton Boggs Duncan Webb, Webb Business Services Joelle Angel-Chumbley and Kelly Kolar of Kolar Design Nelson Yoder, Matthew Starr and Brent Crawford of Crawford Hoying. • Performing/Cultural Arts Facilities Needs Assessment — Webb Management Services Ms. Crandall stated that this is a two-part study. This is the first part, the market analysis; the second part will be the business plan, or the operational, financial feasibility of the facility. Staff plans to proceed with the second part of the study, unless Council gives direction otherwise this evening. Ms. Crandall noted that in the audience tonight are some individuals with strong interest in this presentation: from Ohio University -- Peg Kennedy Dygas, Dean of the College of Fine Arts, and Rachel Cornish, Director of External Relations; from Dublin Dance Centre — Teresa Crye, Kate Cosgrove, and Stacy Kutza. Also present is Dave Guion, Executive Director of Dublin Arts Center. The Arts Council has been involved with this project as well as participating in a working group looking at a summer theater program and the future possibility of a professional theater program. Duncan Webb, Webb Business Services, stated that he is a management consultant to people who build, renovate and operate theaters. They work for cities, developers, schools and arts organizations around the country in completing facilities assessments. They write feasibility studies, business plans and strategic plans. They have done work in this region over the years. This is project 341. Their staff has extensive business training — he has a degree in Economics and an MBA -- and they have all worked professionally in the Arts. He has worked as an actor, producer and presenter. That is important because they can work with artists and art organizations, and understand their creative aspirations, and also discuss the fiscal realities associated with projects like this. The first half of their study was first to investigate the need for a new performing arts facilities, and then to consider the potential opportunity to partner with the University on a summer home for their theater program, and eventually, the creation of a new regional professional producing theater company based in Dublin. The four key issues in looking at the case for new facilities are: Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 6, 2015 Page 2 of 13 1. Is there an audience here, and what do they like/want, and is there a propensity in the market to increase that audience? 2. What is the level, nature and demand on the part of users — who are the artists, art organizations, educational and touring programs that need and want more than what they currently have? 3. What is the current supply of facilities serving the market, and are there gaps that could be filled with a new facility? (The above relates to the evaluation of audience demand and user demand vs supply.) 4. Where is the community going and how does this project help the community get there? What would it do for economic development, cultural tourism, creating new educational opportunities, and improving the City's ability to attract the kinds of businesses it wants to locate in Dublin? These issues change a supply and demand question to a community investment decision. Is this a wise way for you to invest your community's resources to achieve the vision that you have for the future of Dublin? The work that has been done so far will lead them to some recommendations. City staff was very helpful initially in putting together a roster of everyone they should talk to, focusing on those four issues. There was a good representation of the Arts community and from other constituencies within the City who care about those broader issues in the future of Dublin. Audience Demand: Within the broader forces and trends in the world of Performing Arts, there are some significant challenges today. Audiences for the traditional performing arts are declining. Students are not getting the same exposure in schools as they once did, and there is so much competition now and better access to different kinds of entertainment opportunities. There is a need to define the market area — how far will audiences travel to and from Dublin. There is an interest within a 15 to 30 mile radius. Dublin itself is a midsize but rapidly growing, with a projected population of 50,000 by year 2020. In regard to demographic characteristics, the most important one in their analysis is the level of educational attainment. How far an individual advances in school tends to be the predictor of the likelihood that he/she will participate in arts programs. Within the 15-30 mile radius of Dublin, there are extremely high levels of educational attainment, and Dublin itself is almost "off the map" in terms of educational attainment. Also important is the fact that there are high levels of household income locally. In age distribution, Dublin itself has a high concentration of ages 45-54, but also of children. So there is a programming challenge here — to program for both age groups. There is some racial diversity within the community. It has a significant Asian population locally but also a significant African American population within the 15-30 mile range. Anecdotally, they hear that 60 different languages are spoken within Dublin City Schools. Their interest is primarily in the resident population, but also in visiting audiences. Dublin already has 2.6 million visitors, most of whom are connected to the corporations located within the community. Most of the visitors are from the regional area. The challenge for them is the lack of convention and meeting space, which is relevant to their work. A 2011 survey regarding brand effect suggested that some people visit for events and attractions, but not many go to performances. They are much more likely to participate in less formal community festivals, fairs, etc. Some respondents did indicate that they would be much more likely to visit with the presence of more cultural and arts events, so there is some potential within that segment. