The URL can be used to link to this page

00-35.�� .� � - Presented By Referred To Council File # �0 �' 3� Resolution # Green Sheet # ��`�� a. )LUTION PAUI., MINNESOTA 33 Committee: Date WEST SIDE FLATS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2 3 WHEREAS, the portion of the West Side Flats bounded by Robert Street, Wabasha Street, Plato Boulevazd 4 and the Mississippi River provides a unique opportariity to create a new mixed-use urban village; and 6 WfIEREAS, the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation, West Side Citizens Organization, Department of 7 Plazuung and Economic Development, Capital Cit7 Partnership, Saint Paul on the Mississippi Design Center, 8 Riverview Economic Development Association, Neaghborhood Development Alliance, and Saint Paul Port 9 Authority all recognize this opportunity, and endeavored to jointly create a vision for the fitture of the Fiats; 10 and 11 12 WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation, in partnership with these organizations, hired the 13 architechual/urban design firm Ellerbe Becket, Inc. to prepare the West Side Flats Development Strategy; and 14 15 WHEREAS, the West Side Flats Development Strategy is the result of several neighborhood meetings, a 1 b public visioning workshop and a technical charrette; and 17 18 WHEREAS, the West Side Flats Development Strategy establishes a flexible framewotk for future 19 development that allows for a variery of uses, both public and private, to occur within the context of a 20 compact urban viliage; and 21 22 WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the Development Strategy on 23 November 5, 1999; and 24 ZS WHEREAS, based on the testimony of people at the public hearing and subsequent discussions, the Planning ?6 Commission adopted Resolution 99-89 on December 3, 1999, which >� ',8 1. found the West Side Flats Development Strategy consistent with the Saint Paul Comprehensive 9 Plan and Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework; and 0 2. endorsed the West Side Flats Development Strategy as the overall vision for the future 1 development of the area between Robert, Wabasha, Plato and the Mississippi River; and 7 3. requested that the City Counci11�1RA also endarse the Development Strategy as the overall i vision for the future development of the area between Robert, Wabasha, Plato and the F Mississippi River; and � 4. requested that the City Council, through the Administration, direct PED staff to prepaze � amendments to the Riverfront Redevelopment Project Area Redevelopment Pian governing this azea to reflect the Development Strategy vision; and 00 � 3,5 39 5. requested that the City Council, through the Administration, direct PED staffto explore the 40 appropriateness of current wning for this portion of the West Side Fiats and recommend 41 changes where needed to unplement the vision of the Development Strategy; and 42 43 WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Council held a public hearing on the West Side Flats Development Strategy 44 on January 12, 2000; 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 NOW, THERE�'ORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paui City Council hereby: 1. finds the West Side Flats Development Strategy consistent with the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan and Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework, and 2. endorses the West Side Flats DeveZopment Strategy as the overall vision for the future development of the area between Robert, Wabasha, Plato and the Mississippi River; and 3. requests that the Administration direct PED stafF to prepaze amendments to the River&ont Redevelopment Project Area Redevelopment Plan to reflect the Development Strate� vision; and 4. requests that the Administration direct PED staff to explore the appropriateness of current zoning for this portion of the West 5ide Flats and recommend changes where needed to implement the vision of the Development Strategy; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council, acting as the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, shall pursue new development opportunities on the West Side Flats that are consistent with the vision of the West Side Flats Devedopment Strtttegy and that facilitate the creation of a fully mixed- use urban village. ORIGINAL IZequested by Department of: Adopted 6y Council: �ate `� Adoption Certi£ied by Covnci�Se BY �'-- -�� I�" \ -�s�l--^"_ .. Plannin & ECOnomic Develo �ment �� By: Form Approved by City o �ey gy. ��X/" ' , � � Appzoved by Approved by Mayor: Date � By: By: O GREEN SHEET .�. �� o�e TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES � i�is is ah arwtH SiG�h�-d�f4H•�� u •�g� �r �u�1NEle PLANNMG CAMMISSION CIB COMMITTEE CNIL SERV4CE CAMMISSION /� ba-�5 H 101272 � �.,,� � � ❑ �� ❑,«.��,�,�. ❑ ��.., Q M1dIppRWIRNR� ❑ iCLIP ALL LOCA710NS FOR SIGNANR� ut��►^ - ir+Q-dw�- ywc q fve� v � trM,vtc�fw�wr�r co ,a�" tnat l�eeh ad�I eot - � RSONALSERYICE CONTYNCTS NUST MISWER iRE FOLLOYIING QUES7IONSe Fl�m'c personRrm a+erwaked www a mm'adtortFxs tleaahmert7 vES NO tias this pevsoMfirm e�er been a cdY emPbYee7 YES N� Dces thts persoNfilm P� 9 sldll rat namal�YD�ad M�Y Wrtent cily smpbyee7 YES NO la tlxs pe�aarJfirm a targded veMa/t YES NO ' ra �.sSUE ov�rz iw�ui r(wnv. w�a[. w�. wnwe� wnY1... 1h�- WeS'R'&t� �I t� �S d�l¢- �f" 'fk�- f�S-�,��yl �I/C/ � �ir w¢ w Nn i K� - u1e d�iVe frpWt�t�'f dVl 'fi�'��- v � 5t f: I�vl� a v�i M�M iv� �tac� , we c�� +�k�- �es1`�dcawi�e o� �►,3 t M. �1r wevuvLki�� {vttw�vK�vk wi(i ►� iH rluce � quide rew ��w��t ar fi�.�e- F1u1� • b:- �.._ � _ .w ��w�� °� nvv� e r�v v�s�� f� -� wtifisid2 F ��.� �� s� a' ' ' • $. ' n :"L % v �''&c^�K�r:. qMOUNT OF TRANSACTWH SOURCE COST/REVENUE BU06ETED (CIRCLE ONE) AC7IVRYNUMBER YEE NO (eCP1AlN) R�3aP�? ��f2t 00 -35 Interdepartmental Memorandum CITY OF SALYT PAUL AATE: December 16, 1999 TO: Nancy Anderson, Council Research FROM: Lucy Thompson, PED �H�(I�{� SUBJECT: West Side Flats Development Strategy Public Hearing Please schedule a public hearing before the City Council on the West Side Flats Development Strate&y for Wednesday, January 12, 2000 at 5:30 P.M. City Councilmembers have already received a copy of the document, with the Planning Commission's and Mayor's recommendation to endorse it as the overall vision for the area between Robeft, Wabasha, Plato and the Mississippi River (on the West Side). I have attached materials for their packets for the meeting of January 12, 2000. They include: 1. A memo from the Mayor to the City Council fonvarding the Planning Commission's recommendations, and stating his concunence with their findings and zecommendations. Note: They already received a signed copy of this directly from the Mayor's Office. A resolution for the City Council's consideration on January 12, 2000. They may want to lay adoption of the resolution over for one or two weeks (I don't know if they typically take action on the same day they receive public testimony), but since there is essentially no controversy over the content of the Development Strategy, I'm hoping they will adopt it on January 12. Note: I'm just routing this now for signatures. A properly signed version wili be in your hands by the mailing date for the 12th. I have sent out a public hearing notice to the ENS list (also attached), but I have not notified the Legal Ledger or Pioneer Press, since this is not a legally-mandated public hearing. Do you automatically notify those publications of public hearings? If you have questions or need more information, please call me (6-6578). As always, thanks so much for your help. Happy Holidays!!! Attachments nre�ar>te�T oF rr.nn:v�vc fi ECO\O�fIC DE�'ELOPJfEVT BrimrS�reener, Direclnr CITY OF SAINT PAUL A'orn: Cofemnn, b1u}�or AATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: December 10, 1999 Zj iVest Fo�v1/r Street Saint Pm+1, M1fN 55103 00-35 Tef ephaie: 6SI-266-6i 6i Faainrile: b51-228-3261 Council President Bostrom and Members of the Saint Paul City Council/HRA Mayor Norm Coleman 4Yest Side Flats Development Strntegy BACKGROUND The lVest Sicle Flats L?evelopn:ent Strate�r is the result of an atmost 12-month citizen participation, planning and urban design process conducted under the auspices of the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation. In response to a request for assistance from the West Side Citizens Organization (WSCO), the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation hired the architecturallurban design fimi Ellerbe Becket, Inc. to work with represenCatives from PED, tbe Saint Paul on the Mississippi Design Center, WSCO, Riverview Economic Development Association, Neighborhood Development Alliance, Saint Pau1 Port Authority and Capital City Partnership to prepare a Iona term vision for a 45-acre portion of the West Side Ftats lying between Robert and Wabasha streets, the Mississippi River and Plato Boulevard. A public visioning workshop, chanette and several community meetings with residents, business owners and affected agencies were held to receive input on the community's vision for this portion of the West Side. The Development Strategy is the result of that work, and lays out a future vision for this part of the riverfront that is more detailed, but consistent with, the lYest Side Precinct Plnn contained in the Snint Pau( on the Nfississippi Development Framework. Essentially, the West Side Flats Development Strategy establishes a flexible framework for future development that allows for a variety of uses, both public and private, to occur within the context of a compact urban village. Key components include: • New open spaces and pedestrian connections to create linkages to adjacent useslneighborhoods and add value to development parcels. • Visual and physical access to the river. • Re-establishment of the historic neighborhood street grid to provide appropriately-scaled development parcels, a streetscaQe open space network, and multiple street access points for convenient vehicular circulation. • Improved streetscapes, buiiding facades and adjoining public uses. • A mix of uses, �vith commercial activities on blocks with Robert and Wabasha street frontages, entertainment uses along the river and residential uses on internal blocks oriented to the lineaz open space. 00-35 December 10, 1999 Councii President Bostrom et.al. Page Tcvo SUNfiYTARY OF KEY RECOl�INIENDATIONS The development strategy for the West Side Flats is based on a flexible frame��ork that can be implemented over time based on a number of physical and economic constraints. It recommends three options for development, �vhich are basically three phases that culminate in final build-out as a mixed-use urban village. Very briefly, the three options are: Conce_pt Option A Development Concept A illustrates the poten[ial first step in redeveloping this portion of the Flats. It su�gests that a11 esisting businesses continue their operations, with redevelopment focusing on the conversion of vacant City/HRA-owned properties to new mixed-use development. Tt alsa incorparates the possibility that the JLT Group wiil move ahead with its plans for an urban entertainment theme park. A triangular park is created bet�veen the railroad and tlie sanitary sewer easement. Concept Option B Development Concept B illustrates the next step in the Development Strntegy, with the potential for redevelopment of the properties that front Wabasha Street. New streets aze created on each side of the railroad, following the historic street grid, to provide new development opportunities. In this phase, three existing business sites are redeveloped. Concept Option C Development Concept Option C illustrates the potential of the 7LT Group's property developing as a mixed-use urban village, reinforcing the historic urban street grid laid down in the previous two concepts. In this phase, if the railroad is vacated, a linear park is created along its right-of- way to connect Plato $oulevard to the river. (Note: Under any concept, a linear trail is created, either within or along the railroad right-of-way.) The details of each development concept are presented in Pages 13-14 in the Development Strategy. - PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING ON NOVEMBER 19,1999 A public hearing was held before the Planning Commission on I3ovember 19. Four people addressed the Commission: Jerry Trooien, one of two property owners in the study area; Dave Engfer, President of the West Side Citizens Organization; Gregory Page, Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation; and Enol Edwards, WSCO Board member. In general, speakers expressed support for the Development Strategy and urged the Commission to forward it as the vision for this part of the West Side Flats. To a person, the speakers stated that the Flats represent a significant opportunity to build a new mixed-use urban village on the West Side, and each speaker offered his assistance in implementin� the vision. Oo -�5 December 10, 1999 Council President Bostrom et.al. Page Three RECOMMENDATION The Planning Commission has requested, in Resolution 99-89, that the City CounciUHRA: 1. find the West Side Flats Development Strate� consistent with the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan and Saint Paul on the Mississippi DeveZopment Framework; 2. endorse the West Side Flats Development Strategy as the overall vision for the future development of the azea beriveen Robert, Wabasha, Plato and the Mississippi River; 3. direct PED staff to prepare amendments to the RiverFront Redevelopment Project Area Redevelopment Plan governing this azea to reflect the Development Strategy vision; and 4. direct PED staff to explore the appropriateness of cunent zoning for this portion of the West Side Flats and recommend changes where needed to implement the vision of the Development Strategy. I concur with the Planning Commission's findings and recommendations, and urge the City Councii/HRA to make the same findings after conducting a public hearing on the Development Strate�. Thank you. Enclosures O 6 - 35 city of saint paui planning commission resolution file number 99-89 ��e December 3, 1999 WEST SIDE FLATS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY WHEREAS, the portion ofthe West Side Flats bounded by Izobert Street, Wabasha Street, P1ato Boulevard and the Mississippi River provides a unique opportunity to create a new mixed-use urban villa�e; and WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation, West Side Citi2ens Organization, Department of Planning and Economic Development, Capital City Partnership, Saint Paul on the Mississippi Design Center, Riverview Economic Development Association, Neighborhood Development Alliance, and Saint Paul Port Authority all recognize this opportunity, and endeavored to jointly create a vision for the future of the Flats; and WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation, in partnership with these organizations, hired the architectural/urban design firm Ellerbe Becket, Inc. to work with them to prepare the West Side Flats Development Strategy; and WHEREAS, the bVest Side Flats Development Strategy is the result of several neighborhood meetings, a public visioning workshop and a technical charrette; and WHEREAS, the i�Y'est Sicle Flats Development Strate� establishes a flexible framework for fiiture development that allows for a variety of uses, both public and private, to occur within the conteYt of a compact urban village; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a public heating on the Development Strate� on November 5, 1999; and WHEREAS, those who testified at the public heazing pledged their support of the vision in the Development Strategy and their commitment to work together to implement it; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul Planning Commission finds the YYest Side Flats Development Strategy consistent with the Saint Pau1 Comprehensive Plan and Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework; and moved by Faricy ��' seconded by in favor Unanimous against BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission endorses the West Side Flats Development Strcrtegy as the overatl vision for the fizture development of the area behveen Robert, Wabasha, Plato and the Mississippi River; and SE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission requests that the City Council/HRA also endorse the Development Strategy as tfie overall vision for the future development of the area bettiveen Robert, Wabasha, Plato and the Mississippi River; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission requests that the City Council, through the Administration, direct PED staff to prepaze amendments to the Riverfront Redevelopment Project Area Redevelopment Plan governing this area to reflect the Development Strategy vision; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission requests that the City Council, through the Administration, direct PED sfaff to explore the appropriateness o£ current zoning for this portion of the West Side Flats and recommend changes tvhere needed to implement the vision of the Development Strategy. _ - . _��y.�.�.�_�,._._ � . _ �� _�,:.:,�_ � .�—` ��c� —'. ._ ` t . . =- �--�,:-, .�.� �_ •- � . F. - -°- ,�.�" �aC . : '� - ": � . „�. � � _ ;�� . . . . ° - �:rr....�.�I�" ."".° � .v , .. _.�, �<--• ,?j , .. .�-- ��_�' mws� . ._.., y �.. . . �' �.. \ r . D �""T�' \ + --. -. J! '. , •- �� y,. � . � ` �_, "`�2+�v � � � �'�—�� 'Y: �� 3' .� ... ' . � � Y -� -T-��.� � . ---- -- -� � ` :. ..�,-...�..._, -_ T,.. ' , ,., � :> ...� -�� .�. .. ' � �. � . . . ' � �'� - �:.�a. . � . , _.,. � . � « .�Y .. �.. .r _ _ � _" _ . : . . . , . _.,. _. .. . . ' "'\' � • _ � . . . . _. ,- � . '5�..� c: .--.----' � � �. '� ^ i ,_ �. � , _ .�........,.. _ „R„ � -\ �� t � 1�� i� t � _ _. � � ! � � :� w - . � � - � � ,_� i -''� �D-3.5 WEST SIDE FLATS DEVELOPMENTSTRATEGY Prepared by: Ellerbe Becket, Inc. Prepared for: Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation City of Saint Paul West Side Cirizens Organization Saint Paul Port Authority Capital Gity Partnership OcEober 29, 1999 � WEST SII?E FLATS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Executive Summary A. The Opportunity B. Constraint Driven Strategy C. A Flexible Strategy D. Conclusions and Recommendations II. Backgrouad A. SmdyArea B. Partnership C_ Goal D. Process E. Eaosting Conditions/Community Context - Location - Access � - Land Use - Guiding Plans - Zoning - Land Ownership - Floodwal�fi,evee - Railroad - Utilities - Soi1s - Conclusions from Exisdng Condidons Page 1 Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 6 Page 6 Page 6 Page 6 Page 7 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 9 Page 10 Page 10 Page 10 bb-35 a 00-35 III. West Side Conte�tt and Open Space Connections IV. The Developmeat Strate� A Development Strategy Summary B. Potenual Land L3ses C. Development Concept Oprion A D. Development Concept Option B E. Development Concept Option C F. Typical Development Block Studies V. Conclusions and Recommendations VI. Strategy Refereace Materials Appendiu A- An Historical Perspective of Saint Paul's West Side Flats Pagell Page12 Page 12 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page18 Page20 � �o - 35 WEST SIDE FLATS DEVELOPMENT ST`RATEGY LIST OFIIZUS�RATIONS Illustration A — Eaasring Conditions Illusuation B— Saint Paul Central Business District Land Use Illustration C- Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework lllvstration D— Saint Paul Zoning Map Illustration E— Floodwall/Levee Existing Cross Secrion Illustration F —Floodwal]/Levee Eacisting Conditions Illustrarion G— 1 West Side Context & Connections Illustradon G— 2 Open Space Connecrions A Illusffauon H- 1 Connecrions & Opporwniries Illustration H— 2 Open Space Connections B Illusuation I— Development Concept Option A Illustration J— Development Concept Option B I1lustration K— Development Concept Option C Illusuation L—Typical Mixed-Use Residential Block Illustrakon M— Typical Mixed-Use Office Block Illustration N- Proposed FloodwalllLevee Cross Section Illust7ation O— Existing West Side Flau 3ooldng south from downwwn to West Side bluff Illustration P— Illustration looking south from downtown to West Side bluff Illusvation Q— Existing West Side Flau looking north from West Side bluff to downtown Illustrarion R— Diustration looking from West Side bluff to downwwn Illustrarion S—Aerial perspecrive illustrating the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework I1lustrauon T- Aerial perspective integrating the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework with the West Side Flats Development Strategy OD�35 WEST SIDE FLATS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY I. �ecutive Summarv The West Side Flau provides a unique opportunity in downtown Saint Paul to create a new urban neighborhood strategically located on the Mississippi Riverfront The West Side Flats Development Strategy identifies a short and long-tzrm development strategy for 45 acres of land on the west side of the Mississippi River bordered by Wabasha Street to the west, Plato Boulevazd to the south, Robert Street to the east and the river to the north. The area currently comprises a number of existing businesses and several large vacant and underutilized parcels of land. Ellerbe Becket, in association with the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation, City of Saint Paul, the West Side Citizens Organization, the Saint Paul Port Authority and the Capital City Partnership, have a11 worked in cooperation with to prepaze a sRategy that is flexible in namre and allows £or a variety of different uses to occur in the area. The West Side Flats Development strategy allows for the retention of existing business while encouraging new development that can iniaate revitalization of the area. The recommendarions contained in this report aze the result of ineerings with the West Side Gitizens Organizarion Boazd of Directors, a public visioning workshop (February 4, 1999), a technical charette (February 18, 1999) and a presentauon of w the West Community on March 4, 1999. From these meetings and discussions numerous possible uses were discussed, both public and private, that would be a benefit to the West Side Communiry and City of Saint Paul. It was also evident that there aze a number of technical constraints to development of the West Side Flats that would be diFficult to solve, economically. This report focuses on creating a development strategy that respects existing site constraints and allows for a variety of uses. The scope and extent of these uses will be dependent on appropriately planned, well designed and economically viable public and private development proposals. A. The Opportunity The West Slde Flats Development Strategy provides a long-term flexible ftamework and shart term development opportuniries that can and will assist in revitalizarion of the azea. These short-term development opportunities aze of immediate interest due to a number of changes in the azea. These changes include; • Exisring businesses aze in need of expansion space. • Improvements and enhancement of Harriet Island Park will reinforce the West Side's riverfront open space resources and amenities. • Wabasha Street Bridge Improvemenu have created an attracrive vehiculaz and pedestrian access from the downtown. • The Riverwalk improvements have established an amacrive pedestrian environment along the floodwall/levee system. West Side Flats Development Strategy 1 October 29, 1999 � ob-3_5 • Planned improvemenis to Raspberry Island. New public and privare projects underway, on-going or completed will bring new residents, employees and visitors to downtown Saint Paul, the Mississippi River and the West Side communiry. These projects include; The RiverCenue Arena, the Science Museum of Minnesota, RiverCenue Convention Center, Lawson Software, Ecolab expansion, Minnesou Life e�cpansion, Media C1ne and numerous other initiatives. • Market Conditions are sttong for all types of new development opportuniries. • There has been strong developer interest in the area for residential and entertainment uses. • Eacpansion of Concord Street commercial base. • Strong community interest in West Side commercial, housing and open space revitalization. B. Constraint Driven Strategy The primary constraints currently impacting deve3opment of the West Side Flats azea include; public vs. private land ownership, the railroad, the MCES Syphon sanitary sewer and the 90"storm sewer. Given that many of these constraints can not be solved in the short term, this development strategy recommends a constraint driven sttategy that allows for short-term development within the cont�t of a long-term vision for the area. Public vs. Private Land Owuers}up - The City of Saint Paul and the Housing and Redevelopment Agency curtendy own about five city blocks (approximately 10 acres) of land along the river. The land is vacant and ready for development. Its proximity to the river and downtown makes it a highly desirable site for a variety of uses. The rest of the property in the West Side Flats is in private ownership and will be developed or redeveloped at the discrerion of the owners. Railroad - Whi1e negoriations aze on goingwith the railroad there is no short-tertn guazantee that they will abandon the rail line through the West Side Flats azea, The rail line occupies a 100' RO.W. that runs northlsouth ftom Plato Boulevard m Fillmore Sheet and then veers to the east, dividing the West Side Flau area. Accepting that the railroad wi11 continue to operate, in the short term, defines how development will occur and specificalty how much of the Ciry of Saint Paul and HRA land can reasonably be developed. • Sanitary Sewers/MCES Syphon/Riverview Pump Statiott - The triple sanirary line which runs along the west side of the rail line can not be built over and would be eapensive and di�cult to relocate. When the sewer intersects with Fillmore Street it veers w the northwest to meet up with the Riverview Pump Station. This makes development of the western part of the City of Saint PaullHRA property difficult. West Side Flats Development Strategy October 29, 1999 00�35 90" Storm Sewer/Custer Storm Pump Station — A 90" storm sewer seroing the West Side neighborhood, runs azound the east side of the Nassef£Plumbing properry and a]ong the east side of the Railroad w the Custer Storm Pumping Srauon_ This utility can not be built over and would be e�cpensive ($300 per lineaz foot) and dif�icult to relocate. As it pazallels the railroad it will always create a significant constraint whether the railzoad is there or not LJtilities — The West Side Flats azea was once a residential area built azound the traditional City of Saint Paul 300"x 300"street grid. City services supporting this area were located in the street RO.W.'s. While much of the azea transirioned to light industrial activities in recent years, the remnanu of the historic street grid are still in place, including utilides such as water, sewer and electric. Some of these utilities have been abandoned, others ue sAl] opentional and utility improvements are being made in the context of the street gid. In addi4on, property ownership pattems tend to follow the street grid. As a result, new development or tedevelopment in the West Side Flats area might logicaily foliow the hiswric street grid pattern. Floodwall/Levee — The floodwa(1 levee system provides a significant consuaint in terms of how development interfaces with the river corridor. It is a facility whose integrity can not be compromised. However, aiterations can be made on the south side of the levee to enable development to gain closer proa�mity to the nver and Riverwalk. C. A Flexible Strategy The long term development strategy for the West Side Flau azea has been crafted tn establish a fleadble plan for future development that allows for a variery of uses, both public and privat�, w occur within the context of a compact urban village. The suategy allows for the on-going opentions of eadsting businesses, it provides opportuniries £or those businesses to expand, it allows individual property owners fleavbility in the use of their property and it allows for short-term development to occur within the context of existing constraints. The stra[egy builds off of the existing historic sueet �id and esrablishes approximately 20 city blocks of new development or redevelopmen� The exisung constraints eshblish a long-term open space system that provides valve for the surrounding real esrate. The nort$/south railroad/urility corridor can become a linear open spine that new development can orient to and provides a strong linkage to the West Side community. Where the Railroad and sanitary sewer RO.W.'s diverge north of Fillmore Sueet, a triangulaz tract of ]and that will be difficult to develop can become a new rivetfront open space that provides value for adjoining development and enhances the open space and recreational resources along the Mississippi River in Saint Paul. The development strategy recommends a mix of uses, with commercial activities on blocks that rake advantage of Wabasha and Robert Street frontages, entertainment uses along the river and residential on intemal blocks orienting to the linear open space. West Side Flats Development Strategy 3 October 29, 1999 a aD-35 The shategy also illustrates how development can proceed, in the short 2erm, on land that is publicly owned and mnu�olled. It also illusuates, how development or redevelopment might occur as property owners implement their own plans either individually or in partnership with others. D. Conclusions and Recommendations The West Side Flats provides a great opportuniry for the Gity of Saint Paul to establish a new urban village wlth a mix of residenual, commercial, entertainment and recrearional uses. The development strategy provides a long-term vision for the future of the azea as well as short-term opportunities to build confidence and e�ccitement in iu potenrial. The primary tecommendation is to actively seek out development interest for the Ciry of Saint Paul/HRA property on the east side of the railroad and north of Fillmore Street. As part of this effort, discussions should be undertaken with adjacent private properry owners to understand how their land might be incorporated in to the short-term development opportunities through land sale, joint venture or a land swap. The goal would be to create a contiguous, consistent and compatible short-term development opportunity. Seeking development interest should occur through a typical RFQ/RFP process. At the same time as development interest is being assembled, the Ciry of Saint Paul should be preparing plans for the creation of a new riverfront park on the uiangulaz pazcel of land between the railroad and the MCES Syphon sanitary sewer. By establishing this open space, eazly on, the Ciry's commitment to development in the area will be established, raising the confidence of private development and establishing a higher quality of envlronment for development to occur. The neart steps include; • Adopt West Side Flats Development Strategy • Assemble informauon for RFP including; defined property boundary, environmental conditions, development restrictions (setbacks, building heights, zoning restrictions) and price. • Initiate negoaations with adjoining private landowners. • Package RFP information and send to interested parties. • Prepare preliminary plans and cost estimates for the triangulaz park and add to Park and Recrearion Capital Improvement Projects budget. • Prepare preliminary public infrastructure improvement plans for the riverfront properry and add to Public Works Capital Improvement Projects budget. Final plans will be dependent on specific development proposals. West Side Flars Development Strategy 4 October 29, 1999 p b - 3.5 II. Background A. Study Area The study azea for this strategy is bordered by Wabasha Street to the west, Plato Boulevazd to the south, Robert Sueet to the east and the Mississippi River and downtown Saint Paul to the north. This azea represenu about 45 Acres of land or approximately 20 downmwn city blocks, B. Partnerslup: Riverftont Corporation, WSGO, Citp of Saint Paul, Port Authority The West Side Flats Development Strategy has been a partnership between the West Side Cltizens Organization and several public agencies responsible for planning and development in the City. These organizauons include; the Saint Paul RiverFront Development Corporation, City of Saint Paul, the Saint Paul Port Authority and the Capital City Paztnership. The partnership between these organizations has ensured a posirive, community oriented consensus based process. C. Goal: Long Term, Incremental Development The assignment and goal of the West Side Flats Development Strategy is to develop a long term development suategy for the West Side Flats azea that can and will be implemented, incrementally, over time. The shategy will outline the steps necessary m begin development and provide a flexible framework that can be followed by any private property owners that chose to participate. The strategy must build on previous planning work, deal with technical constraints and add value and direction to future development opportunities. D. Process: Public Meeting and Technical Charrette The West Side Flats Development Suategy process has involved one-on-on interviews with key West Side Flats stakeholders, several meetings with the West Side Citizens Organization (WSCO) and a Technical Workshop that brought together community membets with technical esperts to brainstorm the opportunities and conshaints to development of the West Side Flats area. Meeting notes of the West Side Flats Public Meeting held on February 4, 1999 are attached as Appendix A and the West Side Flau Technical Charrette held on February 18, 1999 aze attached as Appendix B. The West Side Flats Development Snategy builds on past planning studies and reports conducted various organizations. A list of referenced reports and studies is ]isted in Secaon VI. West Side Flats Development Strategy C7ctober 29, 1999 _ E. Existing CoaditionslCommunitp Context Dourntnwn M'vsissippi Riverfront lotatim� — River IralleyjBluff, Harriet Island Park The West Side Flaa area lies within the Mississippi River Valley as defined by bluffs to the north and south_ On the north bluff across the river ]ies the skyline of downtown Saint Paul; the south bluff defines the West Side neighborhoods from the Riverview Industrial Park uses in the river valley (Refer to Illustration A, Existing Conditions, on the following P�) • Auess — Wa6asha Street, Robert Street, P7ato Baulevard, LV. Zafayette Freewag FiJJmare Street Wabasha Street and Robert Street link the West Side Flau azea directly to downtown Saint Pau1. These access routes aze used by vehicles, transit and pedestrians. The Wabasha Street Bridge has recendy been improved to create a high quality and amactive vehicular and pedestrian link w the West Side. Vertical pedesuian links provide direct access to the Rivenvalk and future vertical pedestrian connections wi11 be established tA Rasp6erty Island that is being enhanced as a riverfront recrearion resources. Wa6asha Street and Robert Street provide the primary links £rom the West Side neighborhoods to downwwn. Robert Street links with Concord Street, forming the Robert/Concord Su�eet commercial corridor. Plato Boulevard intersects with Wabasha Street and Robert Sueet and provides the primary east/west circulation through the West Side Flars area linking to W. Lafayetts Freeway and the regional highway network. � Land Use Most of the area including and surrounding the West Side Flau area is comprised of light industrial uses. This is an important economic development and job crearion area of Saint Paul. There aze many healthy and vital light industrial uses in the area. Many of the uses have grown and aze looking to eapand. As mast of the land is being utilized, expansion oppottunities are difficult for many companies and relocarion is their only oprion. The Saint Paul Mississippi River Corridor Plan recommends future land use along the River in Saint Paul. Illusuation B on the following page, the Cenual Business Disuict Land L3se Plan, illustrates the proposed land uses for the West Side Flats area. • Rive�view Industriat Park — This light indusffia] area is the lazgest in the West Side Flau and lies to the east of the study area. This azea is likely to remain on o£ Saint Paul's primary light industrial areas and is not likely to change. • Western Light IndustrialArea — The azea to the west of Wabasha Street is an existing light industrial azea that is in transirion. There are a number of active businesses in this area, which will continue to operate well inw the fumze. However, there are vacant West Side Flats Development Strategy ( October 29, 1999 O (3 - �3.5 _ � _ I � t r('' ` � ` , " ;- :. <��;,�� _ ` a , , o � �'. "i" � � � � �' � `- � -1 �r � � . � Y ✓�� — __��`�^. . � - "l �/,' " � .. _' �� 7 , �� _ _ '' "�£ �� . � - _ / . _ _ l �. " ;� � � ✓��" _ � , �: � ,� �% �, '' - ' - : > ' � _ Y 4 � � P' 7 _ 1 � n i' +b ' - P i' { �'� . � � � / � �G � . Q' N.1C � /i ' . W � �� r � C � Z 0. � W / \ � . ' � � . ' \ ' . " �� _ `' . .