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 6, 2015 Page 3 of 13 They concluded that the local market is small but strong; the regional market is significant in size and has a strong propensity; the tourist market is very significant in terms of size and has the demographic characteristics to make it attractive. Anecdotally, regional arts groups report that northern Columbus, including Dublin, represents a significant market opportunity. There are significant market segments within the local and regional population -- the Asian population for programs specifically for them, families for family programming, middle -age, empty nesters and tourists for varieties of offerings. User Demand: Dublin is fortunate to have the Dublin Arts Council, which delivers a very strong visual arts and public arts program. In their interviewing, it was suggested to them that there are some significant gaps in programming, that there is a desire for more theater, music, dance, opera, camps and family programming. There is a general sense that the Abbey Theater is under-utilized, although they don't believe most people realize the limitations technically and calendar -wise that space has. They conducted a significant inventory of all the facilities in and around Dublin, including a large group of 67 buildings, eight of which are in Dublin. The Abbey is the only true community performance facility, but it has some significant technical limitations. There is a small amount of producing within less formal facilities, and there are very little presentations occurring in Dublin because there aren't the facilities to support that. The local facilities are generally well equipped, but there is very limited availability for outside groups. As depicted on the graphs, they rated the 67 spaces on the basis of eight attributes — acoustics, theatrical functionality, amenities for audiences, backstage amenities, staff skill, suitability for various events and seating capacity of the venue. Dublin has moderate quality facilities with a big gap in the 200-500 seat range. There are some better facilities with larger capacities. However, within the region there are very good facilities at most capacity ranges, and it is important that Dublin not compete with the larger Columbus regional facilities. Dublin needs to develop facilities that can compete successfully in and for Dublin. Their conclusions are Dublin lacks local facilities for active participation. Except for the Abbey Theater, there are only re -purposed school and church venues and few with high availability. There are a couple of good examples of suburban venues within the region, including those in Worthington and New Albany. There are some precedents for regional buildings that are able to compete successfully against the larger capacity Columbus facilities. Ms. Salay inquired how large are the facilities in Worthington and New Albany. Mr. Webb responded that their capacities are between 500 and 1,000. Their assessment includes information on the needs of the various arts groups and school programs. It is not one discipline or group. There is a significant demand for capacity within the 300-500 seat range for different groups and types of programs, and a smaller demand in the 900 -seat range or for a smaller facility. Key Potential Partners The University of Ohio is very important, as they have expressed the desire to initially develop the summer professional theater program. Dublin Recs and Parks is key for developing programs in addition to the Abbey Theater. Dublin City School is very interested in having access to higher quality facilities for their students. Some presenting organizations, such as the Asian Festival, want to have more active programs in and for Dublin, as well as the regional professional producing theater — professionals that create quality art within that venue. They looked at whether there is a market opportunity for an organization like that based in Dublin to serve a larger market area. Within the area, there are two producing professional theater organizations, but they do see the Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 6, 2015 Page 4 of 13 opportunity to add one with a university partnership. They compared the professional producing theater in the Columbus region with three other markets of similar size and educational attainments — Indianapolis, Cleveland and Austin. They looked at the number of estimated annual professional theater seats sold per capita. In this area, there is .01 estimated annual theater seats sold per capita; .06 in Cleveland; .09 in Austin, and 1.9 in Indianapolis, so they see a significant market opportunity here. Dublin is doing good planning in Dublin and a recent update to the Community Plan added public art as a key element of Dublin's character. Other priorities expressed in their interviews were that it is important to build and retain a younger workforce, and these types of amenities are very important as Dublin continues to build on a strong base of corporations and businesses. They believe that there is strong case to develop a new arts facility here: • The market is strong; • There are gaps in the existing inventory of facilities; • There are programming opportunities to complement what already exists here; • There are some very strong potential partners with the ability to develop quality programming; • There is a local user demand; • New facilities would support City goals and priorities and provide positive economic impacts to the community. Recommendations: #1 - A New Community Arts Center with Support Facilities • A new 400+ seat performance space with flexibility -- a convertible space, not fixed theater seating, to be able to accommodate a flat floor event and, ideally, have a fly tower. • An additional multipurpose space for rehearsals, which could also be used as a secondary smaller performance space. • Larger public spaces with significant food and beverage capabilities. • Classrooms and other program space. Benefits: • Helps with the beginning of the University's plan to develop the summer professional arts program. • Complements the Abbey Theater; allows certain performances to be held in a larger, more professional facility. • Responds to the demand of local groups. • Would complement the proposed banquet conference center due to its proximity. Examples: • The new $47 million Theater for New Audiences in Brooklyn. • The new 25,000 square foot, 300 -seat flexible theater with additional support spaces for a producing theater company in an arts district in Cleveland, at a cost of $7.3 million. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 6, 2015 Page 5 of 13 #2 - A Cultural District • Locating the theater in the Bridge Street District would allow partnering with the developer and other arts organizations to animate that area with the Community Arts Center as the anchor. • Encourages public art and temporary art installations. • Incentivizes art businesses to locate in and around that area. • Builds on the strength of the Dublin Arts Council • Helps to develop a cultural identity and promotes the new Town Center as a destination. Examples: • Lowell, Mass — new cultural district — developed with a combination of visual, literary performing arts; lots of programming; seven annual festivals. • Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, CA -- a model of a pedestrian neighborhood with great outdoor programming, indoor programming with a series of cultural anchors and a series of annual eight district -wide events — big festivals. #3 — Pursue Partnership with the University • Starting out as the Summer Theater Festival, but headed toward the idea of a regional producing professional theater company. • Market has the capacity to support that. • The program and space would create a unique attraction in Dublin. • The project has the potential to contribute to a series of goals Council has set for Dublin in regard to a Town Center development, accommodating a younger workforce, and corporate recruitment. • The University is approaching this in an incremental fashion, beginning with the Summer Theater Festival, and seeing where that might lead in regard to a long- term project. If the University wants to come in with a producing theater venue, it would impact their recommendation, as there are some physical requirements associated with that. There are good models for this type of partnership. Most of them tend to occur on campuses, but there are good examples in St. Petersburg and in Toronto. Considerations: • The interviews were largely positive about the idea, but there are some appropriate questions about sustainability. • The concept is relatively unique, as most producing partnerships occur on campuses. Next steps: Undertake the Business Plan to look at programming, operation and sustainability. We are working in close concert with the University, developers, dance groups, etc. to get everyone aligned and moving forward at the right pace to achieve this project for this community. Council Questions: Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher stated that it seems that the impetus and continuation of this project is the need for a partnership with the Ohio University. Mr. Webb responded that is what initiated the assessment, but now he can certainly suggest that there is demand for facilities that are beyond what the University has expressed. There is Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 6, 2015 Page 6 of 13 justification for a project with or without the University as a partner. A partnership with the University creates a stronger project and allows the City to do more sooner. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher stated that without the University, the City would need a production company. Mr. Webb responded that with the University producing, the facility is a rental house for presenters. It moves the emphasis away from producing to renting and presenting, which is actually more typical. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher inquired if the second phase of this assessment concerns the finances and method of funding. Mr. Webb responded that his work in the second half is writing the business plan: who will use the building; more specific estimates regarding the activities over the first five years; who will own the facility or various governance options; who will operate it; how do the partnerships occur; and the performa operating budget, estimating revenues and expenses associated with the operation of the building. The building is sustained with a combination of earned income — rent, ticket sales, food, and contributed income — grants, donations. They will be working on the operating component. The question of the capital budget — how the City pays to build the facility, is a different effort. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher stated that many of these types of facilities are physically where the universities are located. In this case, there will be a significant distance between. If the options were completely open, would he have recommended that the theater be closer to the University? Mr. Webb responded that what has happened here reflects the larger trend within the educational sector. The University has requested to have a presence here in this community, so they are deciding that they want to be off campus. Many colleges and universities are now doing that. They are trying to get closer to their constituencies. Being on the traditional campus is not an easy way to do that. He loves the idea of partnering with the educational sector, particularly getting them off campus and into a downtown, more urban context. It is their idea, but it is a great idea and he believes Dublin should support it. Mr. Reiner inquired if it is a fact that OU is interested in moving the theater off campus. Mr. Webb responded that they are. The original impetus for that was that for many years, the University had a summer theater program in Cape Code. The idea was to get students away from the university, live in Cape Code for the summer and put on shows. They have lost that site, so they were looking for a new place for the students to have a summer theater program. They were motivated to reach out to constituencies within the Columbus region. Mr. Lecklider inquired if Otterbein University and their theater program was included in their study. Ms. Crandall responded that they looked at the venue, but not the actual program. Mr. Lecklider stated that they have a good reputation for their theater programming. He enjoys it greatly, but the attendance is a concern — typically, far from selling out. Perhaps that is a reflection of the size of the venue, perhaps close to 1,000 seats. Mr. Webb responded that this is a different opportunity. It is not just giving Dublin the opportunity to see theater developed by the University. It is the University saying that they want to develop theater at a quality level in which the community and region wants to participate. It is not that the audience comes to see what the University teaches the students to do; rather, it is that the University will produce theater at a high level of quality that can compete in the market. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 6, 2015 Page 7 of 13 Ms. Crandall stated that the goal is to have a professional theater company that is affiliated with and somewhat financially supported by OU, but would be its own 501C3 — a stand-alone professional theater company that will build up to performing 26+ weeks per year within this facility. It will have opportunities for OU theater students to play a role in that year round. Vice Mayor Gerber stated that if this is a partnership, will they be the leader or the City? Will the City be in charge of production and promotion — how will that work? Ms. Crandall responded that they have not decided all those components yet, whether the City would fund and operate the facility. Probably, the City will not operate the facility. The New Albany facility is now operated by CAPA. Dublin probably would prefer to find a professional company to operate it. Vice Mayor Gerber stated he has no qualms about moving to the next step to evaluate the sustainability of it. They are talking about a partnership, but he senses that they are suggesting that the City acquire the property, construct the building, and maintain the building. Mr. Crandall responded that isn't necessarily so. The City has had some conversations with Crawford Hoying, and they are interested in this facility, as well. We would look at that in the second part of this study. Mr. Webb responded that generally the way in which communities address that question is by looking at the totality of the funding issue — money to build and money to sustain. They consider the best way for the public sector and the private sector to contribute to the project — a mix of support that the City, taxpayers and voters of this community are comfortable with. Mr. Lecklider stated that he cannot evaluate this until the next step has occurred, the assessment of the operational costs, although he is enthusiastic about the concept. If this is built, it is there forever. He would be concerned about the extent to which the City of Dublin would be asked to sustain that financially. Just as important is who will fund the facility's construction. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher stated that when looking at the next phase, they need to learn what New Albany and Worthington have done, including the overall purposes of those buildings, as opposed to exclusively theater. Great stress has been put on the arts community in the last 15 years or longer in central Ohio. It was through the development of the CAPA partnership that they have now not only survived, but thrived. She would want them to be an intimate part of this, because they know what they are doing. In regard to management, ticket sales, etc., the City does not need to get into that business as there is already a highly -skilled, successful source available. CAPA should be included in the next phase discussion. Vice Mayor Gerber stated that staff is requesting direction from Council. Council consensus was to proceed with the second part of the assessment. Vice Mayor Gerber inquired the projected timeframe for completion of the second phase. Ms. Crandall responded that the consultant has indicated two — three months, and they will attempt to complete it in two months. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 6, 2015 Page 8 of 13 • Proposed Wayfinding — Kolar Design Mr. Langworthy stated that some time ago, Kolar Design began to work with staff on a project to improve the quality and visibility of wayfinding markers for the Historic District. That effort morphed as more of the Bridge Street Project District projects began to come forth and it was recognized that there was a larger need for getting people to different destinations. The wayfinding effort expanded into City-wide destinations. He introduced Kolar Design representatives, Joell Angel-Chumbley and Kelly Kolar. Joell Angel-Chumbley stated that they have been working with City staff and external community stakeholders to accumulate background information for this project. In the initial steps, they conducted an audit and discovery process, which was key to developing a strong strategy that was holistic for the City. The interview process enabled them to acquire an understanding of the issues, strengths and opportunities within the City for improving the visitor experience, making observations about what is existing and could be built upon to create a strong wayfinding strategy for the City. One of the issues is the difficulty of understanding the boundaries of the City, and the wayfinding strategy needs to define those. The project is being approached as a multi -modal transportation system opportunity, both vehicular and pedestrian experiences. Their audit included visual images of all the City facilities, stakeholder buildings and City gateways. Opportunities they could build upon include: o Recognize the City's strong public art program. There is some identification signage now, but they are out of scale. The City needs to have a more powerful expression of who it is. o The Dublin Historic District markers need to be much more prominent. o Because Dublin is recognized regionally for its "Field of Corn," build upon that unique identity. They will build upon those opportunities in integrating the Dublin brand "from the highway to the hallway." Initial navigation begins on the highway, so there is a need to make sure the navigation makes sense from the highway into the City. Dublin Brand: Currently, City signage is built upon the typical ODOT information system, but they would like to bring the Dublin brand more to life through the signage system that they will recommend. They have been working with Community Relations and key City staff to understand the brand, to look at how the City shows who it is two -dimensionally, three -dimensionally and virtually. They look at the City holistically in developing a new signage system. Their analysis includes the Dublin typography, color palette — specifically the Dublin gray, making it integrate with architectural language. In building upon the brand, they look at both the print brand and the architectural brand of the City. They will bring in elements of each. Kelly Kolar stated that it is important to know that the existing City of Dublin brand tells a great story about Dublin, its roots, and its heritage through its festivals and celebrations. However, Dublin's landscape has a very unique sense of place — beautiful stone walls, greenways, pedestrian paths and neighborhoods. When we develop a wayfinding system, we want to make sure that it is carefully and artfully integrated within the built environment. The examples they will show build on the existing brand but also lean more toward the sense of place and the artful aspects of the City. Ms. Angel-Chumbley stated that there is a very strong sense of place in Dublin's Historic District, and they want to build upon that beautiful architecture. They want the wayfinding system to Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 6, 2015 Page 9 of 13 appear as if it has been part of that environment all along. They have attempted to capture the essence of that architectural language. Dublin's public art program provides an opportunity to build upon within the gateways in creating a sense of arrival into the City. They captured a few of the City's assets into a collection. As we go forward, we will begin to bucket these into different types of assets — historical, educational, ecological, cultural, social and civic assets. These are things people come to Dublin to experience. Strategy: o Must be comprehensive, effective, flexible, cost-effective and maintainable. o All the destinations must be connected through a multi -modal system that includes vehicular, pedestrian, bicycle, potential future transit, and public parking connectivity. o Reflects a strong brand