� . , _ _ �� • - - g .. � '�'� r ' � _ � �� ,: � `�.,. � �� '� , � �. `` `� �- '�` . �,� ��4, � � �,` . , ,��. � � � , � , � _ �.,, v � %� =d.� . .�- < � „ � `� � ` - � ?', ` � -�` �'� `- ` % r� �� a� ,� �% a � - � � �� "� � . � �� A � \ �� ,� �� 4 � �� ', �i y �� a �' � : �"�.,'� ��z .. r d� � . � - ! ��? :� -m o. x a � i r a` ' ,` d ' � ��;F J� <. ti �\ � . �� ...� '�;� ''.� : a . ^ Y \ � �i.t . J / � �, � - � � ��_. . ,` ' + O � \ ' ♦ �� 6 � .0�.' / � . � � y� • '� `� s{, £ ; � „ ' y � - °�>- �� 'V � '. �'��_� , � f fl � �.� : � � �'. � �; � o � �� a \\ ��;� �� ; ; - - �� .., o - , _ ;. .�- � d ; �� Q , �' 1�1 . , � p. � �� '�� ., �' o �, `��r�� :�Q � `` �:. � s ��;.�� .�� \\` ' s �� - �_� � o _ � •• : v � `a j '\�:.� / �� • • i O � : . . , . .:� � � . �, � -•• � � V � 1 , � \� `��' C , � . . '_ ., � W , - MAP 17; CENTRAL BUS/NESS DISTR/CT LAA/D USE �D -�35 - Saint Paul Missrssippi River Corridor Plan �� ,__; �;�= M_ > .�_.�-- . ._ �_ �� i �.�.n.r-' . _ _ . _ -- - - ' CITY OF iAINT ?AUL • DE°ARiMEPI" CF PWNMING & ECONO.^filC DEVE! OPto¢D!T � °�NNING DiJISION � �'y - � ° �� - _ - = ,. �� . : -?,: =s;" " . _ „ ' +.. _ .. . . � -f . ' ; 81 " � a i _ ..l'� . , -_ . - _ � ,,, . - -.� .='��. _ _ ,__ -� , _. - �'- , � - E X 1, ��\ .'. �� , - - . , - _ � 'st s .�F� - ,� . - *< - ' J ��i ��F��.�i:..� ' _ � .� ' - � ' � _ - _ - ._ - � . -. - ' . ��-�- n t .r � "' � �M.�� 1.�^� u . , . '�_ � _.. .� .�: .-'.--� S �_ � , � - _ _ �". _ _ y : s- _ — _.�-. -:y _ , : �� tCR�� RYfKRi?S _ _ " _ _— �c � . � �`` � � � - - i t I i v.��, - - �� ? ��. � �- � - ._ � � �� . � + r � S .. � i J °� � �p� IV ! - f:' ., r ��., ✓ a A '" .._9 �,.,_ =SE1(ENiH P{-ACEGALL•fRY v ''�� :. T ;�'..• � ^ .-. - $ - i yy" �` �Y��"' +� ` � y, � 'y� `�' �.. . , _ ` _ __ �i��/� �� .� - �s. . � `•- �` �� .��swa �" �� , .. _ _� _. ___ ._ _ -.' �, ;i� -�,. . ' ' - , = ; �' � '_... .' � �.'- r: : _ ,. " . � � ' _' a," '*, �� \ . : < � � r�. � r . � .� � V �, � �r---�. �•-,. .. _ '�. �. , . , ,� � I � �� "- ,�� ; ' �_- .� � �'�' �:;; � + > ' � � �-�. �' - . . ra � . �� i.s- . IRVfIVE2ARK.°='�'<a � ,��=_. \ 1 " - y `Ht57OliYC QISFRi`C7` `� �� iii,,, , � '�""'". � \ `� - �`� T ` � � y�'T is. � ' � ... '•\\ �\'''�� + i \ �, �i __ ��sit---•/ � �' �i .�'� � �� . � � � ��t! i�� .. _�`/ � � ; A ,; � ' `., }-�.• —= �% . - a �� . ; a w� , _ 1. �, h� i , . , ,,� .�° . � _ `��,,� � � � ��"'=- � r �� ,_ ---- r ,� ,. p,+�. , � s. Jl� �\ ; ._ ,, 1 � �1�`0, /�� _ .� _ ,;� ,�i'�� r'� � t '� l .. _ , , � .- � o �'� `� r . �� 4�sp� �- � ' � f t. >w � � � �� . t' / � �� ; - - _ ..-.. _! , z� i..cz ;� M,f - �- '� ± ' �: .' /i ' � . Y ('� �� . .\ .O'^, ` : ♦ lF . / �' . .._ Y. � _ 1 ' P� F l \1 �.� ` - �.�,%��,7.� �'s� " ' � � � , I _ - _�.._...../��\ _ � MQRTI�ERN ST/1TE5 Pk7WE4t � . , :�`'e ' � _ �'`-`� ' ��`�-'� 1 9 F _� c � . ,.� � � _" \ ,-`� ��. � -- � . ` �,��e • �� , .. , �- _ � c.. 1 �G �� UPSTREAM � _ � , � � � � �` `• ` ��,�� , - _ r , � 1 ,�� '� . . ° � . . ' - y _ _ rvs:�. o.. _ �,� � . , � . �. ,'r : �'` , , - _ '� `� � -- _ _ , � :� ,� : �=,, °_;� �- � a � , � . ,: — - . _ . _ " - - t - ...� --. � - = '� ' , � � , �7 ., o � : _ , '' � �- � - ,<, ;� � - - _ _ ; ` aR � � .,� ' �. : , ' , xi�'i� t � �� _ �5�1�� . , �� . . r ' 7 � , � � , i: . - � �� i � .. ,_. � 1 , , . , . ' � _ �;� � '� � ��" �� c � _ �� i � - -- � � � .. ��,,.� = , KEY X .. � ; :� -- �— �" .`-� - f ^. � X . 0 ResideMial � `!��"�'` � Industrial 0 Mixed Use '.- ' � �"=� ` "` r *.�' �' : :.% _ "°` Commercial/Office � (ndustriallOffice [� Airpnrt , J ` � r_-; ,:r= `.`^'� . ` , ^• ,. �� )�. a " 9.'�,-�: " . S :si � � Commercial - Light lndustry - Pub(i¢ Attradion . , � ".,�'., ' -'.�� - . � . �.. � ' � Offiw Open SpacelParks _ v "�`�` �� . - - >`' � ;, � . �� ,. .., � �'_ Iilustration B CC-�5 properties that will redevelop over ume. This area has designated as mixed —use residential azea in the City's comprehensive plan. • Harrret Island Regiosrat Pask— This is a major recreation azea on the Mississippi River in Saint Paul. Harriet Island Regional Pazk lies just to the west of the West Side Flats area and hu recendy been master planned £or major improvements that will begin in 1999. Harriet lsland fs a major asset to the city as well as to the redevelopment of the West Side Flats area and should be adequately connected. • Raspberry7sland - This is another recrearion open space opportuniry master planned for future improvements. Raspberry Isiand is currendy the home of the rowing club and will be an outdoor performance area in the future. • Concotd/Robest St�eet CommerciaZA�ea — This is an existing and growing commercial area for the West Side Community. It is the neighborhoods desire to see this uea reinforced by new development in the West Side Plats area and better m the downtown area by new commercial linkages. • Musissippi River- The use and enjoyment of the Mississippi River is an important camponent of a West Side T?evelopment Strategy. Water oriented uses, such as marinas, tour boats, restaurants and water raxis aze uses that can energize the riverfront environment and compliment adjoining land oriented uses. Guiding PIaH.s The guiding plans for the West Side Flats area aze the City of Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan, the Saint Paul Mississippi River Gorridor Plan, the Comprehensive Management Plan-Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (general criteria for comparible riverfront uses), the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework (development principles) and Back to the Future: A West Side Community Plan. All of these plans support a mix of uses in the West Side Flats area including, residential, commercialloffice, industrial/ofFice and open space/pazks. Residential land uses aze suggested along the river frontage, commerciaUoffice along Wabasha Street and industria]jofFice along Robert Street and Plato Boulevard. Illustrauon C on the following page, the Saint Pau] on the Mississippi Development Framework, recommends a number of economic development, urban design and open space improvements for the West Side Flats area. Zoning The West Side Flats is covered by special river conidor zoning districts. These districu include (refer to Illustration D on the following page, the Saint Paul Zoning Map); • RCC-1 (River Corridor Commerciat Distsict) - The RCGl River Corridor Disffict is intended to provide sites for commercial nses in the Mississippi River conidor which are cons]stent wlth the comprehensive plan's river corridor plan. Within the district, buildings will be placed to be harmonious with surrounding buildings and uses and to West Side Flats Development Strategy � Ocmber 29, 1499 � ' i� `� `tw .� �'� r � ', � J ; �� ,�� - � ' ,�...-._. �.-� "_ �� 7 VV � J� �^;z�wMe,-�'+!� j�:'NI` ,�,,,r._ . _, ... - _ . . . . _ _ '- -, j `� O � , _ � • p�'.�'.�• ' R �} ��'-`,�� ._' ' _ _ _ _ _ - �.� a ��K�%wE + . � � ��y y � � � � ' �' � � ��J.Y " �T�i`Lt � � .� � • �' t^ � : �r , M1l t� �; Y,� i� 4` ^ � _ ` ) � �. ,�1 r.. . a a� � r. ;�Tj,�-,�. _ __,/ `,`^ =l� .� ,., ' �' ^,. ♦ d ':t. . �;� . , ^'rr �q� S � w ri"� �' �tr� • .,'� �' _Y . �`� _ '- ;�' � �_�' _ � _ .. . �K• : ' - i' . � ".^ T�. . , „K � N a J^� _ - � ��:�0 . �. `�� '�. . . � ;+11v.. , � .^ .�� n >� � : ;� . ^ . r .� . .. �I.`iMq! . :; � ' "�;;� , - ��,. . :..., � '� v+ � . _ �, `�� ,. � ++ M=`` r °.� ' �.� v� � ,,,� � . r, . � , � r �;�� , -'"` ��'� ' ; • - . r�.: � :.. 1 f� � . ' � :r; ;f � �',� �� ° .i' t �."1% s n � �f_ � �r' ., :v�:' ` �!'. ; ,_, ,,. � �; A� _r ;.,:�.: F? .�. �.�. , : - : _ y_:�r F: . : n 'A. __ 'f.�ta-..`��a Y y O � N � i LL �+ C d £ Q O d > .�. �'*�^.�� .• n, -- �-gf r `.� � j .�-1 .�. �. � �h - . l ;,� .;d=yr . -t � r+, '. �.,,�. ;, „ -;> _ � e.�'l 1 � .`�� ! s � � ��'' `` l-'-� C �, � � .^ �i. . + .. . �t ., i.• � �r' �S -i°'i. � n � ° a O. '� �.` F i' _ , � � N � �': ,� 1 t 1 �y � �'. x Vl '`� �°. h � �� .� � _'") � --+.` ' y� d � �t � "� M �_ � : � -�l • .'.� a • �^' '!� : _ 'w O . p n. " � . '�f . \i � . .� w'.. �, � � R n �' � 6 rn �' r °' _ t�� C � i: N � 0 vp-35 protect views from adjacent districts. See City of Saint Paul Zoning Code, Subdivision 5.60.760 for more detailed informarion. RCR-1 (River CorizdorRuidenzial Dirtrict) - The RCR-1 River Corridor Residential District is intended to provide sites for multiple-family dwellings in the Mississippi River corridor which are consistent w9th the comprehenrive plan's rlver corridor plan. Within the district, buildings will be placed to be harmonious with surrounding buildings and uses and to protect views from adjacent districu. See City of Saint Paul Zoning Code, Subdivision 4.60.750 for more detailed informakon. RCI-1 (River Comdor Industry Dirtrict) The RCI-1 River Corridor Industrial District is intended to provide sites for commercial, office and industrial uses in the Mississippi River corridor which are consistent with the comprehensive plan's river corridor plan. Within the district, buildings will be placed tA be harmonious with surrounding buildings and uses and to protect views from adjacent districts. See City of Saint Paul Zoning Code, Svbdivision 6.60.770 for more detailed information. The West Side Flau is also subject to a specia] overlay disRict, RC-4 — River Corridor L3rban Diversified District. It is the intent that the lands and waters in this district be used and developed to maintain the present diversity of commerciai, industrial, residential and public uses o£the lands, including the exisdng transportarion use of the river; to protect historical sites and areas, nahxral scenic and environmental resouxces; and to expand public access to and enjoyment of the river. New commercial, industrial, residenual and other uses aze petmitted if they are compatible with these goals. Znnd Ownership (Refer to Illustration A, Eaosting Conditions) Cuy of Saint Paul(Housing and Redevelopm�ent Agency — The City and HRA own one of the larger conuguous land areas, which occupies the entire riveT frontage. The HRA also owns two parcels along Robert Street. The land is cunent]y vacant and available for redevelopment. JLT Group — This is the largest parcel in the West Side Flau azea and is bordered by Fillmore Sueet to the north, the railroad to the west, Robert Street frontage properues to the eat and Plato Boulevazd to the south. The JLT group also ovms the vacant building on the northeast corner of Robert Street and Fillmore Stree� The parcel is mostly vacant and available fw redevelopment. The owners of the property aze interested in developing their property as a business oriented urban enterttinment theme park. • Llewllyrz Worldwicie Publickirag — This pazcel at the foot of the Wabasha Bridge is occupied by a combination office/watehouse building. They also own a small parcel to the north of the building that is used for parking. Llewllyn Worldwide Publishing has outgrown their e�sting faciliry and would 3ike to expand in their present locarion or they will need m relocate to a larger site. West Side Flau Development Strategy October 29, 1999 �0-35 • Wabarha Busineu Center— This pazcel on the eut side of Wabasha Sheet is a converted warehouse building that has been converted into a business center sexving the needs of the �est Side neighborhood and greater Saint Paul Community. The owners have eacpressed their interest in supporting redevelopment of the azea including their property. • W.J. Haas Mfg. Comparcy —An eaisring small manufacturing company on a small parcel at the comer of Wabasha Street and Plato Boulevard. • NasseffPlumbing —An epsting service company on a small frontige parcel along Plato Boulevard • The Backrneet Grill — An exisring restaurant on a sma11 patcel at the comer of Robert Street and Plato Boulevard. • Traoiskis Bar — An existing commercial use on a small frontage parcel on Robert Street. Floodwall/Levee — Riverwalk A new and expanded floodwall and levee system provides the West Side Flats with protection against flooding, allowing redevelopment of the azea for a variety of new uses. In addition, the new Riverwalk provides an attractive amenity for pedestrian use and enjoyment of the river's edge. However, the levee and floodwall dces provide a barriez, both physically and visually to the river. The challenge in redevelopment of the area wi1( be in how best to reduce its impact. (Refer to Illushation F, Floodwail/I.evee Exiseng Gonditions on the following page.) In discussions with the Army Corp of Engineers the new floodwall and levee system has been constructed with flexibiliry for new development. It is understood that planting pockets have been designed into the top of the levee for shade uee planting and that the existing 5:1 slope can be encroached upon with new development. New development can be constructed approximately 15 to 20 feet from the new floodwall provided adequate water seepage precautions aze taken. This provides an excellent opportunity to integrate parking under buildings along the levee and provides the opportunity for uses that orient directly to the Rivenvalk. (Refer to Iltustration E, Floodwall/Levee Exisring Cross Section on the following page.) Railroad An existing rai] line bisects the West Side Flau azea from north to south, through the middle of the site. This is an active nil line that serves uses on the north side oFthe river. While it is an acrively used line, there aze rerouvng opportunides that could minimize its need. Whi1e negndations aze ongoing with the railroad, there is no certainty that the line can be eliminated or a time frame for doing so. As a result considerarion should be given in the deve3opment strategy for short to medium term rail use of this line with an understanding of the opportunities that might be presented if the rail ]ine was vacated. West Side Flats Development Strategy 9 October 29, 1999 � 6�-35 /� � � J LL w > w � w w a�u� J Q � �Q? wZ F c a ¢ aai� J Q {{�''�� J LL W Z J Q O 1-- 7 w ° ¢ � cs z � � X w O _" � � h N h O � � `t N _ 1 I. __ y � _' _'— - � �l, u�� - T — ----- T ` �l O � { �D � � � �'__'_'__ _"._y, � �. w� t- W � :. 7 4 � o � V � J iU Q1 � O 0 $ J � LL Z 0 F- U W � W W > W J Z J � LL � N J o � Q Q W a � ' ---__l O LL Y ¢ � 2 < ¢ N w 0 '�� a 2 4 W � W Q Z W O � d J � � O LL Z � � Z J a W W N Z w X w a.- m w � � m� N �� mo� a � a� � =_�a `'= E m � •- m o � > � Y � C � � � N � � 3 a c�'c m � c C y � � � �a� � am � r 3 � m � r � m m U � � ~ C � C C � � � � � C � O � ,� �D � O N ;.., O C tn �- O � � R m � m � d � � � Y Q) � LL7 L _ j;, W C O M � L N � N 0 � '� C V D1 N �x W N � J R 3 � 0 0 � � � - _ - -� - - �, .. ' . �� - � � � _:c�. i /� .3 _ . . . _ � � . i r�=� � � �l� � ' : h � ' ... . . . . . `'�, �� 7 _ �. ` . ~ '' ` t I ' �': , . . . . ^_ ' _' ' �, � ��_ � ' - � � _ � i � ` �; r'" .. � . � � � �. . � "`4 "�- ' � � � �� - � '. +: ti. . . . . . .. .. �� ii. �4 � � . � � �. � � � � � � .." '. �T MISSISSIPPi ' RIVER :'�_.. yE � utctctc� The West Side Flats area is crossed by a number of utilities. This azea was once more heavily developed and a number of uti3ities have been vacated while others ate still opentional. Water- A number of waterlines run through the site and may or may not impact redevelopment. MCES Syphnn Sanitary Sewer—A triple sanitary sewer line runs north/south through the site para3leling the west side of rail line and connecting to the Riverview Pump Station on the river. No structures can be built over this line, however, streets and pazking can. The relocation of this utiliry would be prohibitively cosdy. Storm Sewer - A major 90" storm sewer line runs northJsouth through the site paralleling the east side of the rail line and connecting to the Custer Storm Pump Stauon on the river. No structures can be built over this line, however, streets and parking can. The relocarion of this utility would be prohibitively costly (Approximately $300 per linear foot). Sails It is understood that the soils in the West Side Flats aze not suitable for conshuction and will need to be removed to a depth of approxitnately 8' —10'. This provides the opportunity for building a level of parking, at basement level, throughout the West Side Flats area. The area azound the new buildings would be constructed on new compacted fill to match the surrounding grades of the azea. Conclusions from Exishng Canditiorrs The conclusions that can be derived from a review of the e�sting conditions evolve around the physical constrainu that have limited development in the past. These constraints involve; the largely private land ownership of the azea; the railroad R.O.W, as a dividing element; the MCES Syphon Sanitary Sewer and the 90"storm sewer which can't be built over and would be costly to relocate; and the floodwa111Sevee system which can't be compromised. The success of future development in the West Side Flats area will rely on working azound these constraints in areas that can be effecuvely deve]oped uulizing; sueets, open space and pedestrian connecrions w link them all together. OG -35 West Side Flats Development Strategy 10 Octpber 29,1999 � Da-35 7II. West Side Contest and Oven Space Connections The West Side Context and Connections Map (lllustrarion G-1) provides an idea of how the West Side Flats redevelopmern fits in contextually with the rest of the West $ide neighborhood and the rSver. This is accomplished mainly thtough connections. Through meerings with the West Side Community, open space connecrions were identified ac an important component of the West Side Flats development strategy. As illustnted in Open Space Connections A (Illustrauon G- 2), the existing street network provides the basic framework for open space linkages including; the recently improved Wabuha Street�abasha Street Bridge, Robert Street, Plato Boulevard and long term, Fillmore Street. Wabasha Sueet and Robert Street provide the primary northlsouth connection between rhe West Side neighborhoods and downtown Saint Paul. Plato Boulevard and Fillmore Sneet provide the primary eastlwest conneccions through the West Side Flats area. In addition to the sheet network, there are several other open space connections that need w be considered as part oFthe West Side Flau Development Strategy. Harriet Island Regional Park is a major open space opportunity. Connecuons to the pazk will be important to maintain. The Rive:walk connects west to the pazk and beyond along the top of the levee. The Rivenvalk stops at the Port to the east. The Framework Plan illustrates the railroad as a long-term "greenway" opportunity. This would provide an off street connection from the south through the West Side Flats and across the river w the downtown. This connecrion relies on the abitity to utilize and maintain the existing railroad bridge across the river. This could be a challenge, as this is a lift bridge and is in continuous operaaon to accommodate riverboat traffic. Connections from the top of the blufEtA the West Side Flats are important to the West Side neighborhoods. The existing connections at Wabasha Street and Ohio Street need to be reinforced and addirional vertica] connections may want to be considered. In addition, walkways at the top of and bottom of the Bluffwould provide additional connections through the West Side neighborhoods. The top ofthe bluffwalkwould provide an addirional amenity as a scenic overlook to the tiver and downtown Saint Paul. The Connecrions & Opportunities diagram (Illustration H-1) further documents the West Side connecrions and opporwnities for their enhancement. It also reinforces the desire for a mix of uses including, residential, office, retail, entertainment and cultural facilities. Open Space Connectiotzs B (illustraqon H- 2), illustrates how the existing connecRons through the West Side Flau could be eacpanded on utilizing north/south routes that follow the historic street grid which existed in this area. It also poses an altemarive greenway 3ocauon if the railroad was vacated. In addirion to the sueet grid it also illustrates potendal routes through eaasting developed azeas that could provide greater connections from the bluff m Harriet Island Pazk and the river. West Side Flats Development Strategy 11 October 29, 1999 -� � �D-�5 q � � o �o�" a � Q E � 3 m W � O v�i o c m � c 2 z 3 aU�rP U v = `o.z�'.. �as< V c � C ' - � � C � = o � tj'i £' � r G � O m � m � m UU �&� �°'_� � � Q 0 � %r= y � � � � � � � � a� O � �a N � t U N � C!! r-- N � N Z 0 F U w Z Z O U � �C � � Z O U w ❑ cn r - N � �' ao-35 l ;f , -t ` _ . ;��- _ ��% �, � -_ a - � -: . � � � - , ' � l• � . - � `�8- �' �� " _ ��! i �� r y ,�� ! �' _ ��`� � � - ' ., "g � � � , � - _ / `'��i�� - . :. � J ; � �� ,�';''� - _ . ' . � j ,-�� .. 44�';�_ / ' 3 _ � � �_ _.. � � '_� - �' ¢� " �3`' � � —. J � - �� ' 3 - - � . F Y �_ , �� _��: � . � , �t — rL �� cd " � . � f - �_� : - � A �4 - �.1�'` K J� y, �j - _ �s \� • � - - '� C �-� \��:.�^', r . - �� _ �� 1 � _ �� ,�� \ _ f. � :. , . '_- � �. .. � �' : ' -. \� .. : � i / "_ �� .c _ w <\�1 ��e`..�� 'f (� \.. �l � �°� ' '� �"��!1�, .�- _ , � `� � �_ \ , ��a' � - � s �/ „ ((+.� � °'� �.. � �' , � Q� - � � s.`� �� . , , �� -�, ; - . '\ �i Ctr: { .� \� �� ({� vfrA� 'e-� A � Z 4 � o `�,,! �€ _�. , i� � G o ;; �'� 4`:i c .H � �jlj k) .. ,� � "' 4 r. , _�:,A`,A� � ` F r ' �� " � . � ... ..� . - _ � , � � ` ( .�� _ � . � � `l '"� } � �.;u. n. ��A� �c� f i _ � � � '_� � �\ G ` '` C. � s a� �_.�^�tF. `��. � ^z :, � , r, V _. � �;� _ � � _ •�� /_� � ' �.�� . � - ".L� �� i � '� ` . - � � �''\� � / � �� ` ' ``� � � • � `-_ �Q�' .. � ��.� � � �. ,�� O �� 9 � � � � � ,� q � z� \.4 '�._ �-: - `z ,� � , P �. � C L � �� _ �:� . [�1. _ _ �� l / � w `}� � l -` \ \ � 1 � ♦ _ � , �. � � ,..� S ��c. � . � i �'. 1 J � d �t �% � A /'/� I l�/ � � �`� T /' �� J \ i' w : '�, � ! ,,�� a Z � �= �, , y U o � � = �f � �, � � �� ` -,� g , , �� __, _ , z � , .. „� e- �. `' / � ti `��e� . "� � � " ��- �.:��r ��„� '�! v � � . V: �� C � � � �` ��° � p � z \' s � , ,� \,\. � ,� _:. � Q � J � \� � ^\ �` '\ \ � � N � d a .' a' _ � � 0 � m m� _ e � '-a /=., C � [� °t� E'�°-°. ` b' �o O Vv N � m C 0 W Q J m _ 0 11 Z (Q C Q` 9 m- � O J y 0 L U V $ a_ 5„ E� a Q ( � y � ° m m� �� o y T� u c i � o E ? ti` o � o � c D m E O fi` � �.. � U �� z � U ' ��x � 0 3 n � �e&i � � � 0 � � N � .� � � � � Y O = �a N +- :�= ln U � � in � N � N W 1=- Z � F--- � � a. a O � N Z � F=- U w Z Z O U 00--�35 1V. The Develoumeat Strategy The development s�ategy for the West Side Flats is based on developing a flexible framework that can be implemented overtime based on a number of physiral and economic consuaintc. Public vs. private land ownership and key infrastructure constraints, such as the continuing operation of the raiiroad, the sanitary sewer and storm sewer aze key factors in establishing short and long-term development options. The su�ategy options and development plan recommend flexibility with land use, development densities and building heights. It proposes that a mix of complimentary uses with the goal of creating an urban village with complimentary residential, of£ce, retail, entertainment and cultural faciliues. It also suggesu respecring views of the downtown skyline, especially from the West Side neighborhoods on top of the bluff. A. Development Stcategy Summary The development suaxegy options are based on and reinforce the following key poinu; • Acknowledged each land owners' right and use of their property; • Created new amenity opportuniries from ea�sAng constraints (railroad tracks and sewers); • Esablish new open spaces and pedestrian connecrions that create linkages to adjacent uses/neighborhoods and also provide added value to development parcels; • Reinforce visual and physical access to river; • Control height and densiry of development to preserve and reinforce views to the river from the surroundingbluffs; • Reestablish historic neighborhood street grid to provide appropriately scaled development pazcels, a streeucape open space network, and mulriple sReet access for ease and convenience ofvehicular circularion; • Saengthen streetscape, building facades and adjoining public uses; • Create urban mi�ced-use development within the overall site; locate parking under buildings or interior to development blocks as well as on streets. B. Potential Laad Uses To facilitate discussions on the potential of the West Side Flau, a number of broad-based ]and uses were evaluated to understand the potential for the area. These broad based uses were based on past and current ideas generated for the area and illusuate the range of potenrial uses that could 6e considered in development of the shategy. The broad-based West Side Flats Development Strategy 12 October 29, 1999 Da land uses include; all office, all residential, officeJsports and entertainment, mixed- use/sports and entertainment and a mixed-use urban village. The sports and entertainment uses that have been discussed for the West Side Flats azea include; a ballpark, theme park, farmer's market, cultural center, water park, boat museum and National Girls Spozts Center. C. Development Concept Option A Development Concept Option A(Dlushation I on the Following page), illustrates the potenual first step in redevelopment of the West Side Flats. It suggests that all existing businesses continue their operations with redevelopment focussing on City/HRA owned properties. It also incorpontes the possibility that the JLT Group will move ahead with their plans for an urban entertainment 2heme park. Development Concept Oprion A illusuates: • the creation of the triangular park created between the Railroad and the Sanirary Sewer easement; • environmental enhancement of Railroad R.O,W.; • the development of the City of Saint Paul/HRA property between the Railroad and Robert Street Bridge as rnixed-use; • the development of the HRA frontage property on Robert Street; • the development of the JLT Group property as mixed-use ente� • streetscape improvemenu on Wabasha Sueet, Plato Boulevard, Robert Street, Fillmore Street and new urban sueet grid. West Side Flats Development Sa�ategy 13 October 29, 1999 oc�-35 � � t'--, �`��. � - �. . ; r _.� ..c _ ,-= . � e� (• ,1 __ - ` `> ,; ��' --: ��_ � . x f ; -,�`� s = � � ;. � �_ ��---� o - t: - _- "+�_�. . � �.:, �. . _, =_�� . . , : � , � ..�� i� ` ;�� /4�`. - y - ,.'�,�_�' _ "" 1 '�"" ' ' - � _ -- -t r,';./ 7 ., � +'. � - ` - � y � - -_ . . ' � �� - . ' �/� � �. . . . . - - _ _ � � " � v, - . � ��. - ` - �� l�'�" � ' �� ' .� _ �= . .`:% !� `�'�- '.,: - - V"��. 3a � j�°� _ � � '_ , � � j'; �� _�` LL � ^;�:�`' . � �� ,�1� � , s . . �� 4 �1'� � � . ' �'� �� _ " C'�� - ' ' ,1 `+� ' � , - f � \ :. \ `, l � _-_' � . � '��;�� '�:�� x ' . ;' � p � � - _ _ - � 1 , , -� _ � - _� W �\ � ��r. _* `� ' X ,( �� . . _ � /� '� "�'� `��" \�( � \ ` � �-! ' - . > �" �� ' y` Z �' ��t�"�! "', o y ," ,' :, y �,.' ; ��. ,`. - r � � ; � * � � r� \�`\ �3o a ,�� , �� . o , �� i, �� _ � � '\A`:" �� - - _.�� V �� . '.� ' ' _ . , s . : :i ��- � � w � �.� �' � � � �� . ,E` � � r O t ' ' C� �� , �� d ^�� h ti �.. �t� �'c � i . �� ^� f /� ;j/ .'�S � ,Ti -"��.•e .� c�� C� ' 0 . r ��f�' � Y}, �' � � � � � rt � � � � � �.�, , ' b � ,t `•` �� '\ �� I � 0 y ?� �� \�\ � � � �� - \�.�� , � � ? z r' �. i 1�' d � � � - - ,� � � �'i±. V X� 1 rL ` . _ � � W f� ' � �� . �\ t� � � �l '�� ; .� ly - , \ � � �` � ��.H \°,� \ ` � � s \ �. �'� i ' { t � V � / ~�� (: / ',�"_ ,�,, � � t' ..�1�� 8 ♦� m w � \ s �, \ .. .. �`�, � � p \ \ � ��' / •' \`� ° � ;� �("" ° � �t � i -- �� a � � � �G � .� `'-,�� :�vc - d � �:. cpt. �� e N . . � �•,2- o V ZZ �� - � tL1 Z � � � � �,, � c �� , � � �, � � �� d --- � - � � - �� _ � Z�o - 35 IV. The Devel�ment Strategy The developmenc s�ategy for the West Side Flats is based on developing a flexible framework that can be implemented overtime based on a number of physical and economic constrainu. Public vs. private land ownership and key infrasu�ucmre consfsaints, such as the conunuing operation of the railroad, the sanitary sewer and storm sewer aze key factors in establishing short and ]ong-term development oprions. The strategy options and development plan recommend flexibility with land use, development densities and building heights. It proposes that a mix of complimentary uses with the goal of creating an urban village with complimentary residential, o�ce, retail, entertainment and cultural facilities. It also suggests respecting views of the downtown skyline, especially from the West Side neighborhoods on top of the bluff. A. Development Stxategy Suuvnary The development su�ategy opuons aze based on and reinforce the following key poinu; • Acknowledged each land owners right and use of their property; • Created new amenity opportunities from existing constraints (railroad tracks and sewers); • Establish new open spaces and pedestrian connections that create linkages to adjacent uses/neighborhoods and also provide added value to development parcels; • Reinforce visua3 and physical access to river; • Conu�ol height and density of development to preserve and reinforce views to the river from the surrounding bluffs; • Reestablish historic neighborhood sueet grid to provide appropriately scaled development parcels, a sveetscape open space network, and multiple street access for ease and convenience of vehicular circulation; • Shengthen sueeucape, 6uilding facades and adjoining public uses; • Create urban mixed-use development wlthin the overall site; locate parking under buildings or interior to development blocks as well as on streets. B. Potential Land Uses To facilitate discussions on the potential of the West Side Flau, a number of broad-based land uses were evaluated to understand the potential for the area. These broad based uses were based on past and current ideas generated for the area and illustrate the range of potential uses that could be considered in development of the suategy. The broad-based West Side Flau Development Strategy 12 Ocmber 29, 1999 �C-35 land uses include; all office, all residential, o�ce/sports and enterrainment, mixed- use/sports and enteminment and a mixed-use urban village. The sports and entertainment uses that have been discussed for the West Side Flats area include; a ballpazk, theme park, farmer's market, cultural center, water park, boat museum and National Girls Sports Center. C. Development Concept Option A Development Concept Option A(Illumation I on the followingpage), illustrates the potential first step in redevelopment of the West Side Flau. It suggests that all existing businesses conunue their operauons with redevelopment focussing on Ciry{HRA owned properties. It also incorporates the possibiliry that the JLT Group will move ahead with their plans for an urban entertainment theme park. Development Concept Option A illustrates: • the creaqon of the Riangular park created between the Railroad and the Sanitary Sewer easement; • environmental enhancement of Railroad RO.W.; • the development of the Ciry of Saint Pau]/HRA property between the Railroad and Robert Street Bridge as mixed-use; • the development of the HRA frontage progerty on Robert Street; • the development of the JLT Group properry as mixed-use enterainment; • streetscape improvements on Wabasha Street, Plato Boulevard, Robert Street, Fillmore Street and new urban sueet grid. West Side Flau Development Strategy 13 October 29, 1999 Con 1 D. Development Concept Option B Development Concept Option B(Illustration J on the following page), illustrates the neart step in the development strategy with the potential for redevelopment of the Wabasha Street frontage properties_ New sueets have been created on each side of the railroad, following the historic street grid, to provide new fronuge development opportunities. The new su to the west of the railroad, Starkey Su�eet, has been eartended towards the river, joining the access road to Hatriet Island Park, to create a lazger development parcel north of Fillmore Street. Development Concept Option B illustrates; • the redevelopment of Llewellyn Worldwide Publishing, Wabasha Business Center, and W J. Haas Mfg. Company; • new north/south development sueets on each side of the railroad; • new easVwest street connecrions between Wabasha Sheet and Starkey Sueet following historic urban street grid; • streetscape improvements on all new development streets. • creaqng connections and corridors of activity reaching into adjoining West Side neighborhoods. Dc-35 West Side Flats Development Strategy 14 Ocwber 29, 1999 1�°" : ��:� �° �i��t l+:'° ;�-�'=: �.:'. Ob-� E. Development Concept Option C Development Cancept Oprion C(Dlusaation K on the following page), illustrates the potential of the JLT Group's property deve]oping as a mixed use urban village, following the pattern established by the historic uzban street grid of this azea and reinforced in the previous two concepts. This concept also illustrates the other small fronuge pazcels incorporated into the shategy. Two new northjsout$ su (Custer Street and Livingston Avenue) aze proposed through the JLT Group property and three new east/west streets {Fairfield Sueet, Indiana Su and Chicago Sueet) connecting with Robert Sueet. Fillmore Street is i]lumated connecting through to Wabasha Street across the Railroad R.O.W. whether the railroad continues w operate or not. The estension of Fairfield Street and Indiana Street to Wabasha Street would be dependent on the railroad being vacated. Development Concept Opeon C illustrates: • completion of the historic north/south and east/west street grid; • development of the JLT Group property as a mixed use urban village - Mixed use residential towards the center of the development and mixed-use commercial towards the Plato Boulevard and Robert Street frontages; • iE the railroad is vacated; creation of a linear pazk connecting from Plato Boulevard to the river; • streetscape improvements on all new development streets. Illustrations O and P, following Illustration N, provide a before and after three- dimensional image of what the West Side Flats might look like as a mixed-use urban village. This view is taken from the downtown looking south to the West Side bluff. The Wabasha Street Bridge is on the right side of the image. This view is intended m illustrate the integation of the West Side Flats Development Strategy into the broader West Side area through connections and open space ]inkages from the river back to the bluff and beyond. While all the buildings in the sketch aze shown at similat heighu, variations in building heights and the intensity of development on each block can and should occur without compromising the overall vision for the area. Illusu�ations Q and R, following Illustration P, provide another before and after three- dimensional image of the West Side Flats area. This view is from the West Side bluff, looking north to the downtown skyline. Wabasha Sh�eet is on the left side of the image. This view is intended to illustrate that the West Side Flats should develop in a manner that respecu the views from the West Side neighborhoods to the river and downtown. Illustrations S, following Illusaarion R, is an aerial perspective from the Saint Paul on the Mississippi pevelopment Framework. Illustration T shows how the West Side Flats Development Strategy would integrate into the Framework Plan. West Side Flats Development Su�ategy 15 October 29, 1999 i .. qwMr..:_ r.