connected to the Dublin brand. o The sequencing includes the interstate to the main arteries that connect to the primary destinations within the City, to public parking, and pedestrian navigation. o A sign '"experience" with zones: o Zone 1 - highway signage — large-scale o Zone 2 — gateway signage — initial wayfinding o Zone 3 — pedestrian -scale signage — smaller wayfinding o Policy and criteria for what is placed on the signs. o Placement and frequency of the signage. They look at the key historical, educational, ecological, cultural, social and civic institutions, including the attendance factor in determining how valuable the asset is to the City. Placement in tiers determines the frequency of the sign; higher tiers/more important destinations receive more signs, and placement could begin right off the highway ramps. o Connectivity of the signage. No breaks in the trail. o Organizational strategy can be based upon either individual attractions or districts first. They are recommending a hybrid of both — attractions first, but incorporates districts as they become distinct enough to serve as destinations The Historic District is currently the identifiable district, but Bridge Street District development will enforce the identify of that distinct area. The Districting nomenclature can grow. o A system that is changeable and flexible to accommodate the City's changes that are occurring. The base will build on the stone language in the City, but it will be a flexible modular that is interchangeable to a solid panel. All the elements are changeable. The base in the Bridge Street District could be more modern than that in the Historic District. Kelly Kolar stated that the flexible signage will save money. The poles and foundations would be a one-time investment; the signs themselves would be inserted, so can be removed/updated. These could be made in the City's inhouse sign shop. Ms. Angel-Chumbley stated that in the Historic District, they recommend a finial at the top of the sign poles. That feature wouldn't be necessary around the edges of the City. The base cover could be a changeable element, as well. The signage should be a universal design with changeable components that can be specialized for an area. Ms. Kolar noted that the goal is to create a distinctive look that is uniquely Dublin, using simplification and unification as they build out the character that reflects Dublin's sense of place. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 6, 2015 Page 10 of 13 Ms. Angel-Chumbley stated that they have looked at the ODOT signage and identified ways to integrate and combine signage that would have typically been ground mounted. There are ways to consolidate signage into one unit, eliminating much of the sign congestion on the ground. They have also been asked to look at a new standard for the regulatory sign pole system, so that the poles are more integrated on signature streets within the City, and they are currently working with City staff on that standard and pricing. There has been initial City review of their recommended signage, and they are working on finalization of the policy and criteria. A preliminary budget was presented earlier. The signs are being integrated into the Riverside/SR 161 projects. Some of the sign foundations will be put in with roadway projects, so that could reduce the cost. [Examples shown of how other cities are beginning to look at signage.] Mr. Reiner inquired if on the signs that say Dublin do they sometimes include symbology next to the name, or just the name of the City? Ms. Angel-Chumbley the sign purpose is functionality. The back side of the signs could present an opportunity to add brand. However, the way in which they are integrating the brand is through the architectural style and finials in the Historic District. Mr. Reiner inquired if a unifying color would be selected, such as Easton has — royal blue. Ms. Angel-Chumbley responded that they are building on the silver gray in the Dublin brand palette. Although it shows up as gray right now, it is actually a metallic pewter color. They are using a neutral palette. They had not intended to add color to the panels, but let them remain neutral and integrated into the architecture. Mr. Reiner inquired if the reason is that they are easier to read. Ms. Angel-Chumbley responded that it brings a level of sophistication that integrates with the downtown area. There, it is a neutral palette with the blacks and the rich stone, so we were trying to build on an elegant aesthetic. Ms. Salay stated that she likes that idea, particularly when the existing signage is a sign salad. She also likes the finials. Perhaps a shamrock finial could be used throughout Dublin, then a District - specific finial within the Historic District. Ms. Angel-Chumbley stated that the aesthetic is meant to be timeless and classic, and the neutral palette does that. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher stated that the size of the letters can make signs difficult to read from a car moving above a certain speed. She assumes that issue is addressed, as well. She also likes that only the street name is used on the sign. Other items distract from the readability. This is not exclusively a pedestrian city. Ms. Angel-Chumbley responded that when they looked at how to integrate the sign poles into the built environment, there are some streets that will not be re -done and there are also some beautiful signature streets that will be constructed. They are working closely with MKSK to integrate the sign locations and poles as part of their streetscape rhythm and standards. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher requested if staff desires Council action tonight. Mr. Langworthy responded that staff is requesting Council confirmation that they are heading in the right direction. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 6, 2015 Page 11 of 13 Vice Mayor Gerber stated that Council just received the packet materials this evening, so he will need more time to review it. He noted that the price appeared high. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher stated that the price is for the entire City, which would not be done all at once. Ms. Angel-Chumbley stated that they are working with engineering staff to develop an implementation plan, which could be phased over a couple of years or many years. Mr. McDaniel stated that currently Dublin does have a "sign salad." Identifying the various districts will make this a great wayfinding system for the City, which is desperately needed. No specific direction is expected of Council tonight, but an indication if the wayfinding project appears to be heading in the right direction. Although the project focused initially on the Historic District, it was expanded to tie in everything. Things can be phased in over time through future budget cycles. For those things that are needed quickly, more refined guidance can be sought from Council at a future Council meeting. Vice Mayor Gerber stated that the project seems to heading in the right direction. Mr. Lecklider concurred. Ms. Salay stated that currently the City's street signs are dark brown with white letters; the examples seem to have that reversed. Are we planning to reverse what is current? Ms. Angel-Chumbley responded that there has been a change in the ODOT standard that now requires the opposite of that, so City Engineering recommended that we reverse the two colors. It is now black on white, based on the ODOT standard. Ms. Salay inquired if that will be within the Historic District, or City wide. Ms. Angel-Chumbley responded that it will be City-wide, based upon the national standard. Mr. McDaniel noted that it is a standard that has existed for some time, but because no funding was attached to it, communities have been slow in implementation. Staff will provide more specifics regarding that requirement. • Update on Crawford Hoying Bridge Park Development Vice Mayor Gerber inquired if this is scheduled for Planning and Zoning Commission review. Ms. Ray responded that it is scheduled for May 7 PZC review. Mr. Foegler stated that because this is scheduled for PZC review, the information before Council tonight is largely related to plats, agreements and related documents. This will keep Council up to date on what has been submitted or will be submitted and reviewed by PZC. Council has expressed interest in earlier versions, and this reflects the latest version related to the buildings which are moving forward. The project on the east side of the river will be reviewed by PZC on May 7, and ARB will approve the project on the west side of the river on April 15. We can answer any questions Council may have with regard to the review process. The developer is present tonight to answer questions, as well. Ms. Ray presented the update. The Bridge Park project is proposed as two separate pieces: Bridge Park East - on the east side of the Scioto River and Bridge Park West - in the Historic District. City Council reviewed and approved the Basic Development Plan and a Basic Site Plan for the initial phases of the Bridge Park mixed-use redevelopment project on January 20, 2015. The applicant filed the application for Development Plan Review and Site Plan Review for the initial two -block, Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 6, 2015 Page 12 of 13 four building site on February 25, 2015. The proposal for this 3.47 acre site includes 153 dwelling units; 91,700 square feet of Office; 47,000 square foot of Commercial; and one 863 -space parking garage. The application is scheduled to be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission on May 7, 2015. Since the Basic Plan review, they have been working with the applicant on the streetscape details, which include all the elements in the pedestrian realm — bicycle facilities, patio spaces — all the details that happen in the space between the streets and the building spaces. She shared updated elevations and prospective renderings. • Building C1 is located the farthest north at the corner of Riverside and Tuller Ridge and will have commercial uses on the ground floor and four stories of residential above. • Building C2 is at the landing point of the bridge, at the corner of Bridgepark Avenue and Riverside Drive. They have been working with the applicant to get the terminal vista of that tower element on the corner to be prominent at that gateway. It is an entirely commercial building with restaurant and retail on the ground floor and four stories of office above. • Building C3 is on Bridgepark Avenue up the street from Building C2. It has commercial on the ground floor, office on the second floor and three floors of residential above. • Parking structure building is wrapped on two sides by residential uses. Proposed pedestrian bridges will connect the upper residential stories of two