�.,. -,J:- .. f�.`�.� �'4 �9r �r��r'� �+� �... �:�l� i/`,� '� e . ',. ' . . .: „�, �> �._ i i s 1�� i.�� I,\� r �� C"�� >.� �� 9 � �1.� " . rr� � 'w _ i ��'�'�) � . � �-�' � � :N�,_. _ _ 'ct . . . .'. 7 'N i � i a ' ., ��f�I. � � ��' � ��I 1� i .,: �1•4%� �- � ' • � �: �[ �� •� � �� i � � R � ' -��P► *-�� ; �! ►�� :�i�� :, .�i r ��' '� �. . i� �� . �,, . � ; � r� � "`_ . ;, „).. � 0 ;, .� � (� .� � - - - ;� - fi °a�a c ,,�, �x.�a. o �� •� ��',�i i t.p.� y Y 1► �� 'y >r �� ,��. . -� '_ ' ;/; I� po -35 F. Tppical Development Block Studies While specific uses, densiry or building heighu aze not products of the West Side Flats Development Strategy, several studies have been prepared to test the densiry potenaal of a typical block to support various uses. The typical block studies are based on the eatisting hiswric street grid in the West Side Flats area that is approximately 300' x 300' (centerline of roadway to centerline of roadway) and a 7Q' RO.W. The typical blocks illustrated are residential and office. Both typical blocks assume a ground level use that is either commercial, office/residential lobby or public use. It is assumed that residential development would require approximately 1.5 — 2 off-street pazking spaces per unit and office uses wovld require approximately 2.5 — 3 off-street parking spaces per thousand square feet. Due to the poor soils in the West Side Flats area, the top ten feet of the site wili need to be escavated. As a result, it is possible io construct on level of parking under the entire block In both residenrial and office scenarios we have assumed the construction of a second level of parking would be located behind the street level fronuge. The top of this parking cou]d be an internal private open space. Based on the reasonable parking potential for each block, the quanrity of each use can be calculated. Dif�'erent block configurations; complete block face, U-shaped, L-shaped or single slab buildings will dictate the building heighu. On street parking has not been included in the typical development block study calculations, but would provide an addiaona140 pazallel parking spaces per complete blockface. This parking should be consideted as visitor pazking or for ground level commercia] uses. Typical Raidential Block (refer to Illusuation L on the following page) — Based on the assumptions oudined above with two levels of parking yielding 240 parking spaces, a total of 12� — 160 residential units could be achieved in each block. Utilizing a complete block faces for residenrial development, the typical residential block could accommodate 40 unitsAeveL The typical residenrial block would be four to five levels (street leve] plus three to four residential levels). Typicul O,Q'ue(Mieed-Use Bkck (refer to Illustraaon M on the following page) — Based on the assumptions outlined above with two leve3s of parking yielding 230 parking spaces, a wtal of 75,000 SF - 115,000 SF per Office/Mixed-Use block could be achieved. Urilizing an "L" shaped building footprint; a typical block could accommodate approximately 30,000 SF per level. The typical block would be£our to five levels (street level plus three to four office levels). The proposed floodwall/levee cross secrion shown in I1lustraUOn N, on the following page, illusu�ates how new development can be built within 15-20 feet of the floodwall and Rivercvalk. Care needs to be taken to ensure that the integrity of the floodwalljlevee is not compromised and water infiltration is minimized. One to two levels of parking can be located under the building, with direct access to the top of levee/Riverwalk by an West Side Flau Development Su�ategy 16 October 29, 1999 � _—.t---...�- .. � - i ,. � - t [�-i�� 1�l��1 �t � �. _.�• i��f3�1 � ��t�/ ,v e � �� (4nK/l�� , (tB'S1 D�tJ'f 7,Pd� t�}o t� s�}e uNH's) f��'slPk�'tJTl�ci. C�ir. _ �h oN�ts) ° 2 �It�J'['t�,t� C4��s'h uq►ts� i°,4 Ri�t NG ( Qo ) yj P � , ; ti . _� gf►fV�It�fCe ( �GC . . • •, �' �•`��`. . , • • .°,: , . •• .. .•��•.. , ... : • • . . • �. � � •� M' ` �� `��. f � r.� L � � • • � t�� . ' • � , � . � • T �� t vv £' . t , 2�+o hPP�S �� t � � • t NIT x l�lo Q'� `�PK�. 1 �►�CS 9`t`1)!7�'t' � . � - �tl�z �t' lr�. , Typicaf Mixed-Use Residentiai Block Illustration L �5 � �� 1 � I :' _ �� l.�cN t'�Fo' �p. ( 30.9 x/ � vt'F'tGi's ��Sn.yK�s.r a'74 rKc �PIG�s C�� X .s. 7�. �s J ��'.,RG� C.k'f�cx s. �c PKS.� , �'At�1N6 ( 70) � �� : .. •�.,,�; :i i�,�++Yo clloo) - • • - '�- � �r-.'- �-- -+--� t � l — — — `— = t �— �� --- r .. : �u�azi - �'�'�.—: •� � -" - ��w�R� oFwA�i�� - - ; � � • • rma ►w4t�n 'S � 4��.E��'tG� ?�'�0 9�K.Es �. 4ioRdZ. I ' �� 2.'➢=/C9o� � x9►..zi�� -°�--� - � . :r,-- ' -- --'--� r.- - Typical Mixed-Use Office Block 2(0 Illustration M �-+ C � d 0 > N � � N Z �.l � �,� , �ti � .� � N � V � � � � O � � O I� a� � a�i �„� � �� c � .N 'x � � /� � �f` � �� d � 2 a 0 r ia M N SS a+ C QI � a 0 > d � 3 a, C Of C ._ .^ R +�+ a r � e 0 = � R � C C a o� Y � N ', .� � � a 3 � 0 0 � _ a 0 0 L � � _ Q � d N N N � i V � � �11 �L• ' ' �, ` ��• � � �{ � _ ' *< y.5 Y i�; > � ' �' • . !. + R � •, . '� �` 5� , . f � •l 4 i � . . `,' ; ; r � ,: a � ;. i ;,� ``''+, 6 l � � p t 4T L^, :t7� i� � F' ' 1�. ' �!` �- .� 4{" � + r I .� ,� � �;, . � � A � :� � 1�� ` �� . , ��'�� f �� t °.� :� * �t` t r 1� i� u r y , L ��': r : et5 EI I.�.. , �� f�it �� : �� j � f ,(r } A . ' a �:, � � � .� �� . � t� , r �.�t � � i , �'`' �� '��. , / Y3R\@�" t ifPF � � / • i r � �� .. �� r� 1 '. a` � f ` -s° � • �. � . '� t � , - �, z >3. ,� ;., � c.""��' t3 � r , t � � �� r li: � ? � f / .� � � [J ' i 4 . T � x i � � �� , s 9�: � � : -� r,-. . I j � � :' : � � � : r _ '� .,: . -; �,� t t � z. � `t� x �, � `'� � #��„�� ' ' ; t � f( � �. � � � . '� �, � ` `y� > � j - •� ? r , K �� A pr ..'F �(` ' T?'$c S.: � � f �— � � . . A'�.� : %. .'; � �iw. j' 4�+' :T.i' Y S'�.'!+^ Yf.. 3 �v. ) � � . Y ! � +?`4� � '` (y L�S 1 �lu 7�� -'» � �/ �l'" 3 L�i i c y ��y A� �.� �• i-' '��' ; � u� �., �; �, '. ; � :' �}�� ' f � 3 i � iT _ FE t,,� . . . F i ' �� . �1.�� tf . f�r: . y 5 i i4 F E� � R k .y .� � - � } � T f .W � ' � .y¢ { , 4 y . § t � � ` J jj J i �^ � 9.�] 4 c. a. 7 +F � �' �'�„ F � y t � ' � „� w� ,��F,^�� a �" J � � d .i� �� f �'� N 3s t � � {� � i� , �v�kN 4. � " F � 344 r'�T �/ � l 1 .s � s:, �� , . p � ' f` Y 3 X , � `' �� s� � F4e Y r � � t �� s ��. s 4 `Y y`3 t i '. � 5, . ! a �� z �? �� t � � �.��: u � , 3'� „ ;��; � � s s� � ' x a ' e �� s . .. � �'vc� s tt . r...` ... i ` �� ' 4:. '�.'r r " � �� iw w � � � g � � �.i an' V� �'�c. ,� . ^i� 7 ) °�#' Y t y�ia� Yf'� . F T �Y� 2rv * � ` Y.}v: � �- �� .� - ,:� _ �s � . _ .�°... . ��.� L . , .. . . •1 t. ��f. . / : � , .� � �� i` , t . _ �i ' � � ' . �'.. ' a � � _ �= � ! . � �- 1 '� j., R � :} , f . �� t t � : � �, ... i . �� i � : r � ��i. •'s �- � i�� ,i' �Y. �i ' i � � �, � ' � � ' ` r �;` 1 e ' .� r � / � � , - r• i � i , ;',, , � � t ' � �,� ' ' r. �+' i � �. t �aZ t d I � / . `:f ,{ j/ {� .I �" �� 4� � i/ i {�� .�� ' � /' . :�` - j t s4 ' x j 2 � � � � . � , � �F� f i t 1 � �` 6 � �, : r a � ,� �;• �` � � , �-�. � , � ` . � ' . �_ f � � g rz.:. , . �: , -7 - � � { .' � �i . � �S =�� t i {� �� , � � � � `' '� I =' ! ✓ �( � • a �?� �?* d. �Y. l � } j kr� �� 5 � y _ a i. a � f� � ` . �� " 5� �� . y ar ';� �f � sA V y x �� ,� � � � � �_ � r: r �: ��. ' .� , E ; { �_ .�� - � ; � + � , rrrrrir'. '� ' �*� , ; , �.a. , � �� . j �3 � i , � ��' � �� j _�� j ; 4 '] . � , , � • � '.�' 4 " ( �.s iY tii ilx � y " ..� , { � .� j(� 1 �.� !1r' � ' � �: �� I ti�' �,fk. �' y L. t'�`� la�.a ..+ ��, 7 �2 '' � .�. �. n : �Se vr�,�.i 1 �. `. ��. ��` �- � � �'�� ' �. � �.� � 4�� , �k� `� � - � � F . �h;Y � +• � �$ 1 � � �.� &� �� h ,:r . � � � �� .., Y i :� t�-: w ( $ �. , �: rr� � � �F: ',;;—� � z � � , ' !�_ � � } i �. t4, � � r: } t j �y °� � '�� ". ; §� .., t ' '�i.�`a F� � i �„ _ � k. ', . � fJ � r i�r � a �� /' ' l � Y � .. .�'+ � � t � e�e£ ` aii �� .r° �` . . .. R � � �? ,F � q � � � � � S � • , .. . � .. � �` � � � ��1� �.,� �R � ` T {� �� ;r:, . � � t 'l ;� : - ! r r; e l �, i' '£ �:�2 �.1 � � i' •� � ; �� ' i � t ' .�� ) i < ' •,T�` 1 ' � y �� ,_ .` r ` ,� j -�. �j t �` .T� �. , .; � � , - �.�,, . 1 _ i � t "y� h, ( ' ,. , � . ; n .' � /. ?��`�L . 3J ?+'�I s t , ,, r • �- , �,,, ,,, < � s - u �" ,r� � ��• F s � 'a � ` ` � S` a ` ' f� • �. � �15� r a� � y: e� i� � iw .< � r'� r ' •� i � �.� 't . i, s e - r �' � . • f f fF ��y' ;�j $ ` ��` � c r . � 5 ' -� L ; °^;e. ' [k s � «�'�� ..� 3` r ( r at��•^�w_:a' �+M. _� S�� . _ �� • 1�..e .. a 'rt. � �.. �� r T YrA -'� n .. � r 5"� . `_ � . y ! 4 ��i' Vl^�' A f f'G � _ � � ��t� � ..� . , :� . - s� i� * ��,r a. � � � k < � �� , � � _ , ,, . "'� �=� .--r. � : t ` ''s�,f �Sr �,�.� �.,; ` e i . T c / � l�� _: i .'�� "b T e� . i � �� { � +^ �� ' �� ..0 iG L<'� "'ti�; � r �«:t ,�3 -�� « '�F.: '�e �: = e `� x'.'_ �,� -�� r � � ( - .r�, � e ,�..- �.L � sq. - �� '�� ' � � ( : y+d �,7 . � r�if L/� � Ci.. !L`Le.�' � f �i o 1 �`!e'� '. �'C:� � 4 �� f t � �"w�!�4YT}: fl�'�� ,. � � ^ '1.. - � � � •l: < <� _ �i ! y s . •!� te`�_4,.sw + �� [ } p� � � �''��'1 � � �-�1 r •\ .' S_E'�� F ! � {� �1'.` �: . A �ti A. . , �� . . f' � - 11 1 � INA.� q .. � rvt i\� .Z I. .0. / t �9' ..a S. n� t y� � ,p � t • t.�_'�.��`�� ^ �^ Jc � en' � tl e '"� _ � � � ? '� .+, p r \ � �\ + 'rr f T �,� �., �` tt+. ,y � :�' (Q °a 1 �. �� ,' � . _ f ti.; ��`{ `� ! ' r� �y\� � ♦ �`� w {.` e � ' p j � �' r� t � h ;�..,. �: ��^` � .`>'� r�.�Y� �cf' �$�� t ��f_ l �� .. � :'(�' "� �i, .. } �y�� tl �F�, t /E r ` , ' t . �� ` �� \x� L �e� ' r r� ( � �� ' z... Y: `. �� :! Pc�, /` '� ` Z'jp� t $ • �� . � S ) { � � '" �. � �„�� 'q� �`� .: . � ...`;."` v-� '� a t �-. ,�,/ " /� � i � n .� .r r' � � e _ i ��. ""- ,: r �� • �'�� ,�� . f:a�x�...f ?�`8�• \'..� V y a �i •n _ �" ¢ { � f �� ,. i . �` ��,`� , �� .. r �.�' .i `3e.�.�.�� . j l : � a� �l _ � _ r e *.. �' . . � �� - a '3p�r. �a �) ��` ,�._ � : � / ��f� + _ �r` a'.kre ^ � `! �\�- !�Q` � ✓ 1� i / � �E R. s' -dT�"�.± �� l '. �� . . a r.:�c{ �51�' ' � � +fc �"J '[�. � 1� � .:'��. l ` q2 C f.� �) �.�i �� sad f } _ �.�y .'�1�\` .• s ^ � � .� . uY_,�. �. r ( }' � Sy t�v j � � �`��6 �� I,i � `-e` �'�-' � ��. , r � a r } t3 : -�x '�; k��''�Q' 6 ? � W�° t t.F.�,�.\_. x'' a 3x.s,. ti _/.... i� , _ T � �;. ✓ � r :c;� ��: �'--- , 4�•(A .. h.. ._ y � � �=�" � � �.� y�?t' ,'.: {! i�y � -`� �'� �� t'y � �' ! ' . � ,�� a � � 4♦ S` � � St r � .. f — � )- r fi+ �° 5 's � �( � =7 � F C- ��' �.,y Y 1 '� f t.. � �s ��..� � � } � aF 'y�"' �w� � 4 � t �� , �,� � l t , . • V �- r, v <' - s ' ; y . t> . a � : ✓r'�� r ,�^� ° �l�, pS V .i l:�I 6 i - � .s-°i`' 9:yY �- �" C i " �'S ;� �. �� 1 : :: �` �i � ? '" 2 � � � �� j f ♦ ��'��^�. sa � ��n.. � �� r �� l::�f��,t,��_� /i-. ti .� '' f ��n'� V � f ' �r��'�„ `'� `� +�yA� �l t. t!Tr.� • -v`��c- � � ��•� � L,tl'j � �i� 1.� �` � ^, �� ., : i a. J � �_ S �``^ %. � x `s a � 1 �' .> .. `��lf l� /�' �'�� "'u�..3 � +.s-�.v7'r' ; . L� s � �� y �t� \L � f , �r , s �� (p� - ![\` � -` � � � i y t, r �.� `. .d. 1 �� " � _� `� �.. _1,��.� �4i �'-��'":.,. .� , . :• { i �. ;, '- � � �.; i � ti � 1. . .' p j-k � .\e t � .•� ��•� �� ` ^' . a � - M � ' � �� Q y { t^ � j � . � y �[� i .}��k �� .�.�+ �.Z.� t' , �ti {/- �sy�:: ��'�e ` r t� x!�' 1is J � �^. � �4� [s f�,� �� s . f�� {�' �^..! � C . I -. � } { �`�' s •`p - ' ; F! i' . t M P-� y-+S'i �; -�'�� ..: "_: �'� � ., T t.,.i '��,``�'� � ' ,sY.i� Y .� f+� .� �� 3`: !) [� .� . �E �r � V � ` �.ryC �I 1� � �•R' iY�.� . Jb_ 4` `� T �F r � L .rih 4.�Y \ I � . � �; • � ~.4`� :�� 3 ,-�i� f� � ��te�r• i � : !� , }; ' i`: • �il �l . �{` �'� , ` 1' • �r , �. '` t � . •, r 1 *; :� . ti ,= t� � � �{ )�� r • .�_ f.... ( :.� '` ` •: : �. �� ,.� � ,,�, .• , � j� . __�.:t _ 9 �� "'i�C. ��; r �� ; e,r`� ., � � .r.. ,ntL � :� � � � �..' �_ �L::. :EA; f � " �` �". �q_'+`!x'-f �. f• � �!^ T ?� LE' n .- .T.. ..�.' a� ' � j :C ' ' ��s.. -." ,.F- . �;,. 7 A ��--}"�`��,� , . � � " ; �• ' , � e � .�. � ti, i �� `�� ` �t� i $ � " f ��` �}� � ��'� -: L t � C 5� �' !` � .'1 �,�� :i��f4�.. �: �I`�.j�'�1`.�_ f � �x �/ l�f. � , . �" ` � � �7� ` 'y '��1��I 'sT a t.y�" i ` r.." rll� a q � 1, i'i4."^�. w t ��.�[ t ��. r �.i+ � ..� ,w t r � �t rq.:f�� rr'd�..:,� t 's '•- oF.t.�C 6'�; � 7 1� Y � `� � '�,��.'.. Y < �. .: '� t �.�.~.„� or . °�'�� ' . m�,/ l;:. i 4.-s "�i S,'y.� ,,,, d.r ; �tF! �'.��'� St a M'r's�.� ��`,�i�Y� "h F � `�1 f �� • '#�� • �T�'s,� 7 1- �'�a ��;� r -=�� 1-� �. ;�� w::� ':` , .r � . � � h�i L '�#' �"� t y' A v'.,.�4s'� a 't..7r�f,t 4�/'ti. : � Sf+t �* ', ` � N � Y. F �� i'��Y . .,... . k�. ��Y,`.�'�.� ' � � �`'�� ' '�� .» .. ��, u "� �' x't ��- � q . . i�`i� �� .� �� g �^ - `�.''� �t�sa ��yyi<'�. � . $ �J �" � -. �'y 3 C 4 j� �•�, � � �'��.,....'v`�`i X � � r N�� L �rvF � - � �,� .��.�'--'.. ' t� � � � � � a�+� ' " ..` - . � S� a : _ � � ��. ''; , . . ,�- �� [�� `'�' ��# ; ,p j � , � � +'� a �. �.� � '�' `°:g �"�s DO - 35 occupiable level. This concept was developed as part of the technical workshop with input from the Army Corp ofEngineers. West Side Flats Development Strategy 1� October 29, 1999 �� V. Conclusions and Reco�nendations The West Side Flars provides a great opportuniry for the City of Saint Pau1 to establish a new urban village with a mie of residential, commercial, entertainment and recreational uses_ The development strategy provides a long-term vision for the future of the azea az well as short-term opportunities to build confidence and eaccitement in the potenual of the azea. It is the recommendation of the strategy to acuvely seek out development interest for the City of Saint PauIJHRA property on the east side of the railroad and north of Fillmore Stceet As part of this effort, discussions should be undertaken with adjacent private properry owners to understand how their land might be incorporated in to the short-term development opportunities thraugh land sale, joint venture or a land swap. The goal would be to create a contiguous, consistent and compatible short-term development opportunity. Seeking development interest should occur through a typical RFQ/RFP process. At the same time as development interest is being assembled, the City of Saint Paul should be prepazing plans for the creation of a new riverfront pazk on the triangular parcel of land between the railroad and the MCES Syphon sanitary sewer. By establishing this open space, eazly on, the City's commitment to development in the azea will be established, raising the confidence of private development and establishing a higher quality of environment for development to accur. In addirion, the Ciry of Saint Paul can also be evaluating e�sting infrasuucture in the West Side Flats area and prepazing plans for street, drainage and utiliry improvements to support new development. The primary recommendarion of the West Side Flats Development Strategy process is to iniriate implementation of the short-term opportunity and development of the Ciry of Saint Paul/HRA riverfront property. As part of this process, the City of Saint Paul can also move forward with the implemenution of the triangulaz park and the public infrasuucture to support new development. Additional recommendations include; • Adopt West Side Flats Development Strategy • Assemble infomtation for RFP including, defined property boundary, environmental conditions, development restrictions (setbacks, building heights, zoning restricrions) and price. • Tnitiate negotiations with adjoining private landowners. • Pacl:age RFP information and send to interested parties. • Prepare preliminary plans and cost estimates for the triangle park and add to Park and Recrearion Capital Improvement Projects budget. West Side Flau Development Strategy 1 g October 29, 1999 �D-3S Prepare preliminary public infrastructure improvement plans for the riverfront property and add to Public Works Capital Improvement Projects budget Final plans will be dependent on specific development proposals. West Side Flats Development Strategy q 9 October 29, 1999 (�� -35 VI. Strateev Reference Materials Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework Qune 1997) Comprehensive Management Plan — Mississippi Narional River and Recrearion Area (May 22, 1995. I.and Use Plan — A Chapter of the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan —(Draft September 25, 1998) Saint Paul Mississippi River Corridor Plan — A Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan — (Adopted Ocwber 1981, Amended November 1987, Reprinted June 1995) Saint Paul Pazks and Recreation Plan — A Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan —(Adopted August 28, 1996) Saint Paul Transportation Policy Plan —A Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan —(Adopted December 17, 199'� Back to the Fumre: A West Side Community Plan (1997) Saint Paul Communiry Development Agenda —1996-2001 (December 1996) A Study of Housing— on the West Side Flats and Upper I,evee (August 11, 1995) Neighborhood Development A11iance (NeDA) Business Plan (Ocwber 1, 1995) Concord Robert Small Area Plan and Forry Acre Study (Adopted February 13, 1992) West Side Community Environmental Inventory (199� Development Report — Riverview Site (January 23, 1998) GreenTree Financial Corponrion — Saint Paul Development Opportuniqes— Option: Robert Sfreet & Fillmore Avenue West Side Principles of Redevelopment West Side Flats Development Strategy 20 October 29, 1999 Ob -�5 WEST SIDE FLATS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY APPENDIXA An Historical Perspecrive of Saint Paul's West Side Flats Prepared by the West Side Cuitural Center An HistoricaI Perspective of Saint Pau1's W est Side Flats Prepared by tke West Side Cultural Crnter DD-35 Saint Paul's West Side has heen one of the most actively diverse communiries since the City was founded 150 years ago. The West Side conAnues to preserve iu unique cultural characteristics while promoting economic, wcial and other developments to accommodate the constant influx of people to the azea. Dunng the mid-1800's to eazly 1900's, the West Side eacperienced a great influ�c of immigrants that made the West Side their home. They were the Italians who fled to avoid persecurion in their homeland. The Irish came after the pouw fanvne in Ireland in 1845 and to find new homes. The Jews began to arrive as early u 1848 to avoid further persecution and annihilation. As a result of the Bncero Bill passed during World War I, the Mexicans from across the border and those Mexican Americans already in the United Sutes Territory were allowed to work in the U.S. while the United States was at war. Many of these Mexicans followed and worked in the agticultural industry in Minnesota and the West Side welcomed them as well. The influx to the West Side included Germans, Czechs, Poles, the Lebanese, Russians, Canadians, Syrians, the French, Swedes, Mexicans, Blacks, Indians, Jews and many other ethnic groups escaping famine, persecution, discrimination, speech repression and inhuman social, economic and cultural hardships. They were the first developers of the physical structures on the West Side. These structures included places of worship, taverns, cultural institutions, homes, places of business, bakeries, restaurants, recreational areas, entertainment facilities, communiry centers, educational faciliues, tfieau�es, banks, festivats, bridges and other coundess structures to accommodate the constant influx of immigrants. During the late 1950's and early 1960's, the Saint Paul Port Authority initiated a plan to relocate those West Side Flats pioneer faznilies to make way for an industrial pazk along the Mississippi Riverfront. Up to this time, many families had already prospered and had moved to other pazts of the City of Saint Paul. The remaining generations of those pioneers chose to relocate in the upper blu£f azea of the West Side. Once the Flau were enerely vacated in 1963, the communiry had to start a process ofnew be�nning to establish iuelf in the upper bluff azea of the West Side and elsewhere. There were over 500 fatnilies living in the Flau that were relocated. Of these families, approximately 45 percent were between the ages of 0 to 18 years of ages, with about 10 percent being of age 62 or older and 55 percent beriveen 18 and 62 years of age. Despite the hardships, the relocarion had a posilive result for some families. It provided these families an oppbrtunity to "get out" and begin a new life and lifestyle. Yet, even today, there e�su sadness, if not anger on the part of many West Siders at the results of the relocation. Not only were numerous homes lost, but also a collective history that was most appazent in the architecture and culhual institurions of the Flats. During the last decade, interest and iniriative have heightened for the West Side Flau. There is a shong feeling on the part of the Ciry of Saint Paul and West Siders that it is time to reverse the indusuial spzawl and reintroduce a mixed-use urban village on the Flats. As evident in the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framewosk, the West Side is a unique asset for Saint Paul. The West Side is a prime area for development wiih iis access to the Mississippi River, proximity to Downtown Saint Paul, and its rich blend of cultures and natural ameniries. The West Side community is acrively ready for positive change and development. The opportunities are plentiful. .�� .� � - Presented By Referred To Council File # �0 �' 3� Resolution # Green Sheet # ��`�� a. )LUTION PAUI., MINNESOTA 33 Committee: Date WEST SIDE FLATS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2 3 WHEREAS, the portion of the West Side Flats bounded by Robert Street, Wabasha Street, Plato Boulevazd 4 and the Mississippi River provides a unique opportariity to create a new mixed-use urban village; and 6 WfIEREAS, the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation, West Side Citizens Organization, Department of 7 Plazuung and Economic Development, Capital Cit7 Partnership, Saint Paul on the Mississippi Design Center, 8 Riverview Economic Development Association, Neaghborhood Development Alliance, and Saint Paul Port 9 Authority all recognize this opportunity, and endeavored to jointly create a vision for the fitture of the Fiats; 10 and 11 12 WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation, in partnership with these organizations, hired the 13 architechual/urban design firm Ellerbe Becket, Inc. to prepare the West Side Flats Development Strategy; and 14 15 WHEREAS, the West Side Flats Development Strategy is the result of several neighborhood meetings, a 1 b public visioning workshop and a technical charrette; and 17 18 WHEREAS, the West Side Flats Development Strategy establishes a flexible framewotk for future 19 development that allows for a variery of uses, both public and private, to occur within the context of a 20 compact urban viliage; and 21 22 WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the Development Strategy on 23 November 5, 1999; and 24 ZS WHEREAS, based on the testimony of people at the public hearing and subsequent discussions, the Planning ?6 Commission adopted Resolution 99-89 on December 3, 1999, which >� ',8 1. found the West Side Flats Development Strategy consistent with the Saint Paul Comprehensive 9 Plan and Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework; and 0 2. endorsed the West Side Flats Development Strategy as the overall vision for the future 1 development of the area between Robert, Wabasha, Plato and the Mississippi River; and 7 3. requested that the City Counci11�1RA also endarse the Development Strategy as the overall i vision for the future development of the area between Robert, Wabasha, Plato and the F Mississippi River; and � 4. requested that the City Council, through the Administration, direct PED staff to prepaze � amendments to the Riverfront Redevelopment Project Area Redevelopment Pian governing this azea to reflect the Development Strategy vision; and 00 � 3,5 39 5. requested that the City Council, through the Administration, direct PED staffto explore the 40 appropriateness of current wning for this portion of the West Side Fiats and recommend 41 changes where needed to unplement the vision of the Development Strategy; and 42 43 WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Council held a public hearing on the West Side Flats Development Strategy 44 on January 12, 2000; 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 NOW, THERE�'ORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paui City Council hereby: 1. finds the West Side Flats Development Strategy consistent with the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan and Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework, and 2. endorses the West Side Flats DeveZopment Strategy as the overall vision for the future development of the area between Robert, Wabasha, Plato and the Mississippi River; and 3. requests that the Administration direct PED stafF to prepaze amendments to the River&ont Redevelopment Project Area Redevelopment Plan to reflect the Development Strate� vision; and 4. requests that the Administration direct PED staff to explore the appropriateness of current zoning for this portion of the West 5ide Flats and recommend changes where needed to implement the vision of the Development Strategy; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council, acting as the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, shall pursue new development opportunities on the West Side Flats that are consistent with the vision of the West Side Flats Devedopment Strtttegy and that facilitate the creation of a fully mixed- use urban village. ORIGINAL IZequested by Department of: Adopted 6y Council: �ate `� Adoption Certi£ied by Covnci�Se BY �'-- -�� I�" \ -�s�l--^"_ .. Plannin & ECOnomic Develo �ment �� By: Form Approved by City o �ey gy. ��X/" ' , � � Appzoved by Approved by Mayor: Date � By: By: O GREEN SHEET .�. �� o�e TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES � i�is is ah arwtH SiG�h�-d�f4H•�� u •�g� �r �u�1NEle PLANNMG CAMMISSION CIB COMMITTEE CNIL SERV4CE CAMMISSION /� ba-�5 H 101272 � �.,,� � � ❑ �� ❑,«.��,�,�. ❑ ��.., Q M1dIppRWIRNR� ❑ iCLIP ALL LOCA710NS FOR SIGNANR� ut��►^ - ir+Q-dw�- ywc q fve� v � trM,vtc�fw�wr�r co ,a�" tnat l�eeh ad�I eot - � RSONALSERYICE CONTYNCTS NUST MISWER iRE FOLLOYIING QUES7IONSe Fl�m'c personRrm a+erwaked www a mm'adtortFxs tleaahmert7 vES NO tias this pevsoMfirm e�er been a cdY emPbYee7 YES N� Dces thts persoNfilm P� 9 sldll rat namal�YD�ad M�Y Wrtent cily smpbyee7 YES NO la tlxs pe�aarJfirm a targded veMa/t YES NO ' ra �.sSUE ov�rz iw�ui r(wnv. w�a[. w�. wnwe� wnY1... 1h�- WeS'R'&t� �I t� �S d�l¢- �f" 'fk�- f�S-�,��yl �I/C/ � �ir w¢ w Nn i K� - u1e d�iVe frpWt�t�'f dVl 'fi�'��- v � 5t f: I�vl� a v�i M�M iv� �tac� , we c�� +�k�- �es1`�dcawi�e o� �►,3 t M. �1r wevuvLki�� {vttw�vK�vk wi(i ►� iH rluce � quide rew ��w��t ar fi�.�e- F1u1� • b:- �.._ � _ .w ��w�� °� nvv� e r�v v�s�� f� -� wtifisid2 F ��.� �� s� a' ' ' • $. ' n :"L % v �''&c^�K�r:. qMOUNT OF TRANSACTWH SOURCE COST/REVENUE BU06ETED (CIRCLE ONE) AC7IVRYNUMBER YEE NO (eCP1AlN) R�3aP�? ��f2t 00 -35 Interdepartmental Memorandum CITY OF SALYT PAUL AATE: December 16, 1999 TO: Nancy Anderson, Council Research FROM: Lucy Thompson, PED �H�(I�{� SUBJECT: West Side Flats Development Strategy Public Hearing Please schedule a public hearing before the City Council on the West Side Flats Development Strate&y for Wednesday, January 12, 2000 at 5:30 P.M. City Councilmembers have already received a copy of the document, with the Planning Commission's and Mayor's recommendation to endorse it as the overall vision for the area between Robeft, Wabasha, Plato and the Mississippi River (on the West Side). I have attached materials for their packets for the meeting of January 12, 2000. They include: 1. A memo from the Mayor to the City Council fonvarding the Planning Commission's recommendations, and stating his concunence with their findings and zecommendations. Note: They already received a signed copy of this directly from the Mayor's Office. A resolution for the City Council's consideration on January 12, 2000. They may want to lay adoption of the resolution over for one or two weeks (I don't know if they typically take action on the same day they receive public testimony), but since there is essentially no controversy over the content of the Development Strategy, I'm hoping they will adopt it on January 12. Note: I'm just routing this now for signatures. A properly signed version wili be in your hands by the mailing date for the 12th. I have sent out a public hearing notice to the ENS list (also attached), but I have not notified the Legal Ledger or Pioneer Press, since this is not a legally-mandated public hearing. Do you automatically notify those publications of public hearings? If you have questions or need more information, please call me (6-6578). As always, thanks so much for your help. Happy Holidays!!! Attachments nre�ar>te�T oF rr.nn:v�vc fi ECO\O�fIC DE�'ELOPJfEVT BrimrS�reener, Direclnr CITY OF SAINT PAUL A'orn: Cofemnn, b1u}�or AATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: December 10, 1999 Zj iVest Fo�v1/r Street Saint Pm+1, M1fN 55103 00-35 Tef ephaie: 6SI-266-6i 6i Faainrile: b51-228-3261 Council President Bostrom and Members of the Saint Paul City Council/HRA Mayor Norm Coleman 4Yest Side Flats Development Strntegy BACKGROUND The lVest Sicle Flats L?evelopn:ent Strate�r is the result of an atmost 12-month citizen participation, planning and urban design process conducted under the auspices of the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation. In response to a request for assistance from the West Side Citizens Organization (WSCO), the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation hired the architecturallurban design fimi Ellerbe Becket, Inc. to work with represenCatives from PED, tbe Saint Paul on the Mississippi Design Center, WSCO, Riverview Economic Development Association, Neighborhood Development Alliance, Saint Pau1 Port Authority and Capital City Partnership to prepare a Iona term vision for a 45-acre portion of the West Side Ftats lying between Robert and Wabasha streets, the Mississippi River and Plato Boulevard. A public visioning workshop, chanette and several community meetings with residents, business owners and affected agencies were held to receive input on the community's vision for this portion of the West Side. The Development Strategy is the result of that work, and lays out a future vision for this part of the riverfront that is more detailed, but consistent with, the lYest Side Precinct Plnn contained in the Snint Pau( on the Nfississippi Development Framework. Essentially, the West Side Flats Development Strategy establishes a flexible framework for future development that allows for a variety of uses, both public and private, to occur within the context of a compact urban village. Key components include: • New open spaces and pedestrian connections to create linkages to adjacent useslneighborhoods and add value to development parcels. • Visual and physical access to the river. • Re-establishment of the historic neighborhood street grid to provide appropriately-scaled development parcels, a streetscaQe open space network, and multiple street access points for convenient vehicular circulation. • Improved streetscapes, buiiding facades and adjoining public uses. • A mix of uses, �vith commercial activities on blocks with Robert and Wabasha street frontages, entertainment uses along the river and residential uses on internal blocks oriented to the lineaz open space. 00-35 December 10, 1999 Councii President Bostrom et.al. Page Tcvo SUNfiYTARY OF KEY RECOl�INIENDATIONS The development strategy for the West Side Flats is based on a flexible frame��ork that can be implemented over time based on a number of physical and economic constraints. It recommends three options for development, �vhich are basically three phases that culminate in final build-out as a mixed-use urban village. Very briefly, the three options are: Conce_pt Option A Development Concept A illustrates the poten[ial first step in redeveloping this portion of the Flats. It su�gests that a11 esisting businesses continue their operations, with redevelopment focusing on the conversion of vacant City/HRA-owned properties to new mixed-use development. Tt alsa incorparates the possibility that the JLT Group wiil move ahead with its plans for an urban entertainment theme park. A triangular park is created bet�veen the railroad and tlie sanitary sewer easement. Concept Option B Development Concept B illustrates the next step in the Development Strntegy, with the potential for redevelopment of the properties that front Wabasha Street. New streets aze created on each side of the railroad, following the historic street grid, to provide new development opportunities. In this phase, three existing business sites are redeveloped. Concept Option C Development Concept Option C illustrates the potential of the 7LT Group's property developing as a mixed-use urban village, reinforcing the historic urban street grid laid down in the previous two concepts. In this phase, if the railroad is vacated, a linear park is created along its right-of- way to connect Plato $oulevard to the river. (Note: Under any concept, a linear trail is created, either within or along the railroad right-of-way.) The details of each development concept are presented in Pages 13-14 in the Development Strategy. - PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING ON NOVEMBER 19,1999 A public hearing was held before the Planning Commission on I3ovember 19. Four people addressed the Commission: Jerry Trooien, one of two property owners in the study area; Dave Engfer, President of the West Side Citizens Organization; Gregory Page, Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation; and Enol Edwards, WSCO Board member. In general, speakers expressed support for the Development Strategy and urged the Commission to forward it as the vision for this part of the West Side Flats. To a person, the speakers stated that the Flats represent a significant opportunity to build a new mixed-use urban village on the West Side, and each speaker offered his assistance in implementin� the vision. Oo -�5 December 10, 1999 Council President Bostrom et.al. Page Three RECOMMENDATION The Planning Commission has requested, in Resolution 99-89, that the City CounciUHRA: 1. find the West Side Flats Development Strate� consistent with the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan and Saint Paul on the Mississippi DeveZopment Framework; 2. endorse the West Side Flats Development Strategy as the overall vision for the future development of the azea beriveen Robert, Wabasha, Plato and the Mississippi River; 3. direct PED staff to prepare amendments to the RiverFront Redevelopment Project Area Redevelopment Plan governing this azea to reflect the Development Strategy vision; and 4. direct PED staff to explore the appropriateness of cunent zoning for this portion of the West Side Flats and recommend changes where needed to implement the vision of the Development Strategy. I concur with the Planning Commission's findings and recommendations, and urge the City Councii/HRA to make the same findings after conducting a public hearing on the Development Strate�. Thank you. Enclosures O 6 - 35 city of saint paui planning commission resolution file number 99-89 ��e December 3, 1999 WEST SIDE FLATS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY WHEREAS, the portion ofthe West Side Flats bounded by Izobert Street, Wabasha Street, P1ato Boulevard and the Mississippi River provides a unique opportunity to create a new mixed-use urban villa�e; and WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation, West Side Citi2ens Organization, Department of Planning and Economic Development, Capital City Partnership, Saint Paul on the Mississippi Design Center, Riverview Economic Development Association, Neighborhood Development Alliance, and Saint Paul Port Authority all recognize this opportunity, and endeavored to jointly create a vision for the future of the Flats; and WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation, in partnership with these organizations, hired the architectural/urban design firm Ellerbe Becket, Inc. to work with them to prepare the West Side Flats Development Strategy; and WHEREAS, the bVest Side Flats Development Strategy is the result of several neighborhood meetings, a public visioning workshop and a technical charrette; and WHEREAS, the i�Y'est Sicle Flats Development Strate� establishes a flexible framework for fiiture development that allows for a variety of uses, both public and private, to occur within the conteYt of a compact urban village; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a public heating on the Development Strate� on November 5, 1999; and WHEREAS, those who testified at the public heazing pledged their support of the vision in the Development Strategy and their commitment to work together to implement it; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul Planning Commission finds the YYest Side Flats Development Strategy consistent with the Saint Pau1 Comprehensive Plan and Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework; and moved by Faricy ��' seconded by in favor Unanimous against BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission endorses the West Side Flats Development Strcrtegy as the overatl vision for the fizture development of the area behveen Robert, Wabasha, Plato and the Mississippi River; and SE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission requests that the City Council/HRA also endorse the Development Strategy as tfie overall vision for the future development of the area bettiveen Robert, Wabasha, Plato and the Mississippi River; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission requests that the City Council, through the Administration, direct PED staff to prepaze amendments to the Riverfront Redevelopment Project Area Redevelopment Plan governing this area to reflect the Development Strategy vision; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission requests that the City Council, through the Administration, direct PED sfaff to explore the appropriateness o£ current zoning for this portion of the West Side Flats and recommend changes tvhere needed to implement the vision of the Development Strategy. _ - . _��y.�.�.�_�,._._ � . _ �� _�,:.:,�_ � .�—` ��c� —'. ._ ` t . . =- �--�,:-, .�.� �_ •- � . F. - -°- ,�.�" �aC . : '� - ": � . „�. � � _ ;�� . . . . ° - �:rr....�.�I�" ."".° � .v , .. _.�, �<--• ,?j , .. .�-- ��_�' mws� . ._.., y �.. . . �' �.. \ r . D �""T�' \ + --. -. J! '. , •- �� y,. � . � ` �_, "`�2+�v � � � �'�—�� 'Y: �� 3' .� ... ' . � � Y -� -T-��.� � . ---- -- -� � ` :. ..�,-...�..._, -_ T,.. ' , ,., � :> ...� -�� .�. .. ' � �. � . . . ' � �'� - �:.�a. . � . , _.,. � . � « .�Y .. �.. .r _ _ � _" _ . : . . . , . _.,. _. .. . . ' "'\' � • _ � . . . . _. ,- � . '5�..� c: .--.----' � � �. '� ^ i ,_ �. � , _ .�........,.. _ „R„ � -\ �� t � 1�� i� t � _ _. � � ! � � :� w - . � � - � � ,_� i -''� �D-3.5 WEST SIDE FLATS DEVELOPMENTSTRATEGY Prepared by: Ellerbe Becket, Inc. Prepared for: Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation City of Saint Paul West Side Cirizens Organization Saint Paul Port Authority Capital Gity Partnership OcEober 29, 1999 � WEST SII?E FLATS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Executive Summary A. The Opportunity B. Constraint Driven Strategy C. A Flexible Strategy D. Conclusions and Recommendations II. Backgrouad A. SmdyArea B. Partnership C_ Goal D. Process E. Eaosting Conditions/Community Context - Location - Access � - Land Use - Guiding Plans - Zoning - Land Ownership - Floodwal�fi,evee - Railroad - Utilities - Soi1s - Conclusions from Exisdng Condidons Page 1 Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 6 Page 6 Page 6 Page 6 Page 7 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 9 Page 10 Page 10 Page 10 bb-35 a 00-35 III. West Side Conte�tt and Open Space Connections IV. The Developmeat Strate� A Development Strategy Summary B. Potenual Land L3ses C. Development Concept Oprion A D. Development Concept Option B E. Development Concept Option C F. Typical Development Block Studies V. Conclusions and Recommendations VI. Strategy Refereace Materials Appendiu A- An Historical Perspective of Saint Paul's West Side Flats Pagell Page12 Page 12 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page18 Page20 � �o - 35 WEST SIDE FLATS DEVELOPMENT ST`RATEGY LIST OFIIZUS�RATIONS Illustration A — Eaasring Conditions Illusuation B— Saint Paul Central Business District Land Use Illustration C- Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework lllvstration D— Saint Paul Zoning Map Illustration E— Floodwall/Levee Existing Cross Secrion Illustration F —Floodwal]/Levee Eacisting Conditions Illustrarion G— 1 West Side Context & Connections Illustradon G— 2 Open Space Connecrions A Illusffauon H- 1 Connecrions & Opporwniries Illustration H— 2 Open Space Connections B Illusuation I— Development Concept Option A Illustration J— Development Concept Option B I1lustration K— Development Concept Option C Illusuation L—Typical Mixed-Use Residential Block Illustrakon M— Typical Mixed-Use Office Block Illustration N- Proposed FloodwalllLevee Cross Section Illust7ation O— Existing West Side Flau 3ooldng south from downwwn to West Side bluff Illustration P— Illustration looking south from downtown to West Side bluff Illusvation Q— Existing West Side Flau looking north from West Side bluff to downtown Illustrarion R— Diustration looking from West Side bluff to downwwn Illustrarion S—Aerial perspecrive illustrating the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework I1lustrauon T- Aerial perspective integrating the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework with the West Side Flats Development Strategy OD�35 WEST SIDE FLATS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY I. �ecutive Summarv The West Side Flau provides a unique opportunity in downtown Saint Paul to create a new urban neighborhood strategically located on the Mississippi Riverfront The West Side Flats Development Strategy identifies a short and long-tzrm development strategy for 45 acres of land on the west side of the Mississippi River bordered by Wabasha Street to the west, Plato Boulevazd to the south, Robert Street to the east and the river to the north. The area currently comprises a number of existing businesses and several large vacant and underutilized parcels of land. Ellerbe Becket, in association with the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation, City of Saint Paul, the West Side Citizens Organization, the Saint Paul Port Authority and the Capital City Partnership, have a11 worked in cooperation with to prepaze a sRategy that is flexible in namre and allows £or a variety of different uses to occur in the area. The West Side Flats Development strategy allows for the retention of existing business while encouraging new development that can iniaate revitalization of the area. The recommendarions contained in this report aze the result of ineerings with the West Side Gitizens Organizarion Boazd of Directors, a public visioning workshop (February 4, 1999), a technical charette (February 18, 1999) and a presentauon of w the West Community on March 4, 1999. From these meetings and discussions numerous possible uses were discussed, both public and private, that would be a benefit to the West Side Communiry and City of Saint Paul. It was also evident that there aze a number of technical constraints to development of the West Side Flats that would be diFficult to solve, economically. This report focuses on creating a development strategy that respects existing site constraints and allows for a variety of uses. The scope and extent of these uses will be dependent on appropriately planned, well designed and economically viable public and private development proposals. A. The Opportunity The West Slde Flats Development Strategy provides a long-term flexible ftamework and shart term development opportuniries that can and will assist in revitalizarion of the azea. These short-term development opportunities aze of immediate interest due to a number of changes in the azea. These changes include; • Exisring businesses aze in need of expansion space. • Improvements and enhancement of Harriet Island Park will reinforce the West Side's riverfront open space resources and amenities. • Wabasha Street Bridge Improvemenu have created an attracrive vehiculaz and pedestrian access from the downtown. • The Riverwalk improvements have established an amacrive pedestrian environment along the floodwall/levee system. West Side Flats Development Strategy 1 October 29, 1999 � ob-3_5 • Planned improvemenis to Raspberry Island. New public and privare projects underway, on-going or completed will bring new residents, employees and visitors to downtown Saint Paul, the Mississippi River and the West Side communiry. These projects include; The RiverCenue Arena, the Science Museum of Minnesota, RiverCenue Convention Center, Lawson Software, Ecolab expansion, Minnesou Life e�cpansion, Media C1ne and numerous other initiatives. • Market Conditions are sttong for all types of new development opportuniries. • There has been strong developer interest in the area for residential and entertainment uses. • Eacpansion of Concord Street commercial base. • Strong community interest in West Side commercial, housing and open space revitalization. B. Constraint Driven Strategy The primary constraints currently impacting deve3opment of the West Side Flats azea include; public vs. private land ownership, the railroad, the MCES Syphon sanitary sewer and the 90"storm sewer. Given that many of these constraints can not be solved in the short term, this development strategy recommends a constraint driven sttategy that allows for short-term development within the cont�t of a long-term vision for the area. Public vs. Private Land Owuers}up - The City of Saint Paul and the Housing and Redevelopment Agency curtendy own about five city blocks (approximately 10 acres) of land along the river. The land is vacant and ready for development. Its proximity to the river and downtown makes it a highly desirable site for a variety of uses. The rest of the property in the West Side Flats is in private ownership and will be developed or redeveloped at the discrerion of the owners. Railroad - Whi1e negoriations aze on goingwith the railroad there is no short-tertn guazantee that they will abandon the rail line through the West Side Flats azea, The rail line occupies a 100' RO.W. that runs northlsouth ftom Plato Boulevard m Fillmore Sheet and then veers to the east, dividing the West Side Flau area. Accepting that the railroad wi11 continue to operate, in the short term, defines how development will occur and specificalty how much of the Ciry of Saint Paul and HRA land can reasonably be developed. • Sanitary Sewers/MCES Syphon/Riverview Pump Statiott - The triple sanirary line which runs along the west side of the rail line can not be built over and would be eapensive and di�cult to relocate. When the sewer intersects with Fillmore Street it veers w the northwest to meet up with the Riverview Pump Station. This makes development of the western part of the City of Saint PaullHRA property difficult. West Side Flats Development Strategy October 29, 1999 00�35 90" Storm Sewer/Custer Storm Pump Station — A 90" storm sewer seroing the West Side neighborhood, runs azound the east side of the Nassef£Plumbing properry and a]ong the east side of the Railroad w the Custer Storm Pumping Srauon_ This utility can not be built over and would be e�cpensive ($300 per lineaz foot) and dif�icult to relocate. As it pazallels the railroad it will always create a significant constraint whether the railzoad is there or not LJtilities — The West Side Flats azea was once a residential area built azound the traditional City of Saint Paul 300"x 300"street grid. City services supporting this area were located in the street RO.W.'s. While much of the azea transirioned to light industrial activities in recent years, the remnanu of the historic street grid are still in place, including utilides such as water, sewer and electric. Some of these utilities have been abandoned, others ue sAl] opentional and utility improvements are being made in the context of the street gid. In addi4on, property ownership pattems tend to follow the street grid. As a result, new development or tedevelopment in the West Side Flats area might logicaily foliow the hiswric street grid pattern. Floodwall/Levee — The floodwa(1 levee system provides a significant consuaint in terms of how development interfaces with the river corridor. It is a facility whose integrity can not be compromised. However, aiterations can be made on the south side of the levee to enable development to gain closer proa�mity to the nver and Riverwalk. C. A Flexible Strategy The long term development strategy for the West Side Flau azea has been crafted tn establish a fleadble plan for future development that allows for a variery of uses, both public and privat�, w occur within the context of a compact urban village. The suategy allows for the on-going opentions of eadsting businesses, it provides opportuniries £or those businesses to expand, it allows individual property owners fleavbility in the use of their property and it allows for short-term development to occur within the context of existing constraints. The stra[egy builds off of the existing historic sueet �id and esrablishes approximately 20 city blocks of new development or redevelopmen� The exisung constraints eshblish a long-term open space system that provides valve for the surrounding real esrate. The nort$/south railroad/urility corridor can become a linear open spine that new development can orient to and provides a strong linkage to the West Side community. Where the Railroad and sanitary sewer RO.W.'s diverge north of Fillmore Sueet, a triangulaz tract of ]and that will be difficult to develop can become a new rivetfront open space that provides value for adjoining development and enhances the open space and recreational resources along the Mississippi River in Saint Paul. The development strategy recommends a mix of uses, with commercial activities on blocks that rake advantage of Wabasha and Robert Street frontages, entertainment uses along the river and residential on intemal blocks orienting to the linear open space. West Side Flats Development Strategy 3 October 29, 1999 a aD-35 The shategy also illustrates how development can proceed, in the short 2erm, on land that is publicly owned and mnu�olled. It also illusuates, how development or redevelopment might occur as property owners implement their own plans either individually or in partnership with others. D. Conclusions and Recommendations The West Side Flats provides a great opportuniry for the Gity of Saint Paul to establish a new urban village wlth a mix of residenual, commercial, entertainment and recrearional uses. The development strategy provides a long-term vision for the future of the azea as well as short-term opportunities to build confidence and e�ccitement in iu potenrial. The primary tecommendation is to actively seek out development interest for the Ciry of Saint Paul/HRA property on the east side of the railroad and north of Fillmore Street. As part of this effort, discussions should be undertaken with adjacent private properry owners to understand how their land might be incorporated in to the short-term development opportunities through land sale, joint venture or a land swap. The goal would be to create a contiguous, consistent and compatible short-term development opportunity. Seeking development interest should occur through a typical RFQ/RFP process. At the same time as development interest is being assembled, the Ciry of Saint Paul should be preparing plans for the creation of a new riverfront park on the uiangulaz pazcel of land between the railroad and the MCES Syphon sanitary sewer. By establishing this open space, eazly on, the Ciry's commitment to development in the area will be established, raising the confidence of private development and establishing a higher quality of envlronment for development to occur. The neart steps include; • Adopt West Side Flats Development Strategy • Assemble informauon for RFP including; defined property boundary, environmental conditions, development restrictions (setbacks, building heights, zoning restrictions) and price. • Initiate negoaations with adjoining private landowners. • Package RFP information and send to interested parties. • Prepare preliminary plans and cost estimates for the triangulaz park and add to Park and Recrearion Capital Improvement Projects budget. • Prepare preliminary public infrastructure improvement plans for the riverfront properry and add to Public Works Capital Improvement Projects budget. Final plans will be dependent on specific development proposals. West Side Flars Development Strategy 4 October 29, 1999 p b - 3.5 II. Background A. Study Area The study azea for this strategy is bordered by Wabasha Street to the west, Plato Boulevazd to the south, Robert Sueet to the east and the Mississippi River and downtown Saint Paul to the north. This azea represenu about 45 Acres of land or approximately 20 downmwn city blocks, B. Partnerslup: Riverftont Corporation, WSGO, Citp of Saint Paul, Port Authority The West Side Flats Development Strategy has been a partnership between the West Side Cltizens Organization and several public agencies responsible for planning and development in the City. These organizauons include; the Saint Paul RiverFront Development Corporation, City of Saint Paul, the Saint Paul Port Authority and the Capital City Paztnership. The partnership between these organizations has ensured a posirive, community oriented consensus based process. C. Goal: Long Term, Incremental Development The assignment and goal of the West Side Flats Development Strategy is to develop a long term development suategy for the West Side Flats azea that can and will be implemented, incrementally, over time. The shategy will outline the steps necessary m begin development and provide a flexible framework that can be followed by any private property owners that chose to participate. The strategy must build on previous planning work, deal with technical constraints and add value and direction to future development opportunities. D. Process: Public Meeting and Technical Charrette The West Side Flats Development Suategy process has involved one-on-on interviews with key West Side Flats stakeholders, several meetings with the West Side Citizens Organization (WSCO) and a Technical Workshop that brought together community membets with technical esperts to brainstorm the opportunities and conshaints to development of the West Side Flats area. Meeting notes of the West Side Flats Public Meeting held on February 4, 1999 are attached as Appendix A and the West Side Flau Technical Charrette held on February 18, 1999 aze attached as Appendix B. The West Side Flats Development Snategy builds on past planning studies and reports conducted various organizations. A list of referenced reports and studies is ]isted in Secaon VI. West Side Flats Development Strategy C7ctober 29, 1999 _ E. Existing CoaditionslCommunitp Context Dourntnwn M'vsissippi Riverfront lotatim� — River IralleyjBluff, Harriet Island Park The West Side Flaa area lies within the Mississippi River Valley as defined by bluffs to the north and south_ On the north bluff across the river ]ies the skyline of downtown Saint Paul; the south bluff defines the West Side neighborhoods from the Riverview Industrial Park uses in the river valley (Refer to Illustration A, Existing Conditions, on the following P�) • Auess — Wa6asha Street, Robert Street, P7ato Baulevard, LV. Zafayette Freewag FiJJmare Street Wabasha Street and Robert Street link the West Side Flau azea directly to downtown Saint Pau1. These access routes aze used by vehicles, transit and pedestrians. The Wabasha Street Bridge has recendy been improved to create a high quality and amactive vehicular and pedestrian link w the West Side. Vertical pedesuian links provide direct access to the Rivenvalk and future vertical pedestrian connections wi11 be established tA Rasp6erty Island that is being enhanced as a riverfront recrearion resources. Wa6asha Street and Robert Street provide the primary links £rom the West Side neighborhoods to downwwn. Robert Street links with Concord Street, forming the Robert/Concord Su�eet commercial corridor. Plato Boulevard intersects with Wabasha Street and Robert Sueet and provides the primary east/west circulation through the West Side Flars area linking to W. Lafayetts Freeway and the regional highway network. � Land Use Most of the area including and surrounding the West Side Flau area is comprised of light industrial uses. This is an important economic development and job crearion area of Saint Paul. There aze many healthy and vital light industrial uses in the area. Many of the uses have grown and aze looking to eapand. As mast of the land is being utilized, expansion oppottunities are difficult for many companies and relocarion is their only oprion. The Saint Paul Mississippi River Corridor Plan recommends future land use along the River in Saint Paul. Illusuation B on the following page, the Cenual Business Disuict Land L3se Plan, illustrates the proposed land uses for the West Side Flats area. • Rive�view Industriat Park — This light indusffia] area is the lazgest in the West Side Flau and lies to the east of the study area. This azea is likely to remain on o£ Saint Paul's primary light industrial areas and is not likely to change. • Western Light IndustrialArea — The azea to the west of Wabasha Street is an existing light industrial azea that is in transirion. There are a number of active businesses in this area, which will continue to operate well inw the fumze. However, there are vacant West Side Flats Development Strategy ( October 29, 1999 O (3 - �3.5 _ � _ I � t r('' ` � ` , " ;- :. <��;,�� _ ` a , , o � �'. "i" � � � � �' � `- � -1 �r � � . � Y ✓�� — __��`�^. . � - "l �/,' " � .. _' �� 7 , �� _ _ '' "�£ �� . � - _ / . _ _ l �. " ;� � � ✓��" _ � , �: � ,� �% �, '' - ' - : > ' � _ Y 4 � � P' 7 _ 1 � n i' +b ' - P i' { �'� . � � � / � �G � . Q' N.1C � /i ' . W � �� r � C � Z 0. � W / \ � . ' � � . ' \ ' . " �� _ `' . .� . , _ _ �� • - - g .. � '�'� r ' � _ � �� ,: � `�.,. � �� '� , � �. `` `� �- '�` . �,� ��4, � � �,` . , ,��. � � � , � , � _ �.,, v � %� =d.� . .�- < � „ � `� � ` - � ?', ` � -�` �'� `- ` % r� �� a� ,� �% a � - � � �� "� � . � �� A � \ �� ,� �� 4 � �� ', �i y �� a �' � : �"�.,'� ��z .. r d� � . � - ! ��? :� -m o. x a � i r a` ' ,` d ' � ��;F J� <. ti �\ � . �� ...� '�;� ''.� : a . ^ Y \ � �i.t . J / � �, � - � � ��_. . ,` ' + O � \ ' ♦ �� 6 � .0�.' / � . � � y� • '� `� s{, £ ; � „ ' y � - °�>- �� 'V � '. �'��_� , � f fl � �.� : � � �'. � �; � o � �� a \\ ��;� �� ; ; - - �� .., o - , _ ;. .�- � d ; �� Q , �' 1�1 . , � p. � �� '�� ., �' o �, `��r�� :�Q � `` �:. � s ��;.�� .�� \\` ' s �� - �_� � o _ � •• : v � `a j '\�:.� / �� • • i O � : . . , . .:� � � . �, � -•• � � V � 1 , � \� `��' C , � . . '_ ., � W , - MAP 17; CENTRAL BUS/NESS DISTR/CT LAA/D USE �D -�35 - Saint Paul Missrssippi River Corridor Plan �� ,__; �;�= M_ > .�_.�-- . ._ �_ �� i �.�.n.r-' . _ _ . _ -- - - ' CITY OF iAINT ?AUL • DE°ARiMEPI" CF PWNMING & ECONO.^filC DEVE! OPto¢D!T � °�NNING DiJISION � �'y - � ° �� - _ - = ,. �� . : -?,: =s;" " . _ „ ' +.. _ .. . . � -f . ' ; 81 " � a i _ ..l'� . , -_ . - _ � ,,, . - -.� .='��. _ _ ,__ -� , _. - �'- , � - E X 1, ��\ .'. �� , - - . , - _ � 'st s .�F� - ,� . - *< - ' J ��i ��F��.�i:..� ' _ � .� ' - � ' � _ - _ - ._ - � . -. - ' . ��-�- n t .r � "' � �M.�� 1.�^� u . , . '�_ � _.. .� .�: .-'.--� S �_ � , � - _ _ �". _ _ y : s- _ — _.�-. -:y _ , : �� tCR�� RYfKRi?S _ _ " _ _— �c � . � �`` � � � - - i t I i v.��, - - �� ? ��. � �- � - ._ � � �� . � + r � S .. � i J °� � �p� IV ! - f:' ., r ��., ✓ a A '" .._9 �,.,_ =SE1(ENiH P{-ACEGALL•fRY v ''�� :. T ;�'..• � ^ .-. - $ - i yy" �` �Y��"' +� ` � y, � 'y� `�' �.. . , _ ` _ __ �i��/� �� .� - �s. . � `•- �` �� .��swa �" �� , .. _ _� _. ___ ._ _ -.' �, ;i� -�,. . ' ' - , = ; �' � '_... .' � �.'- r: : _ ,. " . � � ' _' a," '*, �� \ . : < � � r�. � r . � .� � V �, � �r---�. �•-,. .. _ '�. �. , . , ,� � I � �� "- ,�� ; ' �_- .� � �'�' �:;; � + > ' � � �-�. �' - . . ra � . �� i.s- . IRVfIVE2ARK.°='�'<a � ,��=_. \ 1 " - y `Ht57OliYC QISFRi`C7` `� �� iii,,, , � '�""'". � \ `� - �`� T ` � � y�'T is. � ' � ... '•\\ �\'''�� + i \ �, �i __ ��sit---•/ � �' �i .�'� � �� . � � � ��t! i�� .. _�`/ � � ; A ,; � ' `., }-�.• —= �% . - a �� . ; a w� , _ 1. �, h� i , . , ,,� .�° . � _ `��,,� � � � ��"'=- � r �� ,_ ---- r ,� ,. p,+�. , � s. Jl� �\ ; ._ ,, 1 � �1�`0, /�� _ .� _ ,;� ,�i'�� r'� � t '� l .. _ , , � .- � o �'� `� r . �� 4�sp� �- � ' � f t. >w � � � �� . t' / � �� ; - - _ ..-.. _! , z� i..cz ;� M,f - �- '� ± ' �: .' /i ' � . Y ('� �� . .\ .O'^, ` : ♦ lF . / �' . .._ Y. � _ 1 ' P� F l \1 �.� ` - �.�,%��,7.� �'s� " ' � � � , I _ - _�.._...../��\ _ � MQRTI�ERN ST/1TE5 Pk7WE4t � . , :�`'e ' � _ �'`-`� ' ��`�-'� 1 9 F _� c � . ,.� � � _" \ ,-`� ��. � -- � . ` �,��e • �� , .. , �- _ � c.. 1 �G �� UPSTREAM � _ � , � � � � �` `• ` ��,�� , - _ r , � 1 ,�� '� . . ° � . . ' - y _ _ rvs:�. o.. _ �,� � . , � . �. ,'r : �'` , , - _ '� `� � -- _ _ , � :� ,� : �=,, °_;� �- � a � , � . ,: — - . _ . _ " - - t - ...� --. � - = '� ' , � � , �7 ., o � : _ , '' � �- � - ,<, ;� � - - _ _ ; ` aR � � .,� ' �. : , ' , xi�'i� t � �� _ �5�1�� . , �� . . r ' 7 � , � � , i: . - � �� i � .. ,_. � 1 , , . , . ' � _ �;� � '� � ��" �� c � _ �� i � - -- � � � .. ��,,.� = , KEY X .. � ; :� -- �— �" .`-� - f ^. � X . 0 ResideMial � `!��"�'` � Industrial 0 Mixed Use '.- ' � �"=� ` "` r *.�' �' : :.% _ "°` Commercial/Office � (ndustriallOffice [� Airpnrt , J ` � r_-; ,:r= `.`^'� . ` , ^• ,. �� )�. a " 9.'�,-�: " . S :si � � Commercial - Light lndustry - Pub(i¢ Attradion . , � ".,�'., ' -'.�� - . � . �.. � ' � Offiw Open SpacelParks _ v "�`�` �� . - - >`' � ;, � . �� ,. .., � �'_ Iilustration B CC-�5 properties that will redevelop over ume. This area has designated as mixed —use residential azea in the City's comprehensive plan. • Harrret Island Regiosrat Pask— This is a major recreation azea on the Mississippi River in Saint Paul. Harriet Island Regional Pazk lies just to the west of the West Side Flats area and hu recendy been master planned £or major improvements that will begin in 1999. Harriet lsland fs a major asset to the city as well as to the redevelopment of the West Side Flats area and should be adequately connected. • Raspberry7sland - This is another recrearion open space opportuniry master planned for future improvements. Raspberry Isiand is currendy the home of the rowing club and will be an outdoor performance area in the future. • Concotd/Robest St�eet CommerciaZA�ea — This is an existing and growing commercial area for the West Side Community. It is the neighborhoods desire to see this uea reinforced by new development in the West Side Plats area and better m the downtown area by new commercial linkages. • Musissippi River- The use and enjoyment of the Mississippi River is an important camponent of a West Side T?evelopment Strategy. Water oriented uses, such as marinas, tour boats, restaurants and water raxis aze uses that can energize the riverfront environment and compliment adjoining land oriented uses. Guiding PIaH.s The guiding plans for the West Side Flats area aze the City of Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan, the Saint Paul Mississippi River Gorridor Plan, the Comprehensive Management Plan-Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (general criteria for comparible riverfront uses), the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework (development principles) and Back to the Future: A West Side Community Plan. All of these plans support a mix of uses in the West Side Flats area including, residential, commercialloffice, industrial/ofFice and open space/pazks. Residential land uses aze suggested along the river frontage, commerciaUoffice along Wabasha Street and industria]jofFice along Robert Street and Plato Boulevard. Illustrauon C on the following page, the Saint Pau] on the Mississippi Development Framework, recommends a number of economic development, urban design and open space improvements for the West Side Flats area. Zoning The West Side Flats is covered by special river conidor zoning districts. These districu include (refer to Illustration D on the following page, the Saint Paul Zoning Map); • RCC-1 (River Corridor Commerciat Distsict) - The RCGl River Corridor Disffict is intended to provide sites for commercial nses in the Mississippi River conidor which are cons]stent wlth the comprehensive plan's river corridor plan. Within the district, buildings will be placed to be harmonious with surrounding buildings and uses and to West Side Flats Development Strategy � Ocmber 29, 1499 � ' i� `� `tw .� �'� r � ', � J ; �� ,�� - � ' ,�...-._. �.-� "_ �� 7 VV � J� �^;z�wMe,-�'+!� j�:'NI` ,�,,,r._ . _, ... - _ . . . . _ _ '- -, j `� O � , _ � • p�'.�'.�• ' R �} ��'-`,�� ._' ' _ _ _ _ _ - �.� a ��K�%wE + . � � ��y y � � � � ' �' � � ��J.Y " �T�i`Lt � � .� � • �' t^ � : �r , M1l t� �; Y,� i� 4` ^ � _ ` ) � �. ,�1 r.. . a a� � r. ;�Tj,�-,�. _ __,/ `,`^ =l� .� ,., ' �' ^,. ♦ d ':t. . �;� . , ^'rr �q� S � w ri"� �' �tr� • .,'� �' _Y . �`� _ '- ;�' � �_�' _ � _ .. . �K• : ' - i' . � ".^ T�. . , „K � N a J^� _ - � ��:�0 . �. `�� '�. . . � ;+11v.. , � .^ .�� n >� � : ;� . ^ . r .� . .. �I.`iMq! . :; � ' "�;;� , - ��,. . :..., � '� v+ � . _ �, `�� ,. � ++ M=`` r °.� ' �.� v� � ,,,� � . r, . � , � r �;�� , -'"` ��'� ' ; • - . r�.: � :.. 1 f� � . ' � :r; ;f � �',� �� ° .i' t �."1% s n � �f_ � �r' ., :v�:' ` �!'. ; ,_, ,,. � �; A� _r ;.,:�.: F? .�. �.�. , : - : _ y_:�r F: . : n 'A. __ 'f.�ta-..`��a Y y O � N � i LL �+ C d £ Q O d > .�. �'*�^.�� .• n, -- �-gf r `.� � j .�-1 .�. �. � �h - . l ;,� .;d=yr . -t � r+, '. �.,,�. ;, „ -;> _ � e.�'l 1 � .`�� ! s � � ��'' `` l-'-� C �, � � .^ �i. . + .. . �t ., i.• � �r' �S -i°'i. � n � ° a O. '� �.` F i' _ , � � N � �': ,� 1 t 1 �y � �'. x Vl '`� �°. h � �� .� � _'") � --+.` ' y� d � �t � "� M �_ � : � -�l • .'.� a • �^' '!� : _ 'w O . p n. " � . '�f . \i � . .