buildings to the parking structure. Bridge Park West is the 2.4 acre site in the Historic District on the east side of Dublin Road. In two and 1/2 stories on High Street, there will be commercial uses on the ground floor, and office above. On the back, will be residential units facing the river; forty residential units are proposed. This site has been in the review process longer. The Basic Plan, development plan and demolition requests have all been approved. The site plan, which has all the final architecture details and open spaces is scheduled for ARB review on April 15. [renderings shown] Mr. Foegler stated that the design question now regards the size of the pedestrian landing area. Vice Mayor Gerber inquired if these are the drawings that will be reviewed by PZC in a few weeks. Ms. Ray responded affirmatively — they reflect the general character and direction. Ms. Salay inquired if the circled examples in the street elements actually planned. Ms. Ray responded that they are intended to show the character envisioned. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher stated that she still has many concerns about the buildings on the east side. They look very standard compared to what is occurring in central Ohio at this time. Mr. Reiner inquired how the sheeting on the parking garages would be accomplished. Ms. Ray responded that in regard to wrapping the two sides — essentially, they are residential units from the ground to the top. The applicant can provide more technical detail, if desired. Mr. Reiner stated that there are many ways to wrap a parking garage to make it look attractive, so how that would occur here. Nelson Yoder, Crawford Hoying, stated that two sides are completely lined with residential units. On the other two sides of the parking garage that are open, they are using a combination of brick and mesh panel, which has a brushed aluminum look, combined with some subtle LED lighting to create a nice effect. These drawings are not good representations of the actual materials. However, they have commissioned and completed a series of much more realistic renderings, which they will share with Council. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 6, 2015 Page 13 of 13 Ms. Salay inquired if, in addition to the renderings, samples of the actual materials would be brought to the PZC meeting. Mr. Yoder responded that they will have actual materials, as well. In regard to the proposed vinyl windows, which were a concern of PZC -- after much more vetting, they have completely eliminated them from the project in favor of all aluminum windows. That decision was made due to transparency requirements, the desired look, and BSC code requirements. There will be large windows everywhere, providing much light for all the units. They found that the amount of reinforcement required for the high quality vinyl windows was driving the cost up to the point that, for a little more, they could afford a "Cadillac" aluminum window. Ms. Salay stated that there appear to be a significant amount of metal panels. PZC and Council have expressed concern about the longevity and appearance. When their appearance begins to deteriorate, what can be done to remedy that? She would like to see some examples of buildings where their appearance has been sustained for a long period of time. Mr. Yoder responded that, in addition to windows, they have been systematically evaluating what they are proposing and where. Many of the metal panels have been replaced with hardi or fiber cement panels. This change was based on feedback received from Council as well as PZC and staff, so there will be much less of that in the final version. They have also eliminated a lot of EIFS, as well. There are certain applications for which that still makes sense, but they are continuing to work through the final details on that with staff. The compromise may be that they use fiber cement. It is a fairly cost -neutral decision. It is more a matter of what is the highest quality installation, the longevity, and what the City is comfortable with. It could be that in the end, they will have a project that is essentially 100% hardiplank, as well as brick, stone and aluminum windows. He believes that is the direction that PZC, Council and staff would prefer. Mr. Reiner stated that he is concerned about the synergy of the commercial component. Are they confident that there will be sufficient synergy within that area for that use to succeed, and sufficient parking to pull in people who do not live within that District? Mr. Yoder responded that they believe they are definitely there. The redesign of the parking garages with pedestrian bridges added at the upper levels is the key to that. Levels one — three will be dedicated to public, commercial parking; there is a direct ramp to Level 4 for the residents in Building Cl; a ramp to Level 5 for residents in Building C3; and Level 6 is for overflow residential parking as well as restaurant staff. Visitors to the District can park in Levels one — three without having to co -mingle with resident parkers. The feedback from potential tenants has been positive, and they have had excellent results in pre -leasing activities. They will begin to publically announce some of those tenants in the near future. Mr. McDaniel thanked Council for their time and the ability for staff to provide these updates. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Clerk of Council