� w'.. �, � � R n �' � 6 rn �' r °' _ t�� C � i: N � 0 vp-35 protect views from adjacent districts. See City of Saint Paul Zoning Code, Subdivision 5.60.760 for more detailed informarion. RCR-1 (River CorizdorRuidenzial Dirtrict) - The RCR-1 River Corridor Residential District is intended to provide sites for multiple-family dwellings in the Mississippi River corridor which are consistent w9th the comprehenrive plan's rlver corridor plan. Within the district, buildings will be placed to be harmonious with surrounding buildings and uses and to protect views from adjacent districu. See City of Saint Paul Zoning Code, Subdivision 4.60.750 for more detailed informakon. RCI-1 (River Comdor Industry Dirtrict) The RCI-1 River Corridor Industrial District is intended to provide sites for commercial, office and industrial uses in the Mississippi River corridor which are consistent with the comprehensive plan's river corridor plan. Within the district, buildings will be placed tA be harmonious with surrounding buildings and uses and to protect views from adjacent districts. See City of Saint Paul Zoning Code, Svbdivision 6.60.770 for more detailed information. The West Side Flau is also subject to a specia] overlay disRict, RC-4 — River Corridor L3rban Diversified District. It is the intent that the lands and waters in this district be used and developed to maintain the present diversity of commerciai, industrial, residential and public uses o£the lands, including the exisdng transportarion use of the river; to protect historical sites and areas, nahxral scenic and environmental resouxces; and to expand public access to and enjoyment of the river. New commercial, industrial, residenual and other uses aze petmitted if they are compatible with these goals. Znnd Ownership (Refer to Illustration A, Eaosting Conditions) Cuy of Saint Paul(Housing and Redevelopm�ent Agency — The City and HRA own one of the larger conuguous land areas, which occupies the entire riveT frontage. The HRA also owns two parcels along Robert Street. The land is cunent]y vacant and available for redevelopment. JLT Group — This is the largest parcel in the West Side Flau azea and is bordered by Fillmore Sueet to the north, the railroad to the west, Robert Street frontage properues to the eat and Plato Boulevazd to the south. The JLT group also ovms the vacant building on the northeast corner of Robert Street and Fillmore Stree� The parcel is mostly vacant and available fw redevelopment. The owners of the property aze interested in developing their property as a business oriented urban enterttinment theme park. • Llewllyrz Worldwicie Publickirag — This pazcel at the foot of the Wabasha Bridge is occupied by a combination office/watehouse building. They also own a small parcel to the north of the building that is used for parking. Llewllyn Worldwide Publishing has outgrown their e�sting faciliry and would 3ike to expand in their present locarion or they will need m relocate to a larger site. West Side Flau Development Strategy October 29, 1999 �0-35 • Wabarha Busineu Center— This pazcel on the eut side of Wabasha Sheet is a converted warehouse building that has been converted into a business center sexving the needs of the �est Side neighborhood and greater Saint Paul Community. The owners have eacpressed their interest in supporting redevelopment of the azea including their property. • W.J. Haas Mfg. Comparcy —An eaisring small manufacturing company on a small parcel at the comer of Wabasha Street and Plato Boulevard. • NasseffPlumbing —An epsting service company on a small frontige parcel along Plato Boulevard • The Backrneet Grill — An exisring restaurant on a sma11 patcel at the comer of Robert Street and Plato Boulevard. • Traoiskis Bar — An existing commercial use on a small frontage parcel on Robert Street. Floodwall/Levee — Riverwalk A new and expanded floodwall and levee system provides the West Side Flats with protection against flooding, allowing redevelopment of the azea for a variety of new uses. In addition, the new Riverwalk provides an attractive amenity for pedestrian use and enjoyment of the river's edge. However, the levee and floodwall dces provide a barriez, both physically and visually to the river. The challenge in redevelopment of the area wi1( be in how best to reduce its impact. (Refer to Illushation F, Floodwail/I.evee Exiseng Gonditions on the following page.) In discussions with the Army Corp of Engineers the new floodwall and levee system has been constructed with flexibiliry for new development. It is understood that planting pockets have been designed into the top of the levee for shade uee planting and that the existing 5:1 slope can be encroached upon with new development. New development can be constructed approximately 15 to 20 feet from the new floodwall provided adequate water seepage precautions aze taken. This provides an excellent opportunity to integrate parking under buildings along the levee and provides the opportunity for uses that orient directly to the Rivenvalk. (Refer to Iltustration E, Floodwall/Levee Exisring Cross Section on the following page.) Railroad An existing rai] line bisects the West Side Flau azea from north to south, through the middle of the site. This is an active nil line that serves uses on the north side oFthe river. While it is an acrively used line, there aze rerouvng opportunides that could minimize its need. Whi1e negndations aze ongoing with the railroad, there is no certainty that the line can be eliminated or a time frame for doing so. As a result considerarion should be given in the deve3opment strategy for short to medium term rail use of this line with an understanding of the opportunities that might be presented if the rail ]ine was vacated. West Side Flats Development Strategy 9 October 29, 1999 � 6�-35 /� � � J LL w > w � w w a�u� J Q � �Q? wZ F c a ¢ aai� J Q {{�''�� J LL W Z J Q O 1-- 7 w ° ¢ � cs z � � X w O _" � � h N h O � � `t N _ 1 I. __ y � _' _'— - � �l, u�� - T — ----- T ` �l O � { �D � � � �'__'_'__ _"._y, � �. w� t- W � :. 7 4 � o � V � J iU Q1 � O 0 $ J � LL Z 0 F- U W � W W > W J Z J � LL � N J o � Q Q W a � ' ---__l O LL Y ¢ � 2 < ¢ N w 0 '�� a 2 4 W � W Q Z W O � d J � � O LL Z � � Z J a W W N Z w X w a.- m w � � m� N �� mo� a � a� � =_�a `'= E m � •- m o � > � Y � C � � � N � � 3 a c�'c m � c C y � � � �a� � am � r 3 � m � r � m m U � � ~ C � C C � � � � � C � O � ,� �D � O N ;.., O C tn �- O � � R m � m � d � � � Y Q) � LL7 L _ j;, W C O M � L N � N 0 � '� C V D1 N �x W N � J R 3 � 0 0 � � � - _ - -� - - �, .. ' . �� - � � � _:c�. i /� .3 _ . . . _ � � . i r�=� � � �l� � ' : h � ' ... . . . . . `'�, �� 7 _ �. ` . ~ '' ` t I ' �': , . . . . ^_ ' _' ' �, � ��_ � ' - � � _ � i � ` �; r'" .. � . � � � �. . � "`4 "�- ' � � � �� - � '. +: ti. . . . . . .. .. �� ii. �4 � � . � � �. � � � � � � .." '. �T MISSISSIPPi ' RIVER :'�_.. yE � utctctc� The West Side Flats area is crossed by a number of utilities. This azea was once more heavily developed and a number of uti3ities have been vacated while others ate still opentional. Water- A number of waterlines run through the site and may or may not impact redevelopment. MCES Syphnn Sanitary Sewer—A triple sanitary sewer line runs north/south through the site para3leling the west side of rail line and connecting to the Riverview Pump Station on the river. No structures can be built over this line, however, streets and pazking can. The relocation of this utiliry would be prohibitively cosdy. Storm Sewer - A major 90" storm sewer line runs northJsouth through the site paralleling the east side of the rail line and connecting to the Custer Storm Pump Stauon on the river. No structures can be built over this line, however, streets and parking can. The relocarion of this utility would be prohibitively costly (Approximately $300 per linear foot). Sails It is understood that the soils in the West Side Flats aze not suitable for conshuction and will need to be removed to a depth of approxitnately 8' —10'. This provides the opportunity for building a level of parking, at basement level, throughout the West Side Flats area. The area azound the new buildings would be constructed on new compacted fill to match the surrounding grades of the azea. Conclusions from Exishng Canditiorrs The conclusions that can be derived from a review of the e�sting conditions evolve around the physical constrainu that have limited development in the past. These constraints involve; the largely private land ownership of the azea; the railroad R.O.W, as a dividing element; the MCES Syphon Sanitary Sewer and the 90"storm sewer which can't be built over and would be costly to relocate; and the floodwa111Sevee system which can't be compromised. The success of future development in the West Side Flats area will rely on working azound these constraints in areas that can be effecuvely deve]oped uulizing; sueets, open space and pedestrian connecrions w link them all together. OG -35 West Side Flats Development Strategy 10 Octpber 29,1999 � Da-35 7II. West Side Contest and Oven Space Connections The West Side Context and Connections Map (lllustrarion G-1) provides an idea of how the West Side Flats redevelopmern fits in contextually with the rest of the West $ide neighborhood and the rSver. This is accomplished mainly thtough connections. Through meerings with the West Side Community, open space connecrions were identified ac an important component of the West Side Flats development strategy. As illustnted in Open Space Connections A (Illustrauon G- 2), the existing street network provides the basic framework for open space linkages including; the recently improved Wabuha Street�abasha Street Bridge, Robert Street, Plato Boulevard and long term, Fillmore Street. Wabasha Sueet and Robert Street provide the primary northlsouth connection between rhe West Side neighborhoods and downtown Saint Paul. Plato Boulevard and Fillmore Sneet provide the primary eastlwest conneccions through the West Side Flats area. In addition to the sheet network, there are several other open space connections that need w be considered as part oFthe West Side Flau Development Strategy. Harriet Island Regional Park is a major open space opportunity. Connecuons to the pazk will be important to maintain. The Rive:walk connects west to the pazk and beyond along the top of the levee. The Rivenvalk stops at the Port to the east. The Framework Plan illustrates the railroad as a long-term "greenway" opportunity. This would provide an off street connection from the south through the West Side Flats and across the river w the downtown. This connecrion relies on the abitity to utilize and maintain the existing railroad bridge across the river. This could be a challenge, as this is a lift bridge and is in continuous operaaon to accommodate riverboat traffic. Connections from the top of the blufEtA the West Side Flats are important to the West Side neighborhoods. The existing connections at Wabasha Street and Ohio Street need to be reinforced and addirional vertica] connections may want to be considered. In addition, walkways at the top of and bottom of the Bluffwould provide additional connections through the West Side neighborhoods. The top ofthe bluffwalkwould provide an addirional amenity as a scenic overlook to the tiver and downtown Saint Paul. The Connecrions & Opportunities diagram (Illustration H-1) further documents the West Side connecrions and opporwnities for their enhancement. It also reinforces the desire for a mix of uses including, residential, office, retail, entertainment and cultural facilities. Open Space Connectiotzs B (illustraqon H- 2), illustrates how the existing connecRons through the West Side Flau could be eacpanded on utilizing north/south routes that follow the historic street grid which existed in this area. It also poses an altemarive greenway 3ocauon if the railroad was vacated. In addirion to the sueet grid it also illustrates potendal routes through eaasting developed azeas that could provide greater connections from the bluff m Harriet Island Pazk and the river. West Side Flats Development Strategy 11 October 29, 1999 -� � �D-�5 q � � o �o�" a � Q E � 3 m W � O v�i o c m � c 2 z 3 aU�rP U v = `o.z�'.. �as< V c � C ' - � � C � = o � tj'i £' � r G � O m � m � m UU �&� �°'_� � � Q 0 � %r= y � � � � � � � � a� O � �a N � t U N � C!! r-- N � N Z 0 F U w Z Z O U � �C � � Z O U w ❑ cn r - N � �' ao-35 l ;f , -t ` _ . ;��- _ ��% �, � -_ a - � -: . � � � - , ' � l• � . - � `�8- �' �� " _ ��! i �� r y ,�� ! �' _ ��`� � � - ' ., "g � � � , � - _ / `'��i�� - . :. � J ; � �� ,�';''� - _ . ' . � j ,-�� .. 44�';�_ / ' 3 _ � � �_ _.. � � '_� - �' ¢� " �3`' � � —. J � - �� ' 3 - - � . F Y �_ , �� _��: � . � , �t — rL �� cd " � . � f - �_� : - � A �4 - �.1�'` K J� y, �j - _ �s \� • � - - '� C �-� \��:.�^', r . - �� _ �� 1 � _ �� ,�� \ _ f. � :. , . '_- � �. .. � �' : ' -. \� .. : � i / "_ �� .c _ w <\�1 ��e`..�� 'f (� \.. �l � �°� ' '� �"��!1�, .�- _ , � `� � �_ \ , ��a' � - � s �/ „ ((+.� � °'� �.. � �' , � Q� - � � s.`� �� . , , �� -�, ; - . '\ �i Ctr: { .� \� �� ({� vfrA� 'e-� A � Z 4 � o `�,,! �€ _�. , i� � G o ;; �'� 4`:i c .H � �jlj k) .. ,� � "' 4 r. , _�:,A`,A� � ` F r ' �� " � . � ... ..� . - _ � , � � ` ( .�� _ � . � � `l '"� } � �.;u. n. ��A� �c� f i _ � � � '_� � �\ G ` '` C. � s a� �_.�^�tF. `��. � ^z :, � , r, V _. � �;� _ � � _ •�� /_� � ' �.�� . � - ".L� �� i � '� ` . - � � �''\� � / � �� ` ' ``� � � • � `-_ �Q�' .. � ��.� � � �. ,�� O �� 9 � � � � � ,� q � z� \.4 '�._ �-: - `z ,� � , P �. � C L � �� _ �:� . [�1. _ _ �� l / � w `}� � l -` \ \ � 1 � ♦ _ � , �. � � ,..� S ��c. � . � i �'. 1 J � d �t �% � A /'/� I l�/ � � �`� T /' �� J \ i' w : '�, � ! ,,�� a Z � �= �, , y U o � � = �f � �, � � �� ` -,� g , , �� __, _ , z � , .. „� e- �. `' / � ti `��e� . "� � � " ��- �.:��r ��„� '�! v � � . V: �� C � � � �` ��° � p � z \' s � , ,� \,\. � ,� _:. � Q � J � \� � ^\ �` '\ \ � � N � d a .' a' _ � � 0 � m m� _ e � '-a /=., C � [� °t� E'�°-°. ` b' �o O Vv N � m C 0 W Q J m _ 0 11 Z (Q C Q` 9 m- � O J y 0 L U V $ a_ 5„ E� a Q ( � y � ° m m� �� o y T� u c i � o E ? ti` o � o � c D m E O fi` � �.. � U �� z � U ' ��x � 0 3 n � �e&i � � � 0 � � N � .� � � � � Y O = �a N +- :�= ln U � � in � N � N W 1=- Z � F--- � � a. a O � N Z � F=- U w Z Z O U 00--�35 1V. The Develoumeat Strategy The development s�ategy for the West Side Flats is based on developing a flexible framework that can be implemented overtime based on a number of physiral and economic consuaintc. Public vs. private land ownership and key infrastructure constraints, such as the continuing operation of the raiiroad, the sanitary sewer and storm sewer aze key factors in establishing short and long-term development options. The su�ategy options and development plan recommend flexibility with land use, development densities and building heights. It proposes that a mix of complimentary uses with the goal of creating an urban village with complimentary residential, of£ce, retail, entertainment and cultural faciliues. It also suggesu respecring views of the downtown skyline, especially from the West Side neighborhoods on top of the bluff. A. Development Stcategy Summary The development suaxegy options are based on and reinforce the following key poinu; • Acknowledged each land owners' right and use of their property; • Created new amenity opportuniries from ea�sAng constraints (railroad tracks and sewers); • Esablish new open spaces and pedestrian connecrions that create linkages to adjacent uses/neighborhoods and also provide added value to development parcels; • Reinforce visual and physical access to river; • Control height and densiry of development to preserve and reinforce views to the river from the surroundingbluffs; • Reestablish historic neighborhood street grid to provide appropriately scaled development pazcels, a streeucape open space network, and mulriple sReet access for ease and convenience ofvehicular circularion; • Saengthen streetscape, building facades and adjoining public uses; • Create urban mi�ced-use development within the overall site; locate parking under buildings or interior to development blocks as well as on streets. B. Potential Laad Uses To facilitate discussions on the potential of the West Side Flau, a number of broad-based ]and uses were evaluated to understand the potential for the area. These broad based uses were based on past and current ideas generated for the area and illusuate the range of potenrial uses that could 6e considered in development of the shategy. The broad-based West Side Flats Development Strategy 12 October 29, 1999 Da land uses include; all office, all residential, officeJsports and entertainment, mixed- use/sports and entertainment and a mixed-use urban village. The sports and entertainment uses that have been discussed for the West Side Flats azea include; a ballpark, theme park, farmer's market, cultural center, water park, boat museum and National Girls Spozts Center. C. Development Concept Option A Development Concept Option A(Dlushation I on the Following page), illustrates the potenual first step in redevelopment of the West Side Flats. It suggests that all existing businesses continue their operations with redevelopment focussing on City/HRA owned properties. It also incorpontes the possibility that the JLT Group will move ahead with their plans for an urban entertainment 2heme park. Development Concept Oprion A illusuates: • the creation of the triangular park created between the Railroad and the Sanirary Sewer easement; • environmental enhancement of Railroad R.O,W.; • the development of the City of Saint Paul/HRA property between the Railroad and Robert Street Bridge as rnixed-use; • the development of the HRA frontage property on Robert Street; • the development of the JLT Group property as mixed-use ente� • streetscape improvemenu on Wabasha Sueet, Plato Boulevard, Robert Street, Fillmore Street and new urban sueet grid. West Side Flats Development Sa�ategy 13 October 29, 1999 oc�-35 � � t'--, �`��. � - �. . ; r _.� ..c _ ,-= . � e� (• ,1 __ - ` `> ,; ��' --: ��_ � . x f ; -,�`� s = � � ;. � �_ ��---� o - t: - _- "+�_�. . � �.:, �. . _, =_�� . . , : � , � ..�� i� ` ;�� /4�`. - y - ,.'�,�_�' _ "" 1 '�"" ' ' - � _ -- -t r,';./ 7 ., � +'. � - ` - � y � - -_ . . ' � �� - . ' �/� � �. . . . . - - _ _ � � " � v, - . � ��. - ` - �� l�'�" � ' �� ' .� _ �= . .`:% !� `�'�- '.,: - - V"��. 3a � j�°� _ � � '_ , � � j'; �� _�` LL � ^;�:�`' . � �� ,�1� � , s . . �� 4 �1'� � � . ' �'� �� _ " C'�� - ' ' ,1 `+� ' � , - f � \ :. \ `, l � _-_' � . � '��;�� '�:�� x ' . ;' � p � � - _ _ - � 1 , , -� _ � - _� W �\ � ��r. _* `� ' X ,( �� . . _ � /� '� "�'� `��" \�( � \ ` � �-! ' - . > �" �� ' y` Z �' ��t�"�! "', o y ," ,' :, y �,.' ; ��. ,`. - r � � ; � * � � r� \�`\ �3o a ,�� , �� . o , �� i, �� _ � � '\A`:" �� - - _.�� V �� . '.� ' ' _ . , s . : :i ��- � � w � �.� �' � � � �� . ,E` � � r O t ' ' C� �� , �� d ^�� h ti �.. �t� �'c � i . �� ^� f /� ;j/ .'�S � ,Ti -"��.•e .� c�� C� ' 0 . r ��f�' � Y}, �' � � � � � rt � � � � � �.�, , ' b � ,t `•` �� '\ �� I � 0 y ?� �� \�\ � � � �� - \�.�� , � � ? z r' �. i 1�' d � � � - - ,� � � �'i±. V X� 1 rL ` . _ � � W f� ' � �� . �\ t� � � �l '�� ; .� ly - , \ � � �` � ��.H \°,� \ ` � � s \ �. �'� i ' { t � V � / ~�� (: / ',�"_ ,�,, � � t' ..�1�� 8 ♦� m w � \ s �, \ .. .. �`�, � � p \ \ � ��' / •' \`� ° � ;� �("" ° � �t � i -- �� a � � � �G � .� `'-,�� :�vc - d � �:. cpt. �� e N . . � �•,2- o V ZZ �� - � tL1 Z � � � � �,, � c �� , � � �, � � �� d --- � - � � - �� _ � Z�o - 35 IV. The Devel�ment Strategy The developmenc s�ategy for the West Side Flats is based on developing a flexible framework that can be implemented overtime based on a number of physical and economic constrainu. Public vs. private land ownership and key infrasu�ucmre consfsaints, such as the conunuing operation of the railroad, the sanitary sewer and storm sewer aze key factors in establishing short and ]ong-term development oprions. The strategy options and development plan recommend flexibility with land use, development densities and building heights. It proposes that a mix of complimentary uses with the goal of creating an urban village with complimentary residential, o�ce, retail, entertainment and cultural facilities. It also suggests respecting views of the downtown skyline, especially from the West Side neighborhoods on top of the bluff. A. Development Stxategy Suuvnary The development su�ategy opuons aze based on and reinforce the following key poinu; • Acknowledged each land owners right and use of their property; • Created new amenity opportunities from existing constraints (railroad tracks and sewers); • Establish new open spaces and pedestrian connections that create linkages to adjacent uses/neighborhoods and also provide added value to development parcels; • Reinforce visua3 and physical access to river; • Conu�ol height and density of development to preserve and reinforce views to the river from the surrounding bluffs; • Reestablish historic neighborhood sueet grid to provide appropriately scaled development parcels, a sveetscape open space network, and multiple street access for ease and convenience of vehicular circulation; • Shengthen sueeucape, 6uilding facades and adjoining public uses; • Create urban mixed-use development wlthin the overall site; locate parking under buildings or interior to development blocks as well as on streets. B. Potential Land Uses To facilitate discussions on the potential of the West Side Flau, a number of broad-based land uses were evaluated to understand the potential for the area. These broad based uses were based on past and current ideas generated for the area and illustrate the range of potential uses that could be considered in development of the suategy. The broad-based West Side Flau Development Strategy 12 Ocmber 29, 1999 �C-35 land uses include; all office, all residential, o�ce/sports and enterrainment, mixed- use/sports and enteminment and a mixed-use urban village. The sports and entertainment uses that have been discussed for the West Side Flats area include; a ballpazk, theme park, farmer's market, cultural center, water park, boat museum and National Girls Sports Center. C. Development Concept Option A Development Concept Option A(Illumation I on the followingpage), illustrates the potential first step in redevelopment of the West Side Flau. It suggests that all existing businesses conunue their operauons with redevelopment focussing on Ciry{HRA owned properties. It also incorporates the possibiliry that the JLT Group will move ahead with their plans for an urban entertainment theme park. Development Concept Option A illustrates: • the creaqon of the Riangular park created between the Railroad and the Sanitary Sewer easement; • environmental enhancement of Railroad RO.W.; • the development of the Ciry of Saint Pau]/HRA property between the Railroad and Robert Street Bridge as mixed-use; • the development of the HRA frontage progerty on Robert Street; • the development of the JLT Group properry as mixed-use enterainment; • streetscape improvements on Wabasha Street, Plato Boulevard, Robert Street, Fillmore Street and new urban sueet grid. West Side Flau Development Strategy 13 October 29, 1999 Con 1 D. Development Concept Option B Development Concept Option B(Illustration J on the following page), illustrates the neart step in the development strategy with the potential for redevelopment of the Wabasha Street frontage properties_ New sueets have been created on each side of the railroad, following the historic street grid, to provide new fronuge development opportunities. The new su to the west of the railroad, Starkey Su�eet, has been eartended towards the river, joining the access road to Hatriet Island Park, to create a lazger development parcel north of Fillmore Street. Development Concept Option B illustrates; • the redevelopment of Llewellyn Worldwide Publishing, Wabasha Business Center, and W J. Haas Mfg. Company; • new north/south development sueets on each side of the railroad; • new easVwest street connecrions between Wabasha Sheet and Starkey Sueet following historic urban street grid; • streetscape improvements on all new development streets. • creaqng connections and corridors of activity reaching into adjoining West Side neighborhoods. Dc-35 West Side Flats Development Strategy 14 Ocwber 29, 1999 1�°" : ��:� �° �i��t l+:'° ;�-�'=: �.:'. Ob-� E. Development Concept Option C Development Cancept Oprion C(Dlusaation K on the following page), illustrates the potential of the JLT Group's property deve]oping as a mixed use urban village, following the pattern established by the historic uzban street grid of this azea and reinforced in the previous two concepts. This concept also illustrates the other small fronuge pazcels incorporated into the shategy. Two new northjsout$ su (Custer Street and Livingston Avenue) aze proposed through the JLT Group property and three new east/west streets {Fairfield Sueet, Indiana Su and Chicago Sueet) connecting with Robert Sueet. Fillmore Street is i]lumated connecting through to Wabasha Street across the Railroad R.O.W. whether the railroad continues w operate or not. The estension of Fairfield Street and Indiana Street to Wabasha Street would be dependent on the railroad being vacated. Development Concept Opeon C illustrates: • completion of the historic north/south and east/west street grid; • development of the JLT Group property as a mixed use urban village - Mixed use residential towards the center of the development and mixed-use commercial towards the Plato Boulevard and Robert Street frontages; • iE the railroad is vacated; creation of a linear pazk connecting from Plato Boulevard to the river; • streetscape improvements on all new development streets. Illustrations O and P, following Illustration N, provide a before and after three- dimensional image of what the West Side Flats might look like as a mixed-use urban village. This view is taken from the downtown looking south to the West Side bluff. The Wabasha Street Bridge is on the right side of the image. This view is intended m illustrate the integation of the West Side Flats Development Strategy into the broader West Side area through connections and open space ]inkages from the river back to the bluff and beyond. While all the buildings in the sketch aze shown at similat heighu, variations in building heights and the intensity of development on each block can and should occur without compromising the overall vision for the area. Illusu�ations Q and R, following Illustration P, provide another before and after three- dimensional image of the West Side Flats area. This view is from the West Side bluff, looking north to the downtown skyline. Wabasha Sh�eet is on the left side of the image. This view is intended to illustrate that the West Side Flats should develop in a manner that respecu the views from the West Side neighborhoods to the river and downtown. Illustrations S, following Illusaarion R, is an aerial perspective from the Saint Paul on the Mississippi pevelopment Framework. Illustration T shows how the West Side Flats Development Strategy would integrate into the Framework Plan. West Side Flats Development Su�ategy 15 October 29, 1999 i .. qwMr..:_ r.�.,. -,J:- .. f�.`�.� �'4 �9r �r��r'� �+� �... �:�l� i/`,� '� e . ',. ' . . .: „�, �> �._ i i s 1�� i.�� I,\� r �� C"�� >.� �� 9 � �1.� " . rr� � 'w _ i ��'�'�) � . � �-�' � � :N�,_. _ _ 'ct . . . .'. 7 'N i � i a ' ., ��f�I. � � ��' � ��I 1� i .,: �1•4%� �- � ' • � �: �[ �� •� � �� i � � R � ' -��P► *-�� ; �! ►�� :�i�� :, .�i r ��' '� �. . i� �� . �,, . � ; � r� � "`_ . ;, „).. � 0 ;, .� � (� .� � - - - ;� - fi °a�a c ,,�, �x.�a. o �� •� ��',�i i t.p.� y Y 1► �� 'y >r �� ,��. . -� '_ ' ;/; I� po -35 F. Tppical Development Block Studies While specific uses, densiry or building heighu aze not products of the West Side Flats Development Strategy, several studies have been prepared to test the densiry potenaal of a typical block to support various uses. The typical block studies are based on the eatisting hiswric street grid in the West Side Flats area that is approximately 300' x 300' (centerline of roadway to centerline of roadway) and a 7Q' RO.W. The typical blocks illustrated are residential and office. Both typical blocks assume a ground level use that is either commercial, office/residential lobby or public use. It is assumed that residential development would require approximately 1.5 — 2 off-street pazking spaces per unit and office uses wovld require approximately 2.5 — 3 off-street parking spaces per thousand square feet. Due to the poor soils in the West Side Flats area, the top ten feet of the site wili need to be escavated. As a result, it is possible io construct on level of parking under the entire block In both residenrial and office scenarios we have assumed the construction of a second level of parking would be located behind the street level fronuge. The top of this parking cou]d be an internal private open space. Based on the reasonable parking potential for each block, the quanrity of each use can be calculated. Dif�'erent block configurations; complete block face, U-shaped, L-shaped or single slab buildings will dictate the building heighu. On street parking has not been included in the typical development block study calculations, but would provide an addiaona140 pazallel parking spaces per complete blockface. This parking should be consideted as visitor pazking or for ground level commercia] uses. Typical Raidential Block (refer to Illusuation L on the following page) — Based on the assumptions oudined above with two levels of parking yielding 240 parking spaces, a total of 12� — 160 residential units could be achieved in each block. Utilizing a complete block faces for residenrial development, the typical residential block could accommodate 40 unitsAeveL The typical residenrial block would be four to five levels (street leve] plus three to four residential levels). Typicul O,Q'ue(Mieed-Use Bkck (refer to Illustraaon M on the following page) — Based on the assumptions outlined above with two leve3s of parking yielding 230 parking spaces, a wtal of 75,000 SF - 115,000 SF per Office/Mixed-Use block could be achieved. Urilizing an "L" shaped building footprint; a typical block could accommodate approximately 30,000 SF per level. The typical block would be£our to five levels (street level plus three to four office levels). The proposed floodwall/levee cross secrion shown in I1lustraUOn N, on the following page, illusu�ates how new development can be built within 15-20 feet of the floodwall and Rivercvalk. Care needs to be taken to ensure that the integrity of the floodwalljlevee is not compromised and water infiltration is minimized. One to two levels of parking can be located under the building, with direct access to the top of levee/Riverwalk by an West Side Flau Development Su�ategy 16 October 29, 1999 � _—.t---...�- .. � - i ,. � - t [�-i�� 1�l��1 �t � �. _.�• i��f3�1 � ��t�/ ,v e � �� (4nK/l�� , (tB'S1 D�tJ'f 7,Pd� t�}o t� s�}e uNH's) f��'slPk�'tJTl�ci. C�ir. _ �h oN�ts) ° 2 �It�J'['t�,t� C4��s'h uq►ts� i°,4 Ri�t NG ( Qo ) yj P � , ; ti . _� gf►fV�It�fCe ( �GC . . • •, �' �•`��`. . , • • .°,: , . •• .. .•��•.. , ... : • • . . • �. � � •� M' ` �� `��. f � r.� L � � • • � t�� . ' • � , � . � • T �� t vv £' . t , 2�+o hPP�S �� t � � • t NIT x l�lo Q'� `�PK�. 1 �►�CS 9`t`1)!7�'t' � . � - �tl�z �t' lr�. , Typicaf Mixed-Use Residentiai Block Illustration L �5 � �� 1 � I :' _ �� l.�cN t'�Fo' �p. ( 30.9 x/ � vt'F'tGi's ��Sn.yK�s.r a'74 rKc �PIG�s C�� X .s. 7�. �s J ��'.,RG� C.k'f�cx s. �c PKS.� , �'At�1N6 ( 70) � �� : .. •�.,,�; :i i�,�++Yo clloo) - • • - '�- � �r-.'- �-- -+--� t � l — — — `— = t �— �� --- r .. : �u�azi - �'�'�.—: •� � -" - ��w�R� oFwA�i�� - - ; � � • • rma ►w4t�n 'S � 4��.E��'tG� ?�'�0 9�K.Es �. 4ioRdZ. I ' �� 2.'➢=/C9o� � x9►..zi�� -°�--� - � . :r,-- ' -- --'--� r.- - Typical Mixed-Use Office Block 2(0 Illustration M �-+ C � d 0 > N � � N Z �.l � �,� , �ti � .� � N � V � � � � O � � O I� a� � a�i �„� � �� c � .N 'x � � /� � �f` � �� d � 2 a 0 r ia M N SS a+ C QI � a 0 > d � 3 a, C Of C ._ .^ R +�+ a r � e 0 = � R � C C a o� Y � N ', .� � � a 3 � 0 0 � _ a 0 0 L � � _ Q � d N N N � i V � � �11 �L• ' ' �, ` ��• � � �{ � _ ' *< y.5 Y i�; > � ' �' • . !. + R � •, . '� �` 5� , . f � •l 4 i � . . `,' ; ; r � ,: a � ;. i ;,� ``''+, 6 l � � p t 4T L^, :t7� i� � F' ' 1�. ' �!` �- .� 4{" � + r I .� ,� � �;, . � � A � :� � 1�� ` �� . , ��'�� f �� t °.� :� * �t` t r 1� i� u r y , L ��': r : et5 EI I.�.. , �� f�it �� : �� j � f ,(r } A . ' a �:, � � � .� �� . � t� , r �.�t � � i , �'`' �� '��. , / Y3R\@�" t ifPF � � / • i r � �� .. �� r� 1 '. a` � f ` -s° � • �. � . '� t � , - �, z >3. ,� ;., � c.""��' t3 � r , t � � �� r li: � ? � f / .� � � [J ' i 4 . T � x i � � �� , s 9�: � � : -� r,-. . I j � � :' : � � � : r _ '� .,: . -; �,� t t � z. � `t� x �, � `'� � #��„�� ' ' ; t � f( � �. � � � . '� �, � ` `y� > � j - •� ? r , K �� A pr ..'F �(` ' T?'$c S.: � � f �— � � . . A'�.� : %. .'; � �iw. j' 4�+' :T.i' Y S'�.'!+^ Yf.. 3 �v. ) � � . Y ! � +?`4� � '` (y L�S 1 �lu 7�� -'» � �/ �l'" 3 L�i i c y ��y A� �.� �• i-' '��' ; � u� �., �; �, '. ; � :' �}�� ' f � 3 i � iT _ FE t,,� . . . F i ' �� . �1.�� tf . f�r: . y 5 i i4 F E� � R k .y .� � - � } � T f .W � ' � .y¢ { , 4 y . § t � � ` J jj J i �^ � 9.�] 4 c. a. 7 +F � �' �'�„ F � y t � ' � „� w� ,��F,^�� a �" J � � d .i� �� f �'� N 3s t � � {� � i� , �v�kN 4. � " F � 344 r'�T �/ � l 1 .s � s:, �� , . p � ' f` Y 3 X , � `' �� s� � F4e Y r � � t �� s ��. s 4 `Y y`3 t i '. � 5, . ! a �� z �? �� t � � �.��: u � , 3'� „ ;��; � � s s� � ' x a ' e �� s . .. � �'vc� s tt . r...` ... i ` �� ' 4:. '�.'r r " � �� iw w � � � g � � �.i an' V� �'�c. ,� . ^i� 7 ) °�#' Y t y�ia� Yf'� . F T �Y� 2rv * � ` Y.}v: � �- �� .� - ,:� _ �s � . _ .�°... . ��.� L . , .. . . •1 t. ��f. . / : � , .� � �� i` , t . _ �i ' � � ' . �'.. ' a � � _ �= � ! . � �- 1 '� j., R � :} , f . �� t t � : � �, ... i . �� i � : r � ��i. •'s �- � i�� ,i' �Y. �i ' i � � �, � ' � � ' ` r �;` 1 e ' .� r � / � � , - r• i � i , ;',, , � � t ' � �,� ' ' r. �+' i � �. t �aZ t d I � / . `:f ,{ j/ {� .I �" �� 4� � i/ i {�� .�� ' � /' . :�` - j t s4 ' x j 2 � � � � . � , � �F� f i t 1 � �` 6 � �, : r a � ,� �;• �` � � , �-�. � , � ` . � ' . �_ f � � g rz.:. , . �: , -7 - � � { .' � �i . � �S =�� t i {� �� , � � � � `' '� I =' ! ✓ �( � • a �?� �?* d. �Y. l � } j kr� �� 5 � y _ a i. a � f� � ` . �� " 5� �� . y ar ';� �f � sA V y x �� ,� � � � � �_ � r: r �: ��. ' .� , E ; { �_ .�� - � ; � + � , rrrrrir'. '� ' �*� , ; , �.a. , � �� . j �3 � i , � ��' � �� j _�� j ; 4 '] . � , , � • � '.�' 4 " ( �.s iY tii ilx � y " ..� , { � .� j(� 1 �.� !1r' � ' � �: �� I ti�' �,fk. �' y L. t'�`� la�.a ..+ ��, 7 �2 '' � .�. �. n : �Se vr�,�.i 1 �. `. ��. ��` �- � � �'�� ' �. � �.� � 4�� , �k� `� � - � � F . �h;Y � +• � �$ 1 � � �.� &� �� h ,:r . � � � �� .., Y i :� t�-: w ( $ �. , �: rr� � � �F: ',;;—� � z � � , ' !�_ � � } i �. t4, � � r: } t j �y °� � '�� ". ; §� .., t ' '�i.�`a F� � i �„ _ � k. ', . � fJ � r i�r � a �� /' ' l � Y � .. .�'+ � � t � e�e£ ` aii �� .r° �` . . .. R � � �? ,F � q � � � � � S � • , .. . � .. � �` � � � ��1� �.,� �R � ` T {� �� ;r:, . � � t 'l ;� : - ! r r; e l �, i' '£ �:�2 �.1 � � i' •� � ; �� ' i � t ' .�� ) i < ' •,T�` 1 ' � y �� ,_ .` r ` ,� j -�. �j t �` .T� �. , .; � � , - �.�,, . 1 _ i � t "y� h, ( ' ,. , � . ; n .' � /. ?��`�L . 3J ?+'�I s t , ,, r • �- , �,,, ,,, < � s - u �" ,r� � ��• F s � 'a � ` ` � S` a ` ' f� • �. � �15� r a� � y: e� i� � iw .< � r'� r ' •� i � �.� 't . i, s e - r �' � . • f f fF ��y' ;�j $ ` ��` � c r . � 5 ' -� L ; °^;e. ' [k s � «�'�� ..� 3` r ( r at��•^�w_:a' �+M. _� S�� . _ �� • 1�..e .. a 'rt. � �.. �� r T YrA -'� n .. � r 5"� . `_ � . y ! 4 ��i' Vl^�' A f f'G � _ � � ��t� � ..� . , :� . - s� i� * ��,r a. � � � k < � �� , � � _ , ,, . "'� �=� .--r. � : t ` ''s�,f �Sr �,�.� �.,; ` e i . T c / � l�� _: i .'�� "b T e� . i � �� { � +^ �� ' �� ..0 iG L<'� "'ti�; � r �«:t ,�3 -�� « '�F.: '�e �: = e `� x'.'_ �,� -�� r � � ( - .r�, � e ,�..- �.L � sq. - �� '�� ' � � ( : y+d �,7 . � r�if L/� � Ci.. !L`Le.�' � f �i o 1 �`!e'� '. �'C:� � 4 �� f t � �"w�!�4YT}: fl�'�� ,. � � ^ '1.. - � � � •l: < <� _ �i ! y s . •!� te`�_4,.sw + �� [ } p� � � �''��'1 � � �-�1 r •\ .' S_E'�� F ! � {� �1'.` �: . A �ti A. . , �� . . f' � - 11 1 � INA.� q .. � rvt i\� .Z I. .0. / t �9' ..a S. n� t y� � ,p � t • t.�_'�.��`�� ^ �^ Jc � en' � tl e '"� _ � � � ? '� .+, p r \ � �\ + 'rr f T �,� �., �` tt+. ,y � :�' (Q °a 1 �. �� ,' � . _ f ti.; ��`{ `� ! ' r� �y\� � ♦ �`� w {.` e � ' p j � �' r� t � h ;�..,. �: ��^` � .`>'� r�.�Y� �cf' �$�� t ��f_ l �� .. � :'(�' "� �i, .. } �y�� tl �F�, t /E r ` , ' t . �� ` �� \x� L �e� ' r r� ( � �� ' z... Y: `. �� :! Pc�, /` '� ` Z'jp� t $ • �� . � S ) { � � '" �. � �„�� 'q� �`� .: . � ...`;."` v-� '� a t �-. ,�,/ " /� � i � n .� .r r' � � e _ i ��. ""- ,: r �� • �'�� ,�� . f:a�x�...f ?�`8�• \'..� V y a �i •n _ �" ¢ { � f �� ,. i . �` ��,`� , �� .. r �.�' .i `3e.�.�.�� . j l : � a� �l _ � _ r e *.. �' . . � �� - a '3p�r. �a �) ��` ,�._ � : � / ��f� + _ �r` a'.kre ^ � `! �\�- !�Q` � ✓ 1� i / � �E R. s' -dT�"�.± �� l '. �� . . a r.:�c{ �51�' ' � � +fc �"J '[�. � 1� � .:'��. l ` q2 C f.� �) �.�i �� sad f } _ �.�y .'�1�\` .• s ^ � � .� . uY_,�. �. r ( }' � Sy t�v j � � �`��6 �� I,i � `-e` �'�-' � ��. , r � a r } t3 : -�x '�; k��''�Q' 6 ? � W�° t t.F.�,�.\_. x'' a 3x.s,. ti _/.... i� , _ T � �;. ✓ � r :c;� ��: �'--- , 4�•(A .. h.. ._ y � � �=�" � � �.� y�?t' ,'.: {! i�y � -`� �'� �� t'y � �' ! ' . � ,�� a � � 4♦ S` � � St r � .. f — � )- r fi+ �° 5 's � �( � =7 � F C- ��' �.,y Y 1 '� f t.. � �s ��..� � � } � aF 'y�"' �w� � 4 � t �� , �,� � l t , . • V �- r, v <' - s ' ; y . t> . a � : ✓r'�� r ,�^� ° �l�, pS V .i l:�I 6 i - � .s-°i`' 9:yY �- �" C i " �'S ;� �. �� 1 : :: �` �i � ? '" 2 � � � �� j f ♦ ��'��^�. sa � ��n.. � �� r �� l::�f��,t,��_� /i-. ti .� '' f ��n'� V � f ' �r��'�„ `'� `� +�yA� �l t. t!Tr.� • -v`��c- � � ��•� � L,tl'j � �i� 1.� �` � ^, �� ., : i a. J � �_ S �``^ %. � x `s a � 1 �' .> .. `��lf l� /�' �'�� "'u�..3 � +.s-�.v7'r' ; . L� s � �� y �t� \L � f , �r , s �� (p� - ![\` � -` � � � i y t, r �.� `. .d. 1 �� " � _� `� �.. _1,��.� �4i �'-��'":.,. .� , . :• { i �. ;, '- � � �.; i � ti � 1. . .' p j-k � .\e t � .•� ��•� �� ` ^' . a � - M � ' � �� Q y { t^ � j � . � y �[� i .}��k �� .�.�+ �.Z.� t' , �ti {/- �sy�:: ��'�e ` r t� x!�' 1is J � �^. � �4� [s f�,� �� s . f�� {�' �^..! � C . I -. � } { �`�' s •`p - ' ; F! i' . t M P-� y-+S'i �; -�'�� ..: "_: �'� � ., T t.,.i '��,``�'� � ' ,sY.i� Y .� f+� .� �� 3`: !) [� .� . �E �r � V � ` �.ryC �I 1� � �•R' iY�.� . Jb_ 4` `� T �F r � L .rih 4.�Y \ I � . � �; • � ~.4`� :�� 3 ,-�i� f� � ��te�r• i � : !� , }; ' i`: • �il �l . �{` �'� , ` 1' • �r , �. '` t � . •, r 1 *; :� . ti ,= t� � � �{ )�� r • .�_ f.... ( :.� '` ` •: : �. �� ,.� � ,,�, .• , � j� . __�.:t _ 9 �� "'i�C. ��; r �� ; e,r`� ., � � .r.. ,ntL � :� � � � �..' �_ �L::. :EA; f � " �` �". �q_'+`!x'-f �. f• � �!^ T ?� LE' n .- .T.. ..�.' a� ' � j :C ' ' ��s.. -." ,.F- . �;,. 7 A ��--}"�`��,� , . � � " ; �• ' , � e � .�. � ti, i �� `�� ` �t� i $ � " f ��` �}� � ��'� -: L t � C 5� �' !` � .'1 �,�� :i��f4�.. �: �I`�.j�'�1`.�_ f � �x �/ l�f. � , . �" ` � � �7� ` 'y '��1��I 'sT a t.y�" i ` r.." rll� a q � 1, i'i4."^�. w t ��.�[ t ��. r �.i+ � ..� ,w t r � �t rq.:f�� rr'd�..:,� t 's '•- oF.t.�C 6'�; � 7 1� Y � `� � '�,��.'.. Y < �. .: '� t �.�.~.„� or . °�'�� ' . m�,/ l;:. i 4.-s "�i S,'y.� ,,,, d.r ; �tF! �'.��'� St a M'r's�.� ��`,�i�Y� "h F � `�1 f �� • '#�� • �T�'s,� 7 1- �'�a ��;� r -=�� 1-� �. ;�� w::� ':` , .r � . � � h�i L '�#' �"� t y' A v'.,.�4s'� a 't..7r�f,t 4�/'ti. : � Sf+t �* ', ` � N � Y. F �� i'��Y . .,... . k�. ��Y,`.�'�.� ' � � �`'�� ' '�� .» .. ��, u "� �' x't ��- � q . . i�`i� �� .� �� g �^ - `�.''� �t�sa ��yyi<'�. � . $ �J �" � -. �'y 3 C 4 j� �•�, � � �'��.,....'v`�`i X � � r N�� L �rvF � - � �,� .��.�'--'.. ' t� � � � � � a�+� ' " ..` - . � S� a : _ � � ��. ''; , . . ,�- �� [�� `'�' ��# ; ,p j � , � � +'� a �. �.� � '�' `°:g �"�s DO - 35 occupiable level. This concept was developed as part of the technical workshop with input from the Army Corp ofEngineers. West Side Flats Development Strategy 1� October 29, 1999 �� V. Conclusions and Reco�nendations The West Side Flars provides a great opportuniry for the City of Saint Pau1 to establish a new urban village with a mie of residential, commercial, entertainment and recreational uses_ The development strategy provides a long-term vision for the future of the azea az well as short-term opportunities to build confidence and eaccitement in the potenual of the azea. It is the recommendation of the strategy to acuvely seek out development interest for the City of Saint PauIJHRA property on the east side of the railroad and north of Fillmore Stceet As part of this effort, discussions should be undertaken with adjacent private properry owners to understand how their land might be incorporated in to the short-term development opportunities thraugh land sale, joint venture or a land swap. The goal would be to create a contiguous, consistent and compatible short-term development opportunity. Seeking development interest should occur through a typical RFQ/RFP process. At the same time as development interest is being assembled, the City of Saint Paul should be prepazing plans for the creation of a new riverfront pazk on the triangular parcel of land between the railroad and the MCES Syphon sanitary sewer. By establishing this open space, eazly on, the City's commitment to development in the azea will be established, raising the confidence of private development and establishing a higher quality of environment for development to accur. In addirion, the Ciry of Saint Paul can also be evaluating e�sting infrasuucture in the West Side Flats area and prepazing plans for street, drainage and utiliry improvements to support new development. The primary recommendarion of the West Side Flats Development Strategy process is to iniriate implementation of the short-term opportunity and development of the Ciry of Saint Paul/HRA riverfront property. As part of this process, the City of Saint Paul can also move forward with the implemenution of the triangulaz park and the public infrasuucture to support new development. Additional recommendations include; • Adopt West Side Flats Development Strategy • Assemble infomtation for RFP including, defined property boundary, environmental conditions, development restrictions (setbacks, building heights, zoning restricrions) and price. • Tnitiate negotiations with adjoining private landowners. • Pacl:age RFP information and send to interested parties. • Prepare preliminary plans and cost estimates for the triangle park and add to Park and Recrearion Capital Improvement Projects budget. West Side Flau Development Strategy 1 g October 29, 1999 �D-3S Prepare preliminary public infrastructure improvement plans for the riverfront property and add to Public Works Capital Improvement Projects budget Final plans will be dependent on specific development proposals. West Side Flats Development Strategy q 9 October 29, 1999 (�� -35 VI. Strateev Reference Materials Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework Qune 1997) Comprehensive Management Plan — Mississippi Narional River and Recrearion Area (May 22, 1995. I.and Use Plan — A Chapter of the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan —(Draft September 25, 1998) Saint Paul Mississippi River Corridor Plan — A Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan — (Adopted Ocwber 1981, Amended November 1987, Reprinted June 1995) Saint Paul Pazks and Recreation Plan — A Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan —(Adopted August 28, 1996) Saint Paul Transportation Policy Plan —A Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan —(Adopted December 17, 199'� Back to the Fumre: A West Side Community Plan (1997) Saint Paul Communiry Development Agenda —1996-2001 (December 1996) A Study of Housing— on the West Side Flats and Upper I,evee (August 11, 1995) Neighborhood Development A11iance (NeDA) Business Plan (Ocwber 1, 1995) Concord Robert Small Area Plan and Forry Acre Study (Adopted February 13, 1992) West Side Community Environmental Inventory (199� Development Report — Riverview Site (January 23, 1998) GreenTree Financial Corponrion — Saint Paul Development Opportuniqes— Option: Robert Sfreet & Fillmore Avenue West Side Principles of Redevelopment West Side Flats Development Strategy 20 October 29, 1999 Ob -�5 WEST SIDE FLATS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY APPENDIXA An Historical Perspecrive of Saint Paul's West Side Flats Prepared by the West Side Cuitural Center An HistoricaI Perspective of Saint Pau1's W est Side Flats Prepared by tke West Side Cultural Crnter DD-35 Saint Paul's West Side has heen one of the most actively diverse communiries since the City was founded 150 years ago. The West Side conAnues to preserve iu unique cultural characteristics while promoting economic, wcial and other developments to accommodate the constant influx of people to the azea. Dunng the mid-1800's to eazly 1900's, the West Side eacperienced a great influ�c of immigrants that made the West Side their home. They were the Italians who fled to avoid persecurion in their homeland. The Irish came after the pouw fanvne in Ireland in 1845 and to find new homes. The Jews began to arrive as early u 1848 to avoid further persecution and annihilation. As a result of the Bncero Bill passed during World War I, the Mexicans from across the border and those Mexican Americans already in the United Sutes Territory were allowed to work in the U.S. while the United States was at war. Many of these Mexicans followed and worked in the agticultural industry in Minnesota and the West Side welcomed them as well. The influx to the West Side included Germans, Czechs, Poles, the Lebanese, Russians, Canadians, Syrians, the French, Swedes, Mexicans, Blacks, Indians, Jews and many other ethnic groups escaping famine, persecution, discrimination, speech repression and inhuman social, economic and cultural hardships. They were the first developers of the physical structures on the West Side. These structures included places of worship, taverns, cultural institutions, homes, places of business, bakeries, restaurants, recreational areas, entertainment facilities, communiry centers, educational faciliues, tfieau�es, banks, festivats, bridges and other coundess structures to accommodate the constant influx of immigrants. During the late 1950's and early 1960's, the Saint Paul Port Authority initiated a plan to relocate those West Side Flats pioneer faznilies to make way for an industrial pazk along the Mississippi Riverfront. Up to this time, many families had already prospered and had moved to other pazts of the City of Saint Paul. The remaining generations of those pioneers chose to relocate in the upper blu£f azea of the West Side. Once the Flau were enerely vacated in 1963, the communiry had to start a process ofnew be�nning to establish iuelf in the upper bluff azea of the West Side and elsewhere. There were over 500 fatnilies living in the Flau that were relocated. Of these families, approximately 45 percent were between the ages of 0 to 18 years of ages, with about 10 percent being of age 62 or older and 55 percent beriveen 18 and 62 years of age. Despite the hardships, the relocarion had a posilive result for some families. It provided these families an oppbrtunity to "get out" and begin a new life and lifestyle. Yet, even today, there e�su sadness, if not anger on the part of many West Siders at the results of the relocation. Not only were numerous homes lost, but also a collective history that was most appazent in the architecture and culhual institurions of the Flats. During the last decade, interest and iniriative have heightened for the West Side Flau. There is a shong feeling on the part of the Ciry of Saint Paul and West Siders that it is time to reverse the indusuial spzawl and reintroduce a mixed-use urban village on the Flats. As evident in the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framewosk, the West Side is a unique asset for Saint Paul. The West Side is a prime area for development wiih iis access to the Mississippi River, proximity to Downtown Saint Paul, and its rich blend of cultures and natural ameniries. The West Side community is acrively ready for positive change and development. The opportunities are plentiful. .�� .� � - Presented By Referred To Council File # �0 �' 3� Resolution # Green Sheet # ��`�� a. )LUTION PAUI., MINNESOTA 33 Committee: Date WEST SIDE FLATS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2 3 WHEREAS, the portion of the West Side Flats bounded by Robert Street, Wabasha Street, Plato Boulevazd 4 and the Mississippi River provides a unique opportariity to create a new mixed-use urban village; and 6 WfIEREAS, the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation, West Side Citizens Organization, Department of 7 Plazuung and Economic Development, Capital Cit7 Partnership, Saint Paul on the Mississippi Design Center, 8 Riverview Economic Development Association, Neaghborhood Development Alliance, and Saint Paul Port 9 Authority all recognize this opportunity, and endeavored to jointly create a vision for the fitture of the Fiats; 10 and 11 12 WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation, in partnership with these organizations, hired the 13 architechual/urban design firm Ellerbe Becket, Inc. to prepare the West Side Flats Development Strategy; and 14 15 WHEREAS, the West Side Flats Development Strategy is the result of several neighborhood meetings, a 1 b public visioning workshop and a technical charrette; and 17 18 WHEREAS, the West Side Flats Development Strategy establishes a flexible framewotk for future 19 development that allows for a variery of uses, both public and private, to occur within the context of a 20 compact urban viliage; and 21 22 WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the Development Strategy on 23 November 5, 1999; and 24 ZS WHEREAS, based on the testimony of people at the public hearing and subsequent discussions, the Planning ?6 Commission adopted Resolution 99-89 on December 3, 1999, which >� ',8 1. found the West Side Flats Development Strategy consistent with the Saint Paul Comprehensive 9 Plan and Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework; and 0 2. endorsed the West Side Flats Development Strategy as the overall vision for the future 1 development of the area between Robert, Wabasha, Plato and the Mississippi River; and 7 3. requested that the City Counci11�1RA also endarse the Development Strategy as the overall i vision for the future development of the area between Robert, Wabasha, Plato and the F Mississippi River; and � 4. requested that the City Council, through the Administration, direct PED staff to prepaze � amendments to the Riverfront Redevelopment Project Area Redevelopment Pian governing this azea to reflect the Development Strategy vision; and 00 � 3,5 39 5. requested that the City Council, through the Administration, direct PED staffto explore the 40 appropriateness of current wning for this portion of the West Side Fiats and recommend 41 changes where needed to unplement the vision of the Development Strategy; and 42 43 WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Council held a public hearing on the West Side Flats Development Strategy 44 on January 12, 2000; 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 NOW, THERE�'ORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paui City Council hereby: 1. finds the West Side Flats Development Strategy consistent with the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan and Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework, and 2. endorses the West Side Flats DeveZopment Strategy as the overall vision for the future development of the area between Robert, Wabasha, Plato and the Mississippi River; and 3. requests that the Administration direct PED stafF to prepaze amendments to the River&ont Redevelopment Project Area Redevelopment Plan to reflect the Development Strate� vision; and 4. requests that the Administration direct PED staff to explore the appropriateness of current zoning for this portion of the West 5ide Flats and recommend changes where needed to implement the vision of the Development Strategy; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council, acting as the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, shall pursue new development opportunities on the West Side Flats that are consistent with the vision of the West Side Flats Devedopment Strtttegy and that facilitate the creation of a fully mixed- use urban village. ORIGINAL IZequested by Department of: Adopted 6y Council: �ate `� Adoption Certi£ied by Covnci�Se BY �'-- -�� I�" \ -�s�l--^"_ .. Plannin & ECOnomic Develo �ment �� By: Form Approved by City o �ey gy. ��X/" ' , � � Appzoved by Approved by Mayor: Date � By: By: O GREEN SHEET .�. �� o�e TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES � i�is is ah arwtH SiG�h�-d�f4H•�� u •�g� �r �u�1NEle PLANNMG CAMMISSION CIB COMMITTEE CNIL SERV4CE CAMMISSION /� ba-�5 H 101272 � �.,,� � � ❑ �� ❑,«.��,�,�. ❑ ��.., Q M1dIppRWIRNR� ❑ iCLIP ALL LOCA710NS FOR SIGNANR� ut��►^ - ir+Q-dw�- ywc q fve� v � trM,vtc�fw�wr�r co ,a�" tnat l�eeh ad�I eot - � RSONALSERYICE CONTYNCTS NUST MISWER iRE FOLLOYIING QUES7IONSe Fl�m'c personRrm a+erwaked www a mm'adtortFxs tleaahmert7 vES NO tias this pevsoMfirm e�er been a cdY emPbYee7 YES N� Dces thts persoNfilm P� 9 sldll rat namal�YD�ad M�Y Wrtent cily smpbyee7 YES NO la tlxs pe�aarJfirm a targded veMa/t YES NO ' ra �.sSUE ov�rz iw�ui r(wnv. w�a[. w�. wnwe� wnY1... 1h�- WeS'R'&t� �I t� �S d�l¢- �f" 'fk�- f�S-�,��yl �I/C/ � �ir w¢ w Nn i K� - u1e d�iVe frpWt�t�'f dVl 'fi�'��- v � 5t f: I�vl� a v�i M�M iv� �tac� , we c�� +�k�- �es1`�dcawi�e o� �►,3 t M. �1r wevuvLki�� {vttw�vK�vk wi(i ►� iH rluce � quide rew ��w��t ar fi�.�e- F1u1� • b:- �.._ � _ .w ��w�� °� nvv� e r�v v�s�� f� -� wtifisid2 F ��.� �� s� a' ' ' • $. ' n :"L % v �''&c^�K�r:. qMOUNT OF TRANSACTWH SOURCE COST/REVENUE BU06ETED (CIRCLE ONE) AC7IVRYNUMBER YEE NO (eCP1AlN) R�3aP�? ��f2t 00 -35 Interdepartmental Memorandum CITY OF SALYT PAUL AATE: December 16, 1999 TO: Nancy Anderson, Council Research FROM: Lucy Thompson, PED �H�(I�{� SUBJECT: West Side Flats Development Strategy Public Hearing Please schedule a public hearing before the City Council on the West Side Flats Development Strate&y for Wednesday, January 12, 2000 at 5:30 P.M. City Councilmembers have already received a copy of the document, with the Planning Commission's and Mayor's recommendation to endorse it as the overall vision for the area between Robeft, Wabasha, Plato and the Mississippi River (on the West Side). I have attached materials for their packets for the meeting of January 12, 2000. They include: 1. A memo from the Mayor to the City Council fonvarding the Planning Commission's recommendations, and stating his concunence with their findings and zecommendations. Note: They already received a signed copy of this directly from the Mayor's Office. A resolution for the City Council's consideration on January 12, 2000. They may want to lay adoption of the resolution over for one or two weeks (I don't know if they typically take action on the same day they receive public testimony), but since there is essentially no controversy over the content of the Development Strategy, I'm hoping they will adopt it on January 12. Note: I'm just routing this now for signatures. A properly signed version wili be in your hands by the mailing date for the 12th. I have sent out a public hearing notice to the ENS list (also attached), but I have not notified the Legal Ledger or Pioneer Press, since this is not a legally-mandated public hearing. Do you automatically notify those publications of public hearings? If you have questions or need more information, please call me (6-6578). As always, thanks so much for your help. Happy Holidays!!! Attachments nre�ar>te�T oF rr.nn:v�vc fi ECO\O�fIC DE�'ELOPJfEVT BrimrS�reener, Direclnr CITY OF SAINT PAUL A'orn: Cofemnn, b1u}�or AATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: December 10, 1999 Zj iVest Fo�v1/r Street Saint Pm+1, M1fN 55103 00-35 Tef ephaie: 6SI-266-6i 6i Faainrile: b51-228-3261 Council President Bostrom and Members of the Saint Paul City Council/HRA Mayor Norm Coleman 4Yest Side Flats Development Strntegy BACKGROUND The lVest Sicle Flats L?evelopn:ent Strate�r is the result of an atmost 12-month citizen participation, planning and urban design process conducted under the auspices of the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation. In response to a request for assistance from the West Side Citizens Organization (WSCO), the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation hired the architecturallurban design fimi Ellerbe Becket, Inc. to work with represenCatives from PED, tbe Saint Paul on the Mississippi Design Center, WSCO, Riverview Economic Development Association, Neighborhood Development Alliance, Saint Pau1 Port Authority and Capital City Partnership to prepare a Iona term vision for a 45-acre portion of the West Side Ftats lying between Robert and Wabasha streets, the Mississippi River and Plato Boulevard. A public visioning workshop, chanette and several community meetings with residents, business owners and affected agencies were held to receive input on the community's vision for this portion of the West Side. The Development Strategy is the result of that work, and lays out a future vision for this part of the riverfront that is more detailed, but consistent with, the lYest Side Precinct Plnn contained in the Snint Pau( on the Nfississippi Development Framework. Essentially, the West Side Flats Development Strategy establishes a flexible framework for future development that allows for a variety of uses, both public and private, to occur within the context of a compact urban village. Key components include: • New open spaces and pedestrian connections to create linkages to adjacent useslneighborhoods and add value to development parcels. • Visual and physical access to the river. • Re-establishment of the historic neighborhood street grid to provide appropriately-scaled development parcels, a streetscaQe open space network, and multiple street access points for convenient vehicular circulation. • Improved streetscapes, buiiding facades and adjoining public uses. • A mix of uses, �vith commercial activities on blocks with Robert and Wabasha street frontages, entertainment uses along the river and residential uses on internal blocks oriented to the lineaz open space. 00-35 December 10, 1999 Councii President Bostrom et.al. Page Tcvo SUNfiYTARY OF KEY RECOl�INIENDATIONS The development strategy for the West Side Flats is based on a flexible frame��ork that can be implemented over time based on a number of physical and economic constraints. It recommends three options for development, �vhich are basically three phases that culminate in final build-out as a mixed-use urban village. Very briefly, the three options are: Conce_pt Option A Development Concept A illustrates the poten[ial first step in redeveloping this portion of the Flats. It su�gests that a11 esisting businesses continue their operations, with redevelopment focusing on the conversion of vacant City/HRA-owned properties to new mixed-use development. Tt alsa incorparates the possibility that the JLT Group wiil move ahead with its plans for an urban entertainment theme park. A triangular park is created bet�veen the railroad and tlie sanitary sewer easement. Concept Option B Development Concept B illustrates the next step in the Development Strntegy, with the potential for redevelopment of the properties that front Wabasha Street. New streets aze created on each side of the railroad, following the historic street grid, to provide new development opportunities. In this phase, three existing business sites are redeveloped. Concept Option C Development Concept Option C illustrates the potential of the 7LT Group's property developing as a mixed-use urban village, reinforcing the historic urban street grid laid down in the previous two concepts. In this phase, if the railroad is vacated, a linear park is created along its right-of- way to connect Plato $oulevard to the river. (Note: Under any concept, a linear trail is created, either within or along the railroad right-of-way.) The details of each development concept are presented in Pages 13-14 in the Development Strategy. - PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING ON NOVEMBER 19,1999 A public hearing was held before the Planning Commission on I3ovember 19. Four people addressed the Commission: Jerry Trooien, one of two property owners in the study area; Dave Engfer, President of the West Side Citizens Organization; Gregory Page, Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation; and Enol Edwards, WSCO Board member. In general, speakers expressed support for the Development Strategy and urged the Commission to forward it as the vision for this part of the West Side Flats. To a person, the speakers stated that the Flats represent a significant opportunity to build a new mixed-use urban village on the West Side, and each speaker offered his assistance in implementin� the vision. Oo -�5 December 10, 1999 Council President Bostrom et.al. Page Three RECOMMENDATION The Planning Commission has requested, in Resolution 99-89, that the City CounciUHRA: 1. find the West Side Flats Development Strate� consistent with the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan and Saint Paul on the Mississippi DeveZopment Framework; 2. endorse the West Side Flats Development Strategy as the overall vision for the future development of the azea beriveen Robert, Wabasha, Plato and the Mississippi River; 3. direct PED staff to prepare amendments to the RiverFront Redevelopment Project Area Redevelopment Plan governing this azea to reflect the Development Strategy vision; and 4. direct PED staff to explore the appropriateness of cunent zoning for this portion of the West Side Flats and recommend changes where needed to implement the vision of the Development Strategy. I concur with the Planning Commission's findings and recommendations, and urge the City Councii/HRA to make the same findings after conducting a public hearing on the Development Strate�. Thank you. Enclosures O 6 - 35 city of saint paui planning commission resolution file number 99-89 ��e December 3, 1999 WEST SIDE FLATS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY WHEREAS, the portion ofthe West Side Flats bounded by Izobert Street, Wabasha Street, P1ato Boulevard and the Mississippi River provides a unique opportunity to create a new mixed-use urban villa�e; and WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation, West Side Citi2ens Organization, Department of Planning and Economic Development, Capital City Partnership, Saint Paul on the Mississippi Design Center, Riverview Economic Development Association, Neighborhood Development Alliance, and Saint Paul Port Authority all recognize this opportunity, and endeavored to jointly create a vision for the future of the Flats; and WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation, in partnership with these organizations, hired the architectural/urban design firm Ellerbe Becket, Inc. to work with them to prepare the West Side Flats Development Strategy; and WHEREAS, the bVest Side Flats Development Strategy is the result of several neighborhood meetings, a public visioning workshop and a technical charrette; and WHEREAS, the i�Y'est Sicle Flats Development Strate� establishes a flexible framework for fiiture development that allows for a variety of uses, both public and private, to occur within the conteYt of a compact urban village; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a public heating on the Development Strate� on November 5, 1999; and WHEREAS, those who testified at the public heazing pledged their support of the vision in the Development Strategy and their commitment to work together to implement it; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul Planning Commission finds the YYest Side Flats Development Strategy consistent with the Saint Pau1 Comprehensive Plan and Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework; and moved by Faricy ��' seconded by in favor Unanimous against BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission endorses the West Side Flats Development Strcrtegy as the overatl vision for the fizture development of the area behveen Robert, Wabasha, Plato and the Mississippi River; and SE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission requests that the City Council/HRA also endorse the Development Strategy as tfie overall vision for the future development of the area bettiveen Robert, Wabasha, Plato and the Mississippi River; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission requests that the City Council, through the Administration, direct PED staff to prepaze amendments to the Riverfront Redevelopment Project Area Redevelopment Plan governing this area to reflect the Development Strategy vision; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission requests that the City Council, through the Administration, direct PED sfaff to explore the appropriateness o£ current zoning for this portion of the West Side Flats and recommend changes tvhere needed to implement the vision of the Development Strategy. _ - . _��y.�.�.�_�,._._ � . _ �� _�,:.:,�_ � .�—` ��c� —'. ._ ` t . . =- �--�,:-, .�.� �_ •- � . F. - -°- ,�.�" �aC . : '� - ": � . „�. � � _ ;�� . . . . ° - �:rr....�.�I�" ."".° � .v , .. _.�, �<--• ,?j , .. .�-- ��_�' mws� . ._.., y �.. . . �' �.. \ r . D �""T�' \ + --. -. J! '. , •- �� y,. � . � ` �_, "`�2+�v � � � �'�—�� 'Y: �� 3' .� ... ' . � � Y -� -T-��.� � . ---- -- -� � ` :. ..�,-...�..._, -_ T,.. ' , ,., � :> ...� -�� .�. .. ' � �. � . . . ' � �'� - �:.�a. . � . , _.,. � . � « .�Y .. �.. .r _ _ � _" _ . : . . . , . _.,. _. .. . . ' "'\' � • _ � . . . . _. ,- � . '5�..� c: .--.----' � � �. '� ^ i ,_ �. � , _ .�........,.. _ „R„ � -\ �� t � 1�� i� t � _ _. � � ! � � :� w - . � � - � � ,_� i -''� �D-3.5 WEST SIDE FLATS DEVELOPMENTSTRATEGY Prepared by: Ellerbe Becket, Inc. Prepared for: Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation City of Saint Paul West Side Cirizens Organization Saint Paul Port Authority Capital Gity Partnership OcEober 29, 1999 � WEST SII?E FLATS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Executive Summary A. The Opportunity B. Constraint Driven Strategy C. A Flexible Strategy D. Conclusions and Recommendations II. Backgrouad A. SmdyArea B. Partnership C_ Goal D. Process E. Eaosting Conditions/Community Context - Location - Access � - Land Use - Guiding Plans - Zoning - Land Ownership - Floodwal�fi,evee - Railroad - Utilities - Soi1s - Conclusions from Exisdng Condidons Page 1 Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 6 Page 6 Page 6 Page 6 Page 7 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 9 Page 10 Page 10 Page 10 bb-35 a 00-35 III. West Side Conte�tt and Open Space Connections IV. The Developmeat Strate� A Development Strategy Summary B. Potenual Land L3ses C. Development Concept Oprion A D. Development Concept Option B E. Development Concept Option C F. Typical Development Block Studies V. Conclusions and Recommendations VI. Strategy Refereace Materials Appendiu A- An Historical Perspective of Saint Paul's West Side Flats Pagell Page12 Page 12 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page18 Page20 � �o - 35 WEST SIDE FLATS DEVELOPMENT ST`RATEGY LIST OFIIZUS�RATIONS Illustration A — Eaasring Conditions Illusuation B— Saint Paul Central Business District Land Use Illustration C- Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework lllvstration D— Saint Paul Zoning Map Illustration E— Floodwall/Levee Existing Cross Secrion Illustration F —Floodwal]/Levee Eacisting Conditions Illustrarion G— 1 West Side Context & Connections Illustradon G— 2 Open Space Connecrions A Illusffauon H- 1 Connecrions & Opporwniries Illustration H— 2 Open Space Connections B Illusuation I— Development Concept Option A Illustration J— Development Concept Option B I1lustration K— Development Concept Option C Illusuation L—Typical Mixed-Use Residential Block Illustrakon M— Typical Mixed-Use Office Block Illustration N- Proposed FloodwalllLevee Cross Section Illust7ation O— Existing West Side Flau 3ooldng south from downwwn to West Side bluff Illustration P— Illustration looking south from downtown to West Side bluff Illusvation Q— Existing West Side Flau looking north from West Side bluff to downtown Illustrarion R— Diustration looking from West Side bluff to downwwn Illustrarion S—Aerial perspecrive illustrating the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework I1lustrauon T- Aerial perspective integrating the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework with the West Side Flats Development Strategy OD�35 WEST SIDE FLATS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY I. �ecutive Summarv The West Side Flau provides a unique opportunity in downtown Saint Paul to create a new urban neighborhood strategically located on the Mississippi Riverfront The West Side Flats Development Strategy identifies a short and long-tzrm development strategy for 45 acres of land on the west side of the Mississippi River bordered by Wabasha Street to the west, Plato Boulevazd to the south, Robert Street to the east and the river to the north. The area currently comprises a number of existing businesses and several large vacant and underutilized parcels of land. Ellerbe Becket, in association with the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation, City of Saint Paul, the West Side Citizens Organization, the Saint Paul Port Authority and the Capital City Partnership, have a11 worked in cooperation with to prepaze a sRategy that is flexible in namre and allows £or a variety of different uses to occur in the area. The West Side Flats Development strategy allows for the retention of existing business while encouraging new development that can iniaate revitalization of the area. The recommendarions contained in this report aze the result of ineerings with the West Side Gitizens Organizarion Boazd of Directors, a public visioning workshop (February 4, 1999), a technical charette (February 18, 1999) and a presentauon of w the West Community on March 4, 1999. From these meetings and discussions numerous possible uses were discussed, both public and private, that would be a benefit to the West Side Communiry and City of Saint Paul. It was also evident that there aze a number of technical constraints to development of the West Side Flats that would be diFficult to solve, economically. This report focuses on creating a development strategy that respects existing site constraints and allows for a variety of uses. The scope and extent of these uses will be dependent on appropriately planned, well designed and economically viable public and private development proposals. A. The Opportunity The West Slde Flats Development Strategy provides a long-term flexible ftamework and shart term development opportuniries that can and will assist in revitalizarion of the azea. These short-term development opportunities aze of immediate interest due to a number of changes in the azea. These changes include; • Exisring businesses aze in need of expansion space. • Improvements and enhancement of Harriet Island Park will reinforce the West Side's riverfront open space resources and amenities. • Wabasha Street Bridge Improvemenu have created an attracrive vehiculaz and pedestrian access from the downtown. • The Riverwalk improvements have established an amacrive pedestrian environment along the floodwall/levee system. West Side Flats Development Strategy 1 October 29, 1999 � ob-3_5 • Planned improvemenis to Raspberry Island. New public and privare projects underway, on-going or completed will bring new residents, employees and visitors to downtown Saint Paul, the Mississippi River and the West Side communiry. These projects include; The RiverCenue Arena, the Science Museum of Minnesota, RiverCenue Convention Center, Lawson Software, Ecolab expansion, Minnesou Life e�cpansion, Media C1ne and numerous other initiatives. • Market Conditions are sttong for all types of new development opportuniries. • There has been strong developer interest in the area for residential and entertainment uses. • Eacpansion of Concord Street commercial base. • Strong community interest in West Side commercial, housing and open space revitalization. B. Constraint Driven Strategy The primary constraints currently impacting deve3opment of the West Side Flats azea include; public vs. private land ownership, the railroad, the MCES Syphon sanitary sewer and the 90"storm sewer. Given that many of these constraints can not be solved in the short term, this development strategy recommends a constraint driven sttategy that allows for short-term development within the cont�t of a long-term vision for the area. Public vs. Private Land Owuers}up - The City of Saint Paul and the Housing and Redevelopment Agency curtendy own about five city blocks (approximately 10 acres) of land along the river. The land is vacant and ready for development. Its proximity to the river and downtown makes it a highly desirable site for a variety of uses. The rest of the property in the West Side Flats is in private ownership and will be developed or redeveloped at the discrerion of the owners. Railroad - Whi1e negoriations aze on goingwith the railroad there is no short-tertn guazantee that they will abandon the rail line through the West Side Flats azea, The rail line occupies a 100' RO.W. that runs northlsouth ftom Plato Boulevard m Fillmore Sheet and then veers to the east, dividing the West Side Flau area. Accepting that the railroad wi11 continue to operate, in the short term, defines how development will occur and specificalty how much of the Ciry of Saint Paul and HRA land can reasonably be developed. • Sanitary Sewers/MCES Syphon/Riverview Pump Statiott - The triple sanirary line which runs along the west side of the rail line can not be built over and would be eapensive and di�cult to relocate. When the sewer intersects with Fillmore Street it veers w the northwest to meet up with the Riverview Pump Station. This makes development of the western part of the City of Saint PaullHRA property difficult. West Side Flats Development Strategy October 29, 1999 00�35 90" Storm Sewer/Custer Storm Pump Station — A 90" storm sewer seroing the West Side neighborhood, runs azound the east side of the Nassef£Plumbing properry and a]ong the east side of the Railroad w the Custer Storm Pumping Srauon_ This utility can not be built over and would be e�cpensive ($300 per lineaz foot) and dif�icult to relocate. As it pazallels the railroad it will always create a significant constraint whether the railzoad is there or not LJtilities — The West Side Flats azea was once a residential area built azound the traditional City of Saint Paul 300"x 300"street grid. City services supporting this area were located in the street RO.W.'s. While much of the azea transirioned to light industrial activities in recent years, the remnanu of the historic street grid are still in place, including utilides such as water, sewer and electric. Some of these utilities have been abandoned, others ue sAl] opentional and utility improvements are being made in the context of the street gid. In addi4on, property ownership pattems tend to follow the street grid. As a result, new development or tedevelopment in the West Side Flats area might logicaily foliow the hiswric street grid pattern. Floodwall/Levee — The floodwa(1 levee system provides a significant consuaint in terms of how development interfaces with the river corridor. It is a facility whose integrity can not be compromised. However, aiterations can be made on the south side of the levee to enable development to gain closer proa�mity to the nver and Riverwalk. C. A Flexible Strategy The long term development strategy for the West Side Flau azea has been crafted tn establish a fleadble plan for future development that allows for a variery of uses, both public and privat�, w occur within the context of a compact urban village. The suategy allows for the on-going opentions of eadsting businesses, it provides opportuniries £or those businesses to expand, it allows individual property owners fleavbility in the use of their property and it allows for short-term development to occur within the context of existing constraints. The stra[egy builds off of the existing historic sueet �id and esrablishes approximately 20 city blocks of new development or redevelopmen� The exisung constraints eshblish a long-term open space system that provides valve for the surrounding real esrate. The nort$/south railroad/urility corridor can become a linear open spine that new development can orient to and provides a strong linkage to the West Side community. Where the Railroad and sanitary sewer RO.W.'s diverge north of Fillmore Sueet, a triangulaz tract of ]and that will be difficult to develop can become a new rivetfront open space that provides value for adjoining development and enhances the open space and recreational resources along the Mississippi River in Saint Paul. The development strategy recommends a mix of uses, with commercial activities on blocks that rake advantage of Wabasha and Robert Street frontages, entertainment uses along the river and residential on intemal blocks orienting to the linear open space. West Side Flats Development Strategy 3 October 29, 1999 a aD-35 The shategy also illustrates how development can proceed, in the short 2erm, on land that is publicly owned and mnu�olled. It also illusuates, how development or redevelopment might occur as property owners implement their own plans either individually or in partnership with others. D. Conclusions and Recommendations The West Side Flats provides a great opportuniry for the Gity of Saint Paul to establish a new urban village wlth a mix of residenual, commercial, entertainment and recrearional uses. The development strategy provides a long-term vision for the future of the azea as well as short-term opportunities to build confidence and e�ccitement in iu potenrial. The primary tecommendation is to actively seek out development interest for the Ciry of Saint Paul/HRA property on the east side of the railroad and north of Fillmore Street. As part of this effort, discussions should be undertaken with adjacent private properry owners to understand how their land might be incorporated in to the short-term development opportunities through land sale, joint venture or a land swap. The goal would be to create a contiguous, consistent and compatible short-term development opportunity. Seeking development interest should occur through a typical RFQ/RFP process. At the same time as development interest is being assembled, the Ciry of Saint Paul should be preparing plans for the creation of a new riverfront park on the uiangulaz pazcel of land between the railroad and the MCES Syphon sanitary sewer. By establishing this open space, eazly on, the Ciry's commitment to development in the area will be established, raising the confidence of private development and establishing a higher quality of envlronment for development to occur. The neart steps include; • Adopt West Side Flats Development Strategy • Assemble informauon for RFP including; defined property boundary, environmental conditions, development restrictions (setbacks, building heights, zoning restrictions) and price. • Initiate negoaations with adjoining private landowners. • Package RFP information and send to interested parties. • Prepare preliminary plans and cost estimates for the triangulaz park and add to Park and Recrearion Capital Improvement Projects budget. • Prepare preliminary public infrastructure improvement plans for the riverfront properry and add to Public Works Capital Improvement Projects budget. Final plans will be dependent on specific development proposals. West Side Flars Development Strategy 4 October 29, 1999 p b - 3.5 II. Background A. Study Area The study azea for this strategy is bordered by Wabasha Street to the west, Plato Boulevazd to the south, Robert Sueet to the east and the Mississippi River and downtown Saint Paul to the north. This azea represenu about 45 Acres of land or approximately 20 downmwn city blocks, B. Partnerslup: Riverftont Corporation, WSGO, Citp of Saint Paul, Port Authority The West Side Flats Development Strategy has been a partnership between the West Side Cltizens Organization and several public agencies responsible for planning and development in the City. These organizauons include; the Saint Paul RiverFront Development Corporation, City of Saint Paul, the Saint Paul Port Authority and the Capital City Paztnership. The partnership between these organizations has ensured a posirive, community oriented consensus based process. C. Goal: Long Term, Incremental Development The assignment and goal of the West Side Flats Development Strategy is to develop a long term development suategy for the West Side Flats azea that can and will be implemented, incrementally, over time. The shategy will outline the steps necessary m begin development and provide a flexible framework that can be followed by any private property owners that chose to participate. The strategy must build on previous planning work, deal with technical constraints and add value and direction to future development opportunities. D. Process: Public Meeting and Technical Charrette The West Side Flats Development Suategy process has involved one-on-on interviews with key West Side Flats stakeholders, several meetings with the West Side Citizens Organization (WSCO) and a Technical Workshop that brought together community membets with technical esperts to brainstorm the opportunities and conshaints to development of the West Side Flats area. Meeting notes of the West Side Flats Public Meeting held on February 4, 1999 are attached as Appendix A and the West Side Flau Technical Charrette held on February 18, 1999 aze attached as Appendix B. The West Side Flats Development Snategy builds on past planning studies and reports conducted various organizations. A list of referenced reports and studies is ]isted in Secaon VI. West Side Flats Development Strategy C7ctober 29, 1999 _ E. Existing CoaditionslCommunitp Context Dourntnwn M'vsissippi Riverfront lotatim� — River IralleyjBluff, Harriet Island Park The West Side Flaa area lies within the Mississippi River Valley as defined by bluffs to the north and south_ On the north bluff across the river ]ies the skyline of downtown Saint Paul; the south bluff defines the West Side neighborhoods from the Riverview Industrial Park uses in the river valley (Refer to Illustration A, Existing Conditions, on the following P�) • Auess — Wa6asha Street, Robert Street, P7ato Baulevard, LV. Zafayette Freewag FiJJmare Street Wabasha Street and Robert Street link the West Side Flau azea directly to downtown Saint Pau1. These access routes aze used by vehicles, transit and pedestrians. The Wabasha Street Bridge has recendy been improved to create a high quality and amactive vehicular and pedestrian link w the West Side. Vertical pedesuian links provide direct access to the Rivenvalk and future vertical pedestrian connections wi11 be established tA Rasp6erty Island that is being enhanced as a riverfront recrearion resources. Wa6asha Street and Robert Street provide the primary links £rom the West Side neighborhoods to downwwn. Robert Street links with Concord Street, forming the Robert/Concord Su�eet commercial corridor. Plato Boulevard intersects with Wabasha Street and Robert Sueet and provides the primary east/west circulation through the West Side Flars area linking to W. Lafayetts Freeway and the regional highway network. � Land Use Most of the area including and surrounding the West Side Flau area is comprised of light industrial uses. This is an important economic development and job crearion area of Saint Paul. There aze many healthy and vital light industrial uses in the area. Many of the uses have grown and aze looking to eapand. As mast of the land is being utilized, expansion oppottunities are difficult for many companies and relocarion is their only oprion. The Saint Paul Mississippi River Corridor Plan recommends future land use along the River in Saint Paul. Illusuation B on the following page, the Cenual Business Disuict Land L3se Plan, illustrates the proposed land uses for the West Side Flats area. • Rive�view Industriat Park — This light indusffia] area is the lazgest in the West Side Flau and lies to the east of the study area. This azea is likely to remain on o£ Saint Paul's primary light industrial areas and is not likely to change. • Western Light IndustrialArea — The azea to the west of Wabasha Street is an existing light industrial azea that is in transirion. There are a number of active businesses in this area, which will continue to operate well inw the fumze. However, there are vacant West Side Flats Development Strategy ( October 29, 1999 O (3 - �3.5 _ � _ I � t r('' ` � ` , " ;- :. <��;,�� _ ` a , , o � �'. "i" � � � � �' � `- � -1 �r � � . � Y ✓�� — __��`�^. . � - "l �/,' " � .. _' �� 7 , �� _ _ '' "�£ �� . � - _ / . _ _ l �. " ;� � � ✓��" _ � , �: � ,� �% �, '' - ' - : > ' � _ Y 4 � � P' 7 _ 1 � n i' +b ' - P i' { �'� . � � � / � �G � . Q' N.1C � /i ' . W � �� r � C � Z 0. � W / \ � . ' � � . ' \ ' . " �� _ `' . .� . , _ _ �� • - - g .. � '�'� r ' � _ � �� ,: � `�.,. � �� '� , � �. `` `� �- '�` . �,� ��4, � � �,` . , ,��. � � � , � , � _ �.,, v � %� =d.� . .�- < � „ � `� � ` - � ?', ` � -�` �'� `- ` % r� �� a� ,� �% a � - � � �� "� � . � �� A � \ �� ,� �� 4 � �� ', �i y �� a �' � : �"�.,'� ��z .. r d� � . � - ! ��? :� -m o. x a � i r a` ' ,` d ' � ��;F J� <. ti �\ � . �� ...� '�;� ''.� : a . ^ Y \ � �i.t . J / � �, � - � � ��_. . ,` ' + O � \ ' ♦ �� 6 � .0�.' / � . � � y� • '� `� s{, £ ; � „ ' y � - °�>- �� 'V � '. �'��_� , � f fl � �.� : � � �'. � �; � o � �� a \\ ��;� �� ; ; - - �� .., o - , _ ;. .�- � d ; �� Q , �' 1�1 . , � p. � �� '�� ., �' o �, `��r�� :�Q � `` �:. � s ��;.�� .�� \\` ' s �� - �_� � o _ � •• : v � `a j '\�:.� / �� • • i O � : . . , . .:� � � . �, � -•• � � V � 1 , � \� `��' C , � . . '_ ., � W , - MAP 17; CENTRAL BUS/NESS DISTR/CT LAA/D USE �D -�35 - Saint Paul Missrssippi River Corridor Plan �� ,__; �;�= M_ > .�_.�-- . ._ �_ �� i �.�.n.r-' . _ _ . _ -- - - ' CITY OF iAINT ?AUL • DE°ARiMEPI" CF PWNMING & ECONO.^filC DEVE! OPto¢D!T � °�NNING DiJISION � �'y - � ° �� - _ - = ,. �� . : -?,: =s;" " . _ „ ' +.. _ .. . . � -f . ' ; 81 " � a i _ ..l'� . , -_ . - _ � ,,, . - -.� .='��. _ _ ,__ -� , _. - �'- , � - E X 1, ��\ .'. �� , - - . , - _ � 'st s .�F� - ,� . - *< - ' J ��i ��F��.�i:..� ' _ � .� ' - � ' � _ - _ - ._ - � . -. - ' . ��-�- n t .r � "' � �M.�� 1.�^� u . , . '�_ � _.. .� .�: .-'.--� S �_ � , � - _ _ �". _ _ y : s- _ — _.�-. -:y _ , : �� tCR�� RYfKRi?S _ _ " _ _— �c � . � �`` � � � - - i t I i v.��, - - �� ? ��. � �- � - ._ � � �� . � + r � S .. � i J °� � �p� IV ! - f:' ., r ��., ✓ a A '" .._9 �,.,_ =SE1(ENiH P{-ACEGALL•fRY v ''�� :. T ;�'..• � ^ .-. - $ - i yy" �` �Y��"' +� ` � y, � 'y� `�' �.. . , _ ` _ __ �i��/� �� .� - �s. . � `•- �` �� .��swa �" �� , .. _ _� _. ___ ._ _ -.' �, ;i� -�,. . ' ' - , = ; �' � '_... .' � �.'- r: : _ ,. " . � � ' _' a," '*, �� \ . : < � � r�. � r . � .� � V �, � �r---�. �•-,. .. _ '�. �. , . , ,� � I � �� "- ,�� ; ' �_- .� � �'�' �:;; � + > ' � � �-�. �' - . . ra � . �� i.s- . IRVfIVE2ARK.°='�'<a � ,��=_. \ 1 " - y `Ht57OliYC QISFRi`C7` `� �� iii,,, , � '�""'". � \ `� - �`� T ` � � y�'T is. � ' � ... '•\\ �\'''�� + i \ �, �i __ ��sit---•/ � �' �i .�'� � �� . � � � ��t! i�� .. _�`/ � � ; A ,; � ' `., }-�.• —= �% . - a �� . ; a w� , _ 1. �, h� i , . , ,,� .�° . � _ `��,,� � � � ��"'=- � r �� ,_ ---- r ,� ,. p,+�. , � s. Jl� �\ ; ._ ,, 1 � �1�`0, /�� _ .� _ ,;� ,�i'�� r'� � t '� l .. _ , , � .- � o �'� `� r . �� 4�sp� �- � ' � f t. >w � � � �� . t' / � �� ; - - _ ..-.. _! , z� i..cz ;� M,f - �- '� ± ' �: .' /i ' � . Y ('� �� . .\ .O'^, ` : ♦ lF . / �' . .._ Y. � _ 1 ' P� F l \1 �.� ` - �.�,%��,7.� �'s� " ' � � � , I _ - _�.._...../��\ _ � MQRTI�ERN ST/1TE5 Pk7WE4t � . , :�`'e ' � _ �'`-`� ' ��`�-'� 1 9 F _� c � . ,.� � � _" \ ,-`� ��. � -- � . ` �,��e • �� , .. , �- _ � c.. 1 �G �� UPSTREAM � _ � , � � � � �` `• ` ��,�� , - _ r , � 1 ,�� '� . . ° � . . ' - y _ _ rvs:�. o.. _ �,� � . , � . �. ,'r : �'` , , - _ '� `� � -- _ _ , � :� ,� : �=,, °_;� �- � a � , � . ,: — - . _ . _ " - - t - ...� --. � - = '� ' , � � , �7 ., o � : _ , '' � �- � - ,<, ;� � - - _ _ ; ` aR � � .,� ' �. : , ' , xi�'i� t � �� _ �5�1�� . , �� . . r ' 7 � , � � , i: . - � �� i � .. ,_. � 1 , , . , . ' � _ �;� � '� � ��" �� c � _ �� i � - -- � � � .. ��,,.� = , KEY X .. � ; :� -- �— �" .`-� - f ^. � X . 0 ResideMial � `!��"�'` � Industrial 0 Mixed Use '.- ' � �"=� ` "` r *.�' �' : :.% _ "°` Commercial/Office � (ndustriallOffice [� Airpnrt , J ` � r_-; ,:r= `.`^'� . ` , ^• ,. �� )�. a " 9.'�,-�: " . S :si � � Commercial - Light lndustry - Pub(i¢ Attradion . , � ".,�'., ' -'.�� - . � . �.. � ' � Offiw Open SpacelParks _ v "�`�` �� . - - >`' � ;, � . �� ,. .., � �'_ Iilustration B CC-�5 properties that will redevelop over ume. This area has designated as mixed —use residential azea in the City's comprehensive plan. • Harrret Island Regiosrat Pask— This is a major recreation azea on the Mississippi River in Saint Paul. Harriet Island Regional Pazk lies just to the west of the West Side Flats area and hu recendy been master planned £or major improvements that will begin in 1999. Harriet lsland fs a major asset to the city as well as to the redevelopment of the West Side Flats area and should be adequately connected. • Raspberry7sland - This is another recrearion open space opportuniry master planned for future improvements. Raspberry Isiand is currendy the home of the rowing club and will be an outdoor performance area in the future. • Concotd/Robest St�eet CommerciaZA�ea — This is an existing and growing commercial area for the West Side Community. It is the neighborhoods desire to see this uea reinforced by new development in the West Side Plats area and better m the downtown area by new commercial linkages. • Musissippi River- The use and enjoyment of the Mississippi River is an important camponent of a West Side T?evelopment Strategy. Water oriented uses, such as marinas, tour boats, restaurants and water raxis aze uses that can energize the riverfront environment and compliment adjoining land oriented uses. Guiding PIaH.s The guiding plans for the West Side Flats area aze the City of Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan, the Saint Paul Mississippi River Gorridor Plan, the Comprehensive Management Plan-Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (general criteria for comparible riverfront uses), the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework (development principles) and Back to the Future: A West Side Community Plan. All of these plans support a mix of uses in the West Side Flats area including, residential, commercialloffice, industrial/ofFice and open space/pazks. Residential land uses aze suggested along the river frontage, commerciaUoffice along Wabasha Street and industria]jofFice along Robert Street and Plato Boulevard. Illustrauon C on the following page, the Saint Pau] on the Mississippi Development Framework, recommends a number of economic development, urban design and open space improvements for the West Side Flats area. Zoning The West Side Flats is covered by special river conidor zoning districts. These districu include (refer to Illustration D on the following page, the Saint Paul Zoning Map); • RCC-1 (River Corridor Commerciat Distsict) - The RCGl River Corridor Disffict is intended to provide sites for commercial nses in the Mississippi River conidor which are cons]stent wlth the comprehensive plan's river corridor plan. Within the district, buildings will be placed to be harmonious with surrounding buildings and uses and to West Side Flats Development Strategy � Ocmber 29, 1499 � ' i� `� `tw .� �'� r � ', � J ; �� ,�� - � ' ,�...-._. �.-� "_ �� 7 VV � J� �^;z�wMe,-�'+!� j�:'NI` ,�,,,r._ . _, ... - _ . . . . _ _ '- -, j `� O � , _ � • p�'.�'.�• ' R �} ��'-`,�� ._' ' _ _ _ _ _ - �.� a ��K�%wE + . � � ��y y � � � � ' �' � � ��J.Y " �T�i`Lt � � .� � • �' t^ � : �r , M1l t� �; Y,� i� 4` ^ � _ ` ) � �. ,�1 r.. . a a� � r. ;�Tj,�-,�. _ __,/ `,`^ =l� .� ,., ' �' ^,. ♦ d ':t. . �;� . , ^'rr �q� S � w ri"� �' �tr� • .,'� �' _Y . �`� _ '- ;�' � �_�' _ � _ .. . �K• : ' - i' . � ".^ T�. . , „K � N a J^� _ - � ��:�0 . �. `�� '�. . . � ;+11v.. , � .^ .�� n >� � : ;� . ^ . r .� . .. �I.`iMq! . :; � ' "�;;� , - ��,. . :..., � '� v+ � . _ �, `�� ,. � ++ M=`` r °.� ' �.� v� � ,,,� � . r, . � , � r �;�� , -'"` ��'� ' ; • - . r�.: � :.. 1 f� � . ' � :r; ;f � �',� �� ° .i' t �."1% s n � �f_ � �r' ., :v�:' ` �!'. ; ,_, ,,. � �; A� _r ;.,:�.: F? .�. �.�. , : - : _ y_:�r F: . : n 'A. __ 'f.�ta-..`��a Y y O � N � i LL �+ C d £ Q O d > .�. �'*�^.�� .• n, -- �-gf r `.� � j .�-1 .�. �. � �h - . l ;,� .;d=yr . -t � r+, '. �.,,�. ;, „ -;> _ � e.�'l 1 � .`�� ! s � � ��'' `` l-'-� C �, � � .^ �i. . + .. . �t ., i.• � �r' �S -i°'i. � n � ° a O. '� �.` F i' _ , � � N � �': ,� 1 t 1 �y � �'. x Vl '`� �°. h � �� .� � _'") � --+.` ' y� d � �t � "� M �_ � : � -�l • .'.� a • �^' '!� : _ 'w O . p n. " � . '�f . \i � . .� w'.. �, � � R n �' � 6 rn �' r °' _ t�� C � i: N � 0 vp-35 protect views from adjacent districts. See City of Saint Paul Zoning Code, Subdivision 5.60.760 for more detailed informarion. RCR-1 (River CorizdorRuidenzial Dirtrict) - The RCR-1 River Corridor Residential District is intended to provide sites for multiple-family dwellings in the Mississippi River corridor which are consistent w9th the comprehenrive plan's rlver corridor plan. Within the district, buildings will be placed to be harmonious with surrounding buildings and uses and to protect views from adjacent districu. See City of Saint Paul Zoning Code, Subdivision 4.60.750 for more detailed informakon. RCI-1 (River Comdor Industry Dirtrict) The RCI-1 River Corridor Industrial District is intended to provide sites for commercial, office and industrial uses in the Mississippi River corridor which are consistent with the comprehensive plan's river corridor plan. Within the district, buildings will be placed tA be harmonious with surrounding buildings and uses and to protect views from adjacent districts. See City of Saint Paul Zoning Code, Svbdivision 6.60.770 for more detailed information. The West Side Flau is also subject to a specia] overlay disRict, RC-4 — River Corridor L3rban Diversified District. It is the intent that the lands and waters in this district be used and developed to maintain the present diversity of commerciai, industrial, residential and public uses o£the lands, including the exisdng transportarion use of the river; to protect historical sites and areas, nahxral scenic and environmental resouxces; and to expand public access to and enjoyment of the river. New commercial, industrial, residenual and other uses aze petmitted if they are compatible with these goals. Znnd Ownership (Refer to Illustration A, Eaosting Conditions) Cuy of Saint Paul(Housing and Redevelopm�ent Agency — The City and HRA own one of the larger conuguous land areas, which occupies the entire riveT frontage. The HRA also owns two parcels along Robert Street. The land is cunent]y vacant and available for redevelopment. JLT Group — This is the largest parcel in the West Side Flau azea and is bordered by Fillmore Sueet to the north, the railroad to the west, Robert Street frontage properues to the eat and Plato Boulevazd to the south. The JLT group also ovms the vacant building on the northeast corner of Robert Street and Fillmore Stree� The parcel is mostly vacant and available fw redevelopment. The owners of the property aze interested in developing their property as a business oriented urban enterttinment theme park. • Llewllyrz Worldwicie Publickirag — This pazcel at the foot of the Wabasha Bridge is occupied by a combination office/watehouse building. They also own a small parcel to the north of the building that is used for parking. Llewllyn Worldwide Publishing has outgrown their e�sting faciliry and would 3ike to expand in their present locarion or they will need m relocate to a larger site. West Side Flau Development Strategy October 29, 1999 �0-35 • Wabarha Busineu Center— This pazcel on the eut side of Wabasha Sheet is a converted warehouse building that has been converted into a business center sexving the needs of the �est Side neighborhood and greater Saint Paul Community. The owners have eacpressed their interest in supporting redevelopment of the azea including their property. • W.J. Haas Mfg. Comparcy —An eaisring small manufacturing company on a small parcel at the comer of Wabasha Street and Plato Boulevard. • NasseffPlumbing —An epsting service company on a small frontige parcel along Plato Boulevard • The Backrneet Grill — An exisring restaurant on a sma11 patcel at the comer of Robert Street and Plato Boulevard. • Traoiskis Bar — An existing commercial use on a small frontage parcel on Robert Street. Floodwall/Levee — Riverwalk A new and expanded floodwall and levee system provides the West Side Flats with protection against flooding, allowing redevelopment of the azea for a variety of new uses. In addition, the new Riverwalk provides an attractive amenity for pedestrian use and enjoyment of the river's edge. However, the levee and floodwall dces provide a barriez, both physically and visually to the river. The challenge in redevelopment of the area wi1( be in how best to reduce its impact. (Refer to Illushation F, Floodwail/I.evee Exiseng Gonditions on the following page.) In discussions with the Army Corp of Engineers the new floodwall and levee system has been constructed with flexibiliry for new development. It is understood that planting pockets have been designed into the top of the levee for shade uee planting and that the existing 5:1 slope can be encroached upon with new development. New development can be constructed approximately 15 to 20 feet from the new floodwall provided adequate water seepage precautions aze taken. This provides an excellent opportunity to integrate parking under buildings along the levee and provides the opportunity for uses that orient directly to the Rivenvalk. (Refer to Iltustration E, Floodwall/Levee Exisring Cross Section on the following page.) Railroad An existing rai] line bisects the West Side Flau azea from north to south, through the middle of the site. This is an active nil line that serves uses on the north side oFthe river. While it is an acrively used line, there aze rerouvng opportunides that could minimize its need. Whi1e negndations aze ongoing with the railroad, there is no certainty that the line can be eliminated or a time frame for doing so. As a result considerarion should be given in the deve3opment strategy for short to medium term rail use of this line with an understanding of the opportunities that might be presented if the rail ]ine was vacated. West Side Flats Development Strategy 9 October 29, 1999 � 6�-35 /� � � J LL w > w � w w a�u� J Q � �Q? wZ F c a ¢ aai� J Q {{�''�� J LL W Z J Q O 1-- 7 w ° ¢ � cs z � � X w O _" � � h N h O � � `t N _ 1 I. __ y � _' _'— - � �l, u�� - T — ----- T ` �l O � { �D � � � �'__'_'__ _"._y, � �. w� t- W � :. 7 4 � o � V � J iU Q1 � O 0 $ J � LL Z 0 F- U W � W W > W J Z J � LL � N J o � Q Q W a � ' ---__l O LL Y ¢ � 2 < ¢ N w 0 '�� a 2 4 W � W Q Z W O � d J � � O LL Z � � Z J a W W N Z w X w a.- m w � � m� N �� mo� a � a� � =_�a `'= E m � •- m o � > � Y � C � � � N � � 3 a c�'c m � c C y � � � �a� � am � r 3 � m � r � m m U � � ~ C � C C � � � � � C � O � ,� �D � O N ;.., O C tn �- O � � R m � m � d � � � Y Q) � LL7 L _ j;, W C O M � L N � N 0 � '� C V D1 N �x W N � J R 3 � 0 0 � � � - _ - -� - - �, .. ' . �� - � � � _:c�. i /� .3 _ . . . _ � � . i r�=� � � �l� � ' : h � ' ... . . . . . `'�, �� 7 _ �. ` . ~ '' ` t I ' �': , . . . . ^_ ' _' ' �, � ��_ � ' - � � _ � i � ` �; r'" .. � . � � � �. . � "`4 "�- ' � � � �� - � '. +: ti. . . . . . .. .. �� ii. �4 � � . � � �. � � � � � � .." '. �T MISSISSIPPi ' RIVER :'�_.. yE � utctctc� The West Side Flats area is crossed by a number of utilities. This azea was once more heavily developed and a number of uti3ities have been vacated while others ate still opentional. Water- A number of waterlines run through the site and may or may not impact redevelopment. MCES Syphnn Sanitary Sewer—A triple sanitary sewer line runs north/south through the site para3leling the west side of rail line and connecting to the Riverview Pump Station on the river. No structures can be built over this line, however, streets and pazking can. The relocation of this utiliry would be prohibitively cosdy. Storm Sewer - A major 90" storm sewer line runs northJsouth through the site paralleling the east side of the rail line and connecting to the Custer Storm Pump Stauon on the river. No structures can be built over this line, however, streets and parking can. The relocarion of this utility would be prohibitively costly (Approximately $300 per linear foot). Sails It is understood that the soils in the West Side Flats aze not suitable for conshuction and will need to be removed to a depth of approxitnately 8' —10'. This provides the opportunity for building a level of parking, at basement level, throughout the West Side Flats area. The area azound the new buildings would be constructed on new compacted fill to match the surrounding grades of the azea. Conclusions from Exishng Canditiorrs The conclusions that can be derived from a review of the e�sting conditions evolve around the physical constrainu that have limited development in the past. These constraints involve; the largely private land ownership of the azea; the railroad R.O.W, as a dividing element; the MCES Syphon Sanitary Sewer and the 90"storm sewer which can't be built over and would be costly to relocate; and the floodwa111Sevee system which can't be compromised. The success of future development in the West Side Flats area will rely on working azound these constraints in areas that can be effecuvely deve]oped uulizing; sueets, open space and pedestrian connecrions w link them all together. OG -35 West Side Flats Development Strategy 10 Octpber 29,1999 � Da-35 7II. West Side Contest and Oven Space Connections The West Side Context and Connections Map (lllustrarion G-1) provides an idea of how the West Side Flats redevelopmern fits in contextually with the rest of the West $ide neighborhood and the rSver. This is accomplished mainly thtough connections. Through meerings with the West Side Community, open space connecrions were identified ac an important component of the West Side Flats development strategy. As illustnted in Open Space Connections A (Illustrauon G- 2), the existing street network provides the basic framework for open space linkages including; the recently improved Wabuha Street�abasha Street Bridge, Robert Street, Plato Boulevard and long term, Fillmore Street. Wabasha Sueet and Robert Street provide the primary northlsouth connection between rhe West Side neighborhoods and downtown Saint Paul. Plato Boulevard and Fillmore Sneet provide the primary eastlwest conneccions through the West Side Flats area. In addition to the sheet network, there are several other open space connections that need w be considered as part oFthe West Side Flau Development Strategy. Harriet Island Regional Park is a major open space opportunity. Connecuons to the pazk will be important to maintain. The Rive:walk connects west to the pazk and beyond along the top of the levee. The Rivenvalk stops at the Port to the east. The Framework Plan illustrates the railroad as a long-term "greenway" opportunity. This would provide an off street connection from the south through the West Side Flats and across the river w the downtown. This connecrion relies on the abitity to utilize and maintain the existing railroad bridge across the river. This could be a challenge, as this is a lift bridge and is in continuous operaaon to accommodate riverboat traffic. Connections from the top of the blufEtA the West Side Flats are important to the West Side neighborhoods. The existing connections at Wabasha Street and Ohio Street need to be reinforced and addirional vertica] connections may want to be considered. In addition, walkways at the top of and bottom of the Bluffwould provide additional connections through the West Side neighborhoods. The top ofthe bluffwalkwould provide an addirional amenity as a scenic overlook to the tiver and downtown Saint Paul. The Connecrions & Opportunities diagram (Illustration H-1) further documents the West Side connecrions and opporwnities for their enhancement. It also reinforces the desire for a mix of uses including, residential, office, retail, entertainment and cultural facilities. Open Space Connectiotzs B (illustraqon H- 2), illustrates how the existing connecRons through the West Side Flau could be eacpanded on utilizing north/south routes that follow the historic street grid which existed in this area. It also poses an altemarive greenway 3ocauon if the railroad was vacated. In addirion to the sueet grid it also illustrates potendal routes through eaasting developed azeas that could provide greater connections from the bluff m Harriet Island Pazk and the river. West Side Flats Development Strategy 11 October 29, 1999 -� � �D-�5 q � � o �o�" a � Q E � 3 m W � O v�i o c m � c 2 z 3 aU�rP U v = `o.z�'.. �as< V c � C ' - � � C � = o � tj'i £' � r G � O m � m � m UU �&� �°'_� � � Q 0 � %r= y � � � � � � � � a� O � �a N � t U N � C!! r-- N � N Z 0 F U w Z Z O U � �C � � Z O U w ❑ cn r - N � �' ao-35 l ;f , -t ` _ . ;��- _ ��% �, � -_ a - � -: . � � � - , ' � l• � . - � `�8- �' �� " _ ��! i �� r y ,�� ! �' _ ��`� � � - ' ., "g � � � , � - _ / `'��i�� - . :. � J ; � �� ,�';''� - _ . ' . � j ,-�� .. 44�';�_ / ' 3 _ � � �_ _.. � � '_� - �' ¢� " �3`' � � —. J � - �� ' 3 - - � . F Y �_ , �� _��: � . � , �t — rL �� cd " � . � f - �_� : - � A �4 - �.1�'` K J� y, �j - _ �s \� • � - - '� C �-� \��:.�^', r . - �� _ �� 1 � _ �� ,�� \ _ f. � :. , . '_- � �. .. � �' : ' -. \� .. : � i / "_ �� .c _ w <\�1 ��e`..�� 'f (� \.. �l � �°� ' '� �"��!1�, .�- _ , � `� � �_ \ , ��a' � - � s �/ „ ((+.� � °'� �.. � �' , � Q� - � � s.`� �� . , , �� -�, ; - . '\ �i Ctr: { .� \� �� ({� vfrA� 'e-� A � Z 4 � o `�,,! �€ _�. , i� � G o ;; �'� 4`:i c .H � �jlj k) .. ,� � "' 4 r. , _�:,A`,A� � ` F r ' �� " � . � ... ..� . - _ � , � � ` ( .�� _ � . � � `l '"� } � �.;u. n. ��A� �c� f i _ � � � '_� � �\ G ` '` C. � s a� �_.�^�tF. `��. � ^z :, � , r, V _. � �;� _ � � _ •�� /_� � ' �.�� . � - ".L� �� i � '� ` . - � � �''\� � / � �� ` ' ``� � � • � `-_ �Q�' .. � ��.� � � �. ,�� O �� 9 � � � � � ,� q � z� \.4 '�._ �-: - `z ,� � , P �. � C L � �� _ �:� . [�1. _ _ �� l / � w `}� � l -` \ \ � 1 � ♦ _ � , �. � � ,..� S ��c. � . � i �'. 1 J � d �t �% � A /'/� I l�/ � � �`� T /' �� J \ i' w : '�, � ! ,,�� a Z � �= �, , y U o � � = �f � �, � � �� ` -,� g , , �� __, _ , z � , .. „� e- �. `' / � ti `��e� . "� � � " ��- �.:��r ��„� '�! v � � . V: �� C � � � �` ��° � p � z \' s � , ,� \,\. � ,� _:. � Q � J � \� � ^\ �` '\ \ � � N � d a .' a' _ � � 0 � m m� _ e � '-a /=., C � [� °t� E'�°-°. ` b' �o O Vv N � m C 0 W Q J m _ 0 11 Z (Q C Q` 9 m- � O J y 0 L U V $ a_ 5„ E� a Q ( � y � ° m m� �� o y T� u c i � o E ? ti` o � o � c D m E O fi` � �.. � U �� z � U ' ��x � 0 3 n � �e&i � � � 0 � � N � .� � � � � Y O = �a N +- :�= ln U � � in � N � N W 1=- Z � F--- � � a. a O � N Z � F=- U w Z Z O U 00--�35 1V. The Develoumeat Strategy The development s�ategy for the West Side Flats is based on developing a flexible framework that can be implemented overtime based on a number of physiral and economic consuaintc. Public vs. private land ownership and key infrastructure constraints, such as the continuing operation of the raiiroad, the sanitary sewer and storm sewer aze key factors in establishing short and long-term development options. The su�ategy options and development plan recommend flexibility with land use, development densities and building heights. It proposes that a mix of complimentary uses with the goal of creating an urban village with complimentary residential, of£ce, retail, entertainment and cultural faciliues. It also suggesu respecring views of the downtown skyline, especially from the West Side neighborhoods on top of the bluff. A. Development Stcategy Summary The development suaxegy options are based on and reinforce the following key poinu; • Acknowledged each land owners' right and use of their property; • Created new amenity opportuniries from ea�sAng constraints (railroad tracks and sewers); • Esablish new open spaces and pedestrian connecrions that create linkages to adjacent uses/neighborhoods and also provide added value to development parcels; • Reinforce visual and physical access to river; • Control height and densiry of development to preserve and reinforce views to the river from the surroundingbluffs; • Reestablish historic neighborhood street grid to provide appropriately scaled development pazcels, a streeucape open space network, and mulriple sReet access for ease and convenience ofvehicular circularion; • Saengthen streetscape, building facades and adjoining public uses; • Create urban mi�ced-use development within the overall site; locate parking under buildings or interior to development blocks as well as on streets. B. Potential Laad Uses To facilitate discussions on the potential of the West Side Flau, a number of broad-based ]and uses were evaluated to understand the potential for the area. These broad based uses were based on past and current ideas generated for the area and illusuate the range of potenrial uses that could 6e considered in development of the shategy. The broad-based West Side Flats Development Strategy 12 October 29, 1999 Da land uses include; all office, all residential, officeJsports and entertainment, mixed- use/sports and entertainment and a mixed-use urban village. The sports and entertainment uses that have been discussed for the West Side Flats azea include; a ballpark, theme park, farmer's market, cultural center, water park, boat museum and National Girls Spozts Center. C. Development Concept Option A Development Concept Option A(Dlushation I on the Following page), illustrates the potenual first step in redevelopment of the West Side Flats. It suggests that all existing businesses continue their operations with redevelopment focussing on City/HRA owned properties. It also incorpontes the possibility that the JLT Group will move ahead with their plans for an urban entertainment 2heme park. Development Concept Oprion A illusuates: • the creation of the triangular park created between the Railroad and the Sanirary Sewer easement; • environmental enhancement of Railroad R.O,W.; • the development of the City of Saint Paul/HRA property between the Railroad and Robert Street Bridge as rnixed-use; • the development of the HRA frontage property on Robert Street; • the development of the JLT Group property as mixed-use ente� • streetscape improvemenu on Wabasha Sueet, Plato Boulevard, Robert Street, Fillmore Street and new urban sueet grid. West Side Flats Development Sa�ategy 13 October 29, 1999 oc�-35 � � t'--, �`��. � - �. . ; r _.� ..c _ ,-= . � e� (• ,1 __ - ` `> ,; ��' --: ��_ � . x f ; -,�`� s = � � ;. � �_ ��---� o - t: - _- "+�_�. . � �.:, �. . _, =_�� . . , : � , � ..�� i� ` ;�� /4�`. - y - ,.'�,�_�' _ "" 1 '�"" ' ' - � _ -- -t r,';./ 7 ., � +'. � - ` - � y � - -_ . . ' � �� - . ' �/� � �. . . . . - - _ _ � � " � v, - . � ��. - ` - �� l�'�" � ' �� ' .� _ �= . .`:% !� `�'�- '.,: - - V"��. 3a � j�°� _ � � '_ , � � j'; �� _�` LL � ^;�:�`' . � �� ,�1� � , s . . �� 4 �1'� � � . ' �'� �� _ " C'�� - ' ' ,1 `+� ' � , - f � \ :. \ `, l � _-_' � . � '��;�� '�:�� x ' . ;' � p � � - _ _ - � 1 , , -� _ � - _� W �\ � ��r. _* `� ' X ,( �� . . _ � /� '� "�'� `��" \�( � \ ` � �-! ' - . > �" �� ' y` Z �' ��t�"�! "', o y ," ,' :, y �,.' ; ��. ,`. - r � � ; � * � � r� \�`\ �3o a ,�� , �� . o , �� i, �� _ � � '\A`:" �� - - _.�� V �� . '.� ' ' _ . , s . : :i ��- � � w � �.� �' � � � �� . ,E` � � r O t ' ' C� �� , �� d ^�� h ti �.. �t� �'c � i . �� ^� f /� ;j/ .'�S � ,Ti -"��.•e .� c�� C� ' 0 . r ��f�' � Y}, �' � � � � � rt � � � � � �.�, , ' b � ,t `•` �� '\ �� I � 0 y ?� �� \�\ � � � �� - \�.�� , � � ? z r' �. i 1�' d � � � - - ,� � � �'i±. V X� 1 rL ` . _ � � W f� ' � �� . �\ t� � � �l '�� ; .� ly - , \ � � �` � ��.H \°,� \ ` � � s \ �. �'� i ' { t � V � / ~�� (: / ',�"_ ,�,, � � t' ..�1�� 8 ♦� m w � \ s �, \ .. .. �`�, � � p \ \ � ��' / •' \`� ° � ;� �("" ° � �t � i -- �� a � � � �G � .� `'-,�� :�vc - d � �:. cpt. �� e N . . � �•,2- o V ZZ �� - � tL1 Z � � � � �,, � c �� , � � �, � � �� d --- � - � � - �� _ � Z�o - 35 IV. The Devel�ment Strategy The developmenc s�ategy for the West Side Flats is based on developing a flexible framework that can be implemented overtime based on a number of physical and economic constrainu. Public vs. private land ownership and key infrasu�ucmre consfsaints, such as the conunuing operation of the railroad, the sanitary sewer and storm sewer aze key factors in establishing short and ]ong-term development oprions. The strategy options and development plan recommend flexibility with land use, development densities and building heights. It proposes that a mix of complimentary uses with the goal of creating an urban village with complimentary residential, o�ce, retail, entertainment and cultural facilities. It also suggests respecting views of the downtown skyline, especially from the West Side neighborhoods on top of the bluff. A. Development Stxategy Suuvnary The development su�ategy opuons aze based on and reinforce the following key poinu; • Acknowledged each land owners right and use of their property; • Created new amenity opportunities from existing constraints (railroad tracks and sewers); • Establish new open spaces and pedestrian connections that create linkages to adjacent uses/neighborhoods and also provide added value to development parcels; • Reinforce visua3 and physical access to river; • Conu�ol height and density of development to preserve and reinforce views to the river from the surrounding bluffs; • Reestablish historic neighborhood sueet grid to provide appropriately scaled development parcels, a sveetscape open space network, and multiple street access for ease and convenience of vehicular circulation; • Shengthen sueeucape, 6uilding facades and adjoining public uses; • Create urban mixed-use development wlthin the overall site; locate parking under buildings or interior to development blocks as well as on streets. B. Potential Land Uses To facilitate discussions on the potential of the West Side Flau, a number of broad-based land uses were evaluated to understand the potential for the area. These broad based uses were based on past and current ideas generated for the area and illustrate the range of potential uses that could be considered in development of the suategy. The broad-based West Side Flau Development Strategy 12 Ocmber 29, 1999 �C-35 land uses include; all office, all residential, o�ce/sports and enterrainment, mixed- use/sports and enteminment and a mixed-use urban village. The sports and entertainment uses that have been discussed for the West Side Flats area include; a ballpazk, theme park, farmer's market, cultural center, water park, boat museum and National Girls Sports Center. C. Development Concept Option A Development Concept Option A(Illumation I on the followingpage), illustrates the potential first step in redevelopment of the West Side Flau. It suggests that all existing businesses conunue their operauons with redevelopment focussing on Ciry{HRA owned properties. It also incorporates the possibiliry that the JLT Group will move ahead with their plans for an urban entertainment theme park. Development Concept Option A illustrates: • the creaqon of the Riangular park created between the Railroad and the Sanitary Sewer easement; • environmental enhancement of Railroad RO.W.; • the development of the Ciry of Saint Pau]/HRA property between the Railroad and Robert Street Bridge as mixed-use; • the development of the HRA frontage progerty on Robert Street; • the development of the JLT Group properry as mixed-use enterainment; • streetscape improvements on Wabasha Street, Plato Boulevard, Robert Street, Fillmore Street and new urban sueet grid. West Side Flau Development Strategy 13 October 29, 1999 Con 1 D. Development Concept Option B Development Concept Option B(Illustration J on the following page), illustrates the neart step in the development strategy with the potential for redevelopment of the Wabasha Street frontage properties_ New sueets have been created on each side of the railroad, following the historic street grid, to provide new fronuge development opportunities. The new su to the west of the railroad, Starkey Su�eet, has been eartended towards the river, joining the access road to Hatriet Island Park, to create a lazger development parcel north of Fillmore Street. Development Concept Option B illustrates; • the redevelopment of Llewellyn Worldwide Publishing, Wabasha Business Center, and W J. Haas Mfg. Company; • new north/south development sueets on each side of the railroad; • new easVwest street connecrions between Wabasha Sheet and Starkey Sueet following historic urban street grid; • streetscape improvements on all new development streets. • creaqng connections and corridors of activity reaching into adjoining West Side neighborhoods. Dc-35 West Side Flats Development Strategy 14 Ocwber 29, 1999 1�°" : ��:� �° �i��t l+:'° ;�-�'=: �.:'. Ob-� E. Development Concept Option C Development Cancept Oprion C(Dlusaation K on the following page), illustrates the potential of the JLT Group's property deve]oping as a mixed use urban village, following the pattern established by the historic uzban street grid of this azea and reinforced in the previous two concepts. This concept also illustrates the other small fronuge pazcels incorporated into the shategy. Two new northjsout$ su (Custer Street and Livingston Avenue) aze proposed through the JLT Group property and three new east/west streets {Fairfield Sueet, Indiana Su and Chicago Sueet) connecting with Robert Sueet. Fillmore Street is i]lumated connecting through to Wabasha Street across the Railroad R.O.W. whether the railroad continues w operate or not. The estension of Fairfield Street and Indiana Street to Wabasha Street would be dependent on the railroad being vacated. Development Concept Opeon C illustrates: • completion of the historic north/south and east/west street grid; • development of the JLT Group property as a mixed use urban village - Mixed use residential towards the center of the development and mixed-use commercial towards the Plato Boulevard and Robert Street frontages; • iE the railroad is vacated; creation of a linear pazk connecting from Plato Boulevard to the river; • streetscape improvements on all new development streets. Illustrations O and P, following Illustration N, provide a before and after three- dimensional image of what the West Side Flats might look like as a mixed-use urban village. This view is taken from the downtown looking south to the West Side bluff. The Wabasha Street Bridge is on the right side of the image. This view is intended m illustrate the integation of the West Side Flats Development Strategy into the broader West Side area through connections and open space ]inkages from the river back to the bluff and beyond. While all the buildings in the sketch aze shown at similat heighu, variations in building heights and the intensity of development on each block can and should occur without compromising the overall vision for the area. Illusu�ations Q and R, following Illustration P, provide another before and after three- dimensional image of the West Side Flats area. This view is from the West Side bluff, looking north to the downtown skyline. Wabasha Sh�eet is on the left side of the image. This view is intended to illustrate that the West Side Flats should develop in a manner that respecu the views from the West Side neighborhoods to the river and downtown. Illustrations S, following Illusaarion R, is an aerial perspective from the Saint Paul on the Mississippi pevelopment Framework. Illustration T shows how the West Side Flats Development Strategy would integrate into the Framework Plan. West Side Flats Development Su�ategy 15 October 29, 1999 i .. qwMr..:_ r.�.,. -,J:- .. f�.`�.� �'4 �9r �r��r'� �+� �... �:�l� i/`,� '� e . ',. ' . . .: „�, �> �._ i i s 1�� i.�� I,\� r �� C"�� >.� �� 9 � �1.� " . rr� � 'w _ i ��'�'�) � . � �-�' � � :N�,_. _ _ 'ct . . . .'. 7 'N i � i a ' ., ��f�I. � � ��' � ��I 1� i .,: �1•4%� �- � ' • � �: �[ �� •� � �� i � � R � ' -��P► *-�� ; �! ►�� :�i�� :, .�i r ��' '� �. . i� �� . �,, . � ; � r� � "`_ . ;, „).. � 0 ;, .� � (� .� � - - - ;� - fi °a�a c ,,�, �x.�a. o �� •� ��',�i i t.p.� y Y 1► �� 'y >r �� ,��. . -� '_ ' ;/; I� po -35 F. Tppical Development Block Studies While specific uses, densiry or building heighu aze not products of the West Side Flats Development Strategy, several studies have been prepared to test the densiry potenaal of a typical block to support various uses. The typical block studies are based on the eatisting hiswric street grid in the West Side Flats area that is approximately 300' x 300' (centerline of roadway to centerline of roadway) and a 7Q' RO.W. The typical blocks illustrated are residential and office. Both typical blocks assume a ground level use that is either commercial, office/residential lobby or public use. It is assumed that residential development would require approximately 1.5 — 2 off-street pazking spaces per unit and office uses wovld require approximately 2.5 — 3 off-street parking spaces per thousand square feet. Due to the poor soils in the West Side Flats area, the top ten feet of the site wili need to be escavated. As a result, it is possible io construct on level of parking under the entire block In both residenrial and office scenarios we have assumed the construction of a second level of parking would be located behind the street level fronuge. The top of this parking cou]d be an internal private open space. Based on the reasonable parking potential for each block, the quanrity of each use can be calculated. Dif�'erent block configurations; complete block face, U-shaped, L-shaped or single slab buildings will dictate the building heighu. On street parking has not been included in the typical development block study calculations, but would provide an addiaona140 pazallel parking spaces per complete blockface. This parking should be consideted as visitor pazking or for ground level commercia] uses. Typical Raidential Block (refer to Illusuation L on the following page) — Based on the assumptions oudined above with two levels of parking yielding 240 parking spaces, a total of 12� — 160 residential units could be achieved in each block. Utilizing a complete block faces for residenrial development, the typical residential block could accommodate 40 unitsAeveL The typical residenrial block would be four to five levels (street leve] plus three to four residential levels). Typicul O,Q'ue(Mieed-Use Bkck (refer to Illustraaon M on the following page) — Based on the assumptions outlined above with two leve3s of parking yielding 230 parking spaces, a wtal of 75,000 SF - 115,000 SF per Office/Mixed-Use block could be achieved. Urilizing an "L" shaped building footprint; a typical block could accommodate approximately 30,000 SF per level. The typical block would be£our to five levels (street level plus three to four office levels). The proposed floodwall/levee cross secrion shown in I1lustraUOn N, on the following page, illusu�ates how new development can be built within 15-20 feet of the floodwall and Rivercvalk. Care needs to be taken to ensure that the integrity of the floodwalljlevee is not compromised and water infiltration is minimized. One to two levels of parking can be located under the building, with direct access to the top of levee/Riverwalk by an West Side Flau Development Su�ategy 16 October 29, 1999 � _—.t---...�- .. � - i ,. � - t [�-i�� 1�l��1 �t � �. _.�• i��f3�1 � ��t�/ ,v e � �� (4nK/l�� , (tB'S1 D�tJ'f 7,Pd� t�}o t� s�}e uNH's) f��'slPk�'tJTl�ci. C�ir. _ �h oN�ts) ° 2 �It�J'['t�,t� C4��s'h uq►ts� i°,4 Ri�t NG ( Qo ) yj P � , ; ti . _� gf►fV�It�fCe ( �GC . . • •, �' �•`��`. . , • • .°,: , . •• .. .•��•.. , ... : • • . . • �. � � •� M' ` �� `��. f � r.� L � � • • � t�� . ' • � , � . � • T �� t vv £' . t , 2�+o hPP�S �� t � � • t NIT x l�lo Q'� `�PK�. 1 �►�CS 9`t`1)!7�'t' � . � - �tl�z �t' lr�. , Typicaf Mixed-Use Residentiai Block Illustration L �5 � �� 1 � I :' _ �� l.�cN t'�Fo' �p. ( 30.9 x/ � vt'F'tGi's ��Sn.yK�s.r a'74 rKc �PIG�s C�� X .s. 7�. �s J ��'.,RG� C.k'f�cx s. �c PKS.� , �'At�1N6 ( 70) � �� : .. •�.,,�; :i i�,�++Yo clloo) - • • - '�- � �r-.'- �-- -+--� t � l — — — `— = t �— �� --- r .. : �u�azi - �'�'�.—: •� � -" - ��w�R� oFwA�i�� - - ; � � • • rma ►w4t�n 'S � 4��.E��'tG� ?�'�0 9�K.Es �. 4ioRdZ. I ' �� 2.'➢=/C9o� � x9►..zi�� -°�--� - � . :r,-- ' -- --'--� r.- - Typical Mixed-Use Office Block 2(0 Illustration M �-+ C � d 0 > N � � N Z �.l � �,� , �ti � .� � N � V � � � � O � � O I� a� � a�i �„� � �� c � .N 'x � � /� � �f` � �� d � 2 a 0 r ia M N SS a+ C QI � a 0 > d � 3 a, C Of C ._ .^ R +�+ a r � e 0 = � R � C C a o� Y � N ', .� � � a 3 � 0 0 � _ a 0 0 L � � _ Q � d N N N � i V � � �11 �L• ' ' �, ` ��• � � �{ � _ ' *< y.5 Y i�; > � ' �' • . !. + R � •, . '� �` 5� , . f � •l 4 i � . . `,' ; ; r � ,: a � ;. i ;,� ``''+, 6 l � � p t 4T L^, :t7� i� � F' ' 1�. ' �!` �- .� 4{" � + r I .� ,� � �;, . � � A � :� � 1�� ` �� . , ��'�� f �� t °.� :� * �t` t r 1� i� u r y , L ��': r : et5 EI I.�.. , �� f�it �� : �� j � f ,(r } A . ' a �:, � � � .� �� . � t� , r �.�t � � i , �'`' �� '��. , / Y3R\@�" t ifPF � � / • i r � �� .. �� r� 1 '. a` � f ` -s° � • �. � . '� t � , - �, z >3. ,� ;., � c.""��' t3 � r , t � � �� r li: � ? � f / .� � � [J ' i 4 . T � x i � � �� , s 9�: � � : -� r,-. . I j � � :' : � � � : r _ '� .,: . -; �,� t t � z. � `t� x �, � `'� � #��„�� ' ' ; t � f( � �. � � � . '� �, � ` `y� > � j - •� ? r , K �� A pr ..'F �(` ' T?'$c S.: � � f �— � � . . A'�.� : %. .'; � �iw. j' 4�+' :T.i' Y S'�.'!+^ Yf.. 3 �v. ) � � . Y ! � +?`4� � '` (y L�S 1 �lu 7�� -'» � �/ �l'" 3 L�i i c y ��y A� �.� �• i-' '��' ; � u� �., �; �, '. ; � :' �}�� ' f � 3 i � iT _ FE t,,� . . . F i ' �� . �1.�� tf . f�r: . y 5 i i4 F E� � R k .y .� � - � } � T f .W � ' � .y¢ { , 4 y . § t � � ` J jj J i �^ � 9.�] 4 c. a. 7 +F � �' �'�„ F � y t � ' � „� w� ,��F,^�� a �" J � � d .i� �� f �'� N 3s t � � {� � i� , �v�kN 4. � " F � 344 r'�T �/ � l 1 .s � s:, �� , . p � ' f` Y 3 X , � `' �� s� � F4e Y r � � t �� s ��. s 4 `Y y`3 t i '. � 5, . ! a �� z �? �� t � � �.��: u � , 3'� „ ;��; � � s s� � ' x a ' e �� s . .. � �'vc� s tt . r...` ... i ` �� ' 4:. '�.'r r " � �� iw w � � � g � � �.i an' V� �'�c. ,� . ^i� 7 ) °�#' Y t y�ia� Yf'� . F T �Y� 2rv * � ` Y.}v: � �- �� .� - ,:� _ �s � . _ .�°... . ��.� L . , .. . . •1 t. ��f. . / : � , .� � �� i` , t . _ �i ' � � ' . �'.. ' a � � _ �= � ! . � �- 1 '� j., R � :} , f . �� t t � : � �, ... i . �� i � : r � ��i. •'s �- � i�� ,i' �Y. �i ' i � � �, � ' � � ' ` r �;` 1 e ' .� r � / � � , - r• i � i , ;',, , � � t ' � �,� ' ' r. �+' i � �. t �aZ t d I � / . `:f ,{ j/ {� .I �" �� 4� � i/ i {�� .�� ' � /' . :�` - j t s4 ' x j 2 � � � � . � , � �F� f i t 1 � �` 6 � �, : r a � ,� �;• �` � � , �-�. � , � ` . � ' . �_ f � � g rz.:. , . �: , -7 - � � { .' � �i . � �S =�� t i {� �� , � � � � `' '� I =' ! ✓ �( � • a �?� �?* d. �Y. l � } j kr� �� 5 � y _ a i. a � f� � ` . �� " 5� �� . y ar ';� �f � sA V y x �� ,� � � � � �_ � r: r �: ��. ' .� , E ; { �_ .�� - � ; � + � , rrrrrir'. '� ' �*� , ; , �.a. , � �� . j �3 � i , � ��' � �� j _�� j ; 4 '] . � , , � • � '.�' 4 " ( �.s iY tii ilx � y " ..� , { � .� j(� 1 �.� !1r' � ' � �: �� I ti�' �,fk. �' y L. t'�`� la�.a ..+ ��, 7 �2 '' � .�. �. n : �Se vr�,�.i 1 �. `. ��. ��` �- � � �'�� ' �. � �.� � 4�� , �k� `� � - � � F . �h;Y � +• � �$ 1 � � �.� &� �� h ,:r . � � � �� .., Y i :� t�-: w ( $ �. , �: rr� � � �F: ',;;—� � z � � , ' !�_ � � } i �. t4, � � r: } t j �y °� � '�� ". ; §� .., t ' '�i.�`a F� � i �„ _ � k. ', . � fJ � r i�r � a �� /' ' l � Y � .. .�'+ � � t � e�e£ ` aii �� .r° �` . . .. R � � �? ,F � q � � � � � S � • , .. . � .. � �` � � � ��1� �.,� �R � ` T {� �� ;r:, . � � t 'l ;� : - ! r r; e l �, i' '£ �:�2 �.1 � � i' •� � ; �� ' i � t ' .�� ) i < ' •,T�` 1 ' � y �� ,_ .` r ` ,� j -�. �j t �` .T� �. , .; � � , - �.�,, . 1 _ i � t "y� h, ( ' ,. , � . ; n .' � /. ?��`�L . 3J ?+'�I s t , ,, r • �- , �,,, ,,, < � s - u �" ,r� � ��• F s � 'a � ` ` � S` a ` ' f� • �. � �15� r a� � y: e� i� � iw .< � r'� r ' •� i � �.� 't . i, s e - r �' � . • f f fF ��y' ;�j $ ` ��` � c r . � 5 ' -� L ; °^;e. ' [k s � «�'�� ..� 3` r ( r at��•^�w_:a' �+M. _� S�� . _ �� • 1�..e .. a 'rt. � �.. �� r T YrA -'� n .. � r 5"� . `_ � . y ! 4 ��i' Vl^�' A f f'G � _ � � ��t� � ..� . , :� . - s� i� * ��,r a. � � � k < � �� , � � _ , ,, . "'� �=� .--r. � : t ` ''s�,f �Sr �,�.� �.,; ` e i . T c / � l�� _: i .'�� "b T e� . i � �� { � +^ �� ' �� ..0 iG L<'� "'ti�; � r �«:t ,�3 -�� « '�F.: '�e �: = e `� x'.'_ �,� -�� r � � ( - .r�, � e ,�..- �.L � sq. - �� '�� ' � � ( : y+d �,7 . � r�if L/� � Ci.. !L`Le.�' � f �i o 1 �`!e'� '. �'C:� � 4 �� f t � �"w�!�4YT}: fl�'�� ,. � � ^ '1.. - � � � •l: < <� _ �i ! y s . •!� te`�_4,.sw + �� [ } p� � � �''��'1 � � �-�1 r •\ .' S_E'�� F ! � {� �1'.` �: . A �ti A. . , �� . . f' � - 11 1 � INA.� q .. � rvt i\� .Z I. .0. / t �9' ..a S. n� t y� � ,p � t • t.�_'�.��`�� ^ �^ Jc � en' � tl e '"� _ � � � ? '� .+, p r \ � �\ + 'rr f T �,� �., �` tt+. ,y � :�' (Q °a 1 �. �� ,' � . _ f ti.; ��`{ `� ! ' r� �y\� � ♦ �`� w {.` e � ' p j � �' r� t � h ;�..,. �: ��^` � .`>'� r�.�Y� �cf' �$�� t ��f_ l �� .. � :'(�' "� �i, .. } �y�� tl �F�, t /E r ` , ' t . �� ` �� \x� L �e� ' r r� ( � �� ' z... Y: `. �� :! Pc�, /` '� ` Z'jp� t $ • �� . � S ) { � � '" �. � �„�� 'q� �`� .: . � ...`;."` v-� '� a t �-. ,�,/ " /� � i � n .� .r r' � � e _ i ��. ""- ,: r �� • �'�� ,�� . f:a�x�...f ?�`8�• \'..� V y a �i •n _ �" ¢ { � f �� ,. i . �` ��,`� , �� .. r �.�' .i `3e.�.�.�� . j l : � a� �l _ � _ r e *.. �' . . � �� - a '3p�r. �a �) ��` ,�._ � : � / ��f� + _ �r` a'.kre ^ � `! �\�- !�Q` � ✓ 1� i / � �E R. s' -dT�"�.± �� l '. �� . . a r.:�c{ �51�' ' � � +fc �"J '[�. � 1� � .:'��. l ` q2 C f.� �) �.�i �� sad f } _ �.�y .'�1�\` .• s ^ � � .� . uY_,�. �. r ( }' � Sy t�v j � � �`��6 �� I,i � `-e` �'�-' � ��. , r � a r } t3 : -�x '�; k��''�Q' 6 ? � W�° t t.F.�,�.\_. x'' a 3x.s,. ti _/.... i� , _ T � �;. ✓ � r :c;� ��: �'--- , 4�•(A .. h.. ._ y � � �=�" � � �.� y�?t' ,'.: {! i�y � -`� �'� �� t'y � �' ! ' . � ,�� a � � 4♦ S` � � St r � .. f — � )- r fi+ �° 5 's � �( � =7 � F C- ��' �.,y Y 1 '� f t.. � �s ��..� � � } � aF 'y�"' �w� � 4 � t �� , �,� � l t , . • V �- r, v <' - s ' ; y . t> . a � : ✓r'�� r ,�^� ° �l�, pS V .i l:�I 6 i - � .s-°i`' 9:yY �- �" C i " �'S ;� �. �� 1 : :: �` �i � ? '" 2 � � � �� j f ♦ ��'��^�. sa � ��n.. � �� r �� l::�f��,t,��_� /i-. ti .� '' f ��n'� V � f ' �r��'�„ `'� `� +�yA� �l t. t!Tr.� • -v`��c- � � ��•� � L,tl'j � �i� 1.� �` � ^, �� ., : i a. J � �_ S �``^ %. � x `s a � 1 �' .> .. `��lf l� /�' �'�� "'u�..3 � +.s-�.v7'r' ; . L� s � �� y �t� \L � f , �r , s �� (p� - ![\` � -` � � � i y t, r �.� `. .d. 1 �� " � _� `� �.. _1,��.� �4i �'-��'":.,. .� , . :• { i �. ;, '- � � �.; i � ti � 1. . .' p j-k � .\e t � .•� ��•� �� ` ^' . a � - M � ' � �� Q y { t^ � j � . � y �[� i .}��k �� .�.�+ �.Z.� t' , �ti {/- �sy�:: ��'�e ` r t� x!�' 1is J � �^. � �4� [s f�,� �� s . f�� {�' �^..! � C . I -. � } { �`�' s •`p - ' ; F! i' . t M P-� y-+S'i �; -�'�� ..: "_: �'� � ., T t.,.i '��,``�'� � ' ,sY.i� Y .� f+� .� �� 3`: !) [� .� . �E �r � V � ` �.ryC �I 1� � �•R' iY�.� . Jb_ 4` `� T �F r � L .rih 4.�Y \ I � . � �; • � ~.4`� :�� 3 ,-�i� f� � ��te�r• i � : !� , }; ' i`: • �il �l . �{` �'� , ` 1' • �r , �. '` t � . •, r 1 *; :� . ti ,= t� � � �{ )�� r • .�_ f.... ( :.� '` ` •: : �. �� ,.� � ,,�, .• , � j� . __�.:t _ 9 �� "'i�C. ��; r �� ; e,r`� ., � � .r.. ,ntL � :� � � � �..' �_ �L::. :EA; f � " �` �". �q_'+`!x'-f �. f• � �!^ T ?� LE' n .- .T.. ..�.' a� ' � j :C ' ' ��s.. -." ,.F- . �;,. 7 A ��--}"�`��,� , . � � " ; �• ' , � e � .�. � ti, i �� `�� ` �t� i $ � " f ��` �}� � ��'� -: L t � C 5� �' !` � .'1 �,�� :i��f4�.. �: �I`�.j�'�1`.�_ f � �x �/ l�f. � , . �" ` � � �7� ` 'y '��1��I 'sT a t.y�" i ` r.." rll� a q � 1, i'i4."^�. w t ��.�[ t ��. r �.i+ � ..� ,w t r � �t rq.:f�� rr'd�..:,� t 's '•- oF.t.�C 6'�; � 7 1� Y � `� � '�,��.'.. Y < �. .: '� t �.�.~.„� or . °�'�� ' . m�,/ l;:. i 4.-s "�i S,'y.� ,,,, d.r ; �tF! �'.��'� St a M'r's�.� ��`,�i�Y� "h F � `�1 f �� • '#�� • �T�'s,� 7 1- �'�a ��;� r -=�� 1-� �. ;�� w::� ':` , .r � . � � h�i L '�#' �"� t y' A v'.,.�4s'� a 't..7r�f,t 4�/'ti. : � Sf+t �* ', ` � N � Y. F �� i'��Y . .,... . k�. ��Y,`.�'�.� ' � � �`'�� ' '�� .» .. ��, u "� �' x't ��- � q . . i�`i� �� .� �� g �^ - `�.''� �t�sa ��yyi<'�. � . $ �J �" � -. �'y 3 C 4 j� �•�, � � �'��.,....'v`�`i X � � r N�� L �rvF � - � �,� .��.�'--'.. ' t� � � � � � a�+� ' " ..` - . � S� a : _ � � ��. ''; , . . ,�- �� [�� `'�' ��# ; ,p j � , � � +'� a �. �.� � '�' `°:g �"�s DO - 35 occupiable level. This concept was developed as part of the technical workshop with input from the Army Corp ofEngineers. West Side Flats Development Strategy 1� October 29, 1999 �� V. Conclusions and Reco�nendations The West Side Flars provides a great opportuniry for the City of Saint Pau1 to establish a new urban village with a mie of residential, commercial, entertainment and recreational uses_ The development strategy provides a long-term vision for the future of the azea az well as short-term opportunities to build confidence and eaccitement in the potenual of the azea. It is the recommendation of the strategy to acuvely seek out development interest for the City of Saint PauIJHRA property on the east side of the railroad and north of Fillmore Stceet As part of this effort, discussions should be undertaken with adjacent private properry owners to understand how their land might be incorporated in to the short-term development opportunities thraugh land sale, joint venture or a land swap. The goal would be to create a contiguous, consistent and compatible short-term development opportunity. Seeking development interest should occur through a typical RFQ/RFP process. At the same time as development interest is being assembled, the City of Saint Paul should be prepazing plans for the creation of a new riverfront pazk on the triangular parcel of land between the railroad and the MCES Syphon sanitary sewer. By establishing this open space, eazly on, the City's commitment to development in the azea will be established, raising the confidence of private development and establishing a higher quality of environment for development to accur. In addirion, the Ciry of Saint Paul can also be evaluating e�sting infrasuucture in the West Side Flats area and prepazing plans for street, drainage and utiliry improvements to support new development. The primary recommendarion of the West Side Flats Development Strategy process is to iniriate implementation of the short-term opportunity and development of the Ciry of Saint Paul/HRA riverfront property. As part of this process, the City of Saint Paul can also move forward with the implemenution of the triangulaz park and the public infrasuucture to support new development. Additional recommendations include; • Adopt West Side Flats Development Strategy • Assemble infomtation for RFP including, defined property boundary, environmental conditions, development restrictions (setbacks, building heights, zoning restricrions) and price. • Tnitiate negotiations with adjoining private landowners. • Pacl:age RFP information and send to interested parties. • Prepare preliminary plans and cost estimates for the triangle park and add to Park and Recrearion Capital Improvement Projects budget. West Side Flau Development Strategy 1 g October 29, 1999 �D-3S Prepare preliminary public infrastructure improvement plans for the riverfront property and add to Public Works Capital Improvement Projects budget Final plans will be dependent on specific development proposals. West Side Flats Development Strategy q 9 October 29, 1999 (�� -35 VI. Strateev Reference Materials Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework Qune 1997) Comprehensive Management Plan — Mississippi Narional River and Recrearion Area (May 22, 1995. I.and Use Plan — A Chapter of the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan —(Draft September 25, 1998) Saint Paul Mississippi River Corridor Plan — A Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan — (Adopted Ocwber 1981, Amended November 1987, Reprinted June 1995) Saint Paul Pazks and Recreation Plan — A Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan —(Adopted August 28, 1996) Saint Paul Transportation Policy Plan —A Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan —(Adopted December 17, 199'� Back to the Fumre: A West Side Community Plan (1997) Saint Paul Communiry Development Agenda —1996-2001 (December 1996) A Study of Housing— on the West Side Flats and Upper I,evee (August 11, 1995) Neighborhood Development A11iance (NeDA) Business Plan (Ocwber 1, 1995) Concord Robert Small Area Plan and Forry Acre Study (Adopted February 13, 1992) West Side Community Environmental Inventory (199� Development Report — Riverview Site (January 23, 1998) GreenTree Financial Corponrion — Saint Paul Development Opportuniqes— Option: Robert Sfreet & Fillmore Avenue West Side Principles of Redevelopment West Side Flats Development Strategy 20 October 29, 1999 Ob -�5 WEST SIDE FLATS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY APPENDIXA An Historical Perspecrive of Saint Paul's West Side Flats Prepared by the West Side Cuitural Center An HistoricaI Perspective of Saint Pau1's W est Side Flats Prepared by tke West Side Cultural Crnter DD-35 Saint Paul's West Side has heen one of the most actively diverse communiries since the City was founded 150 years ago. The West Side conAnues to preserve iu unique cultural characteristics while promoting economic, wcial and other developments to accommodate the constant influx of people to the azea. Dunng the mid-1800's to eazly 1900's, the West Side eacperienced a great influ�c of immigrants that made the West Side their home. They were the Italians who fled to avoid persecurion in their homeland. The Irish came after the pouw fanvne in Ireland in 1845 and to find new homes. The Jews began to arrive as early u 1848 to avoid further persecution and annihilation. As a result of the Bncero Bill passed during World War I, the Mexicans from across the border and those Mexican Americans already in the United Sutes Territory were allowed to work in the U.S. while the United States was at war. Many of these Mexicans followed and worked in the agticultural industry in Minnesota and the West Side welcomed them as well. The influx to the West Side included Germans, Czechs, Poles, the Lebanese, Russians, Canadians, Syrians, the French, Swedes, Mexicans, Blacks, Indians, Jews and many other ethnic groups escaping famine, persecution, discrimination, speech repression and inhuman social, economic and cultural hardships. They were the first developers of the physical structures on the West Side. These structures included places of worship, taverns, cultural institutions, homes, places of business, bakeries, restaurants, recreational areas, entertainment facilities, communiry centers, educational faciliues, tfieau�es, banks, festivats, bridges and other coundess structures to accommodate the constant influx of immigrants. During the late 1950's and early 1960's, the Saint Paul Port Authority initiated a plan to relocate those West Side Flats pioneer faznilies to make way for an industrial pazk along the Mississippi Riverfront. Up to this time, many families had already prospered and had moved to other pazts of the City of Saint Paul. The remaining generations of those pioneers chose to relocate in the upper blu£f azea of the West Side. Once the Flau were enerely vacated in 1963, the communiry had to start a process ofnew be�nning to establish iuelf in the upper bluff azea of the West Side and elsewhere. There were over 500 fatnilies living in the Flau that were relocated. Of these families, approximately 45 percent were between the ages of 0 to 18 years of ages, with about 10 percent being of age 62 or older and 55 percent beriveen 18 and 62 years of age. Despite the hardships, the relocarion had a posilive result for some families. It provided these families an oppbrtunity to "get out" and begin a new life and lifestyle. Yet, even today, there e�su sadness, if not anger on the part of many West Siders at the results of the relocation. Not only were numerous homes lost, but also a collective history that was most appazent in the architecture and culhual institurions of the Flats. During the last decade, interest and iniriative have heightened for the West Side Flau. There is a shong feeling on the part of the Ciry of Saint Paul and West Siders that it is time to reverse the indusuial spzawl and reintroduce a mixed-use urban village on the Flats. As evident in the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framewosk, the West Side is a unique asset for Saint Paul. The West Side is a prime area for development wiih iis access to the Mississippi River, proximity to Downtown Saint Paul, and its rich blend of cultures and natural ameniries. The West Side community is acrively ready for positive change and development. The opportunities are plentiful.