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06-159AMENDED 2/22/06 Council File # V b I S� Green Sheet # 3029545 RESOLUTION 2 � OF S INT PAUL, MINNES07A Presented by 4 AMENDMENTS TO THE s GENERAL POL/CY STATEMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION 5 OF THE � SA/NT PAUL SKYWAY SYSTEM 10 WHEREAS, the General Policy Statement for the Construction of the Saint Paul Skyway System was 11 adopted by the Saint Paul City Council in 1980 and subsequently amended in 1987, 1997 and 2002; and 12 13 WHEREAS, the Policy lays out development premises for the skyway system, as well as policies 14 regarding cost-sharing and funding; design and materials for concourse corridors, nodes, bridges, bridge 15 support structures and service, and vertical access facilities; public art; signage; and operation and 16 maintenance; and 17 18 WHEREAS, City staff have been asked to provide clarity on the appropriate format and content of 19 directional signage in the skyway system; and 20 21 zz 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 WHEREAS, after consulting with the CapitolRiver Counci4, Building Owners and Managers Association and Downtown Building Owners Association, staff concluded that amendments to the Policy regarding directional signage are required; and WHEREAS, a public hearing was held by the Planning Commission on August 12, 2005, for which all property owners abutting the skyway system were sent notice, on proposed amendments to the Policy; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission considered all public testimony in making its recommendations; and WHEREAS, the Pianning Commission recommended changes to the General Policy Statement for the Construction of the Saint Paul Skyway System; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recommended the following additional actions related to skyway signage and system administration: 38 1. The Mayor and City Council should request that City staff work with the Saint Paul 39 Convention and Visitors Bureau on how to incorporate major destination signage into the ao overati skyway signage system. 41 2. The Skyway Governance Committee, repealed in 1997 by the City Council, should be a2 reestablished. 43 44 45 WHEREAS, the Council has amended the Planning Commission recommendation. �(�--ISq 46 47 48 49 50 51 5z 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby adopts the amendments to the General Policy Statement for the Construction of the Saint Paul Skyway System as recommended by the P{anning Commission and as amended by the Council; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council requests that the Administration direct City staff to work with the Saint Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau on how to incorporate major destination signage into the overali skyway signage system; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the City Councii hereby directs Councii Research to study the implications, costs and procedures for re-establishing the Skyway Governance Committee, including membership and sta�ng. Benanav Thune Adopted by Council: Date Requested by Department o£ � Pi ng and Economic el„�nment ✓ ✓ � ✓ Adoprion Certified by C ncil Secretary // BY� /�" //1uC -/J�il��D2 Approv 9G - or: Date v� Z '`� — �� By: ���� Form Approved by City Attorney By: (?�✓. Ww.vK+-� Form A ved y 1 yor a6i� mi i n to ouncil By: � Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet � �� � Departmenf/office/council: � Date Initiated: I ,' PE — p��ning&EconolmcDevelopment � 30-JAN-06 Green Sheet NO: 3029545 Contad Person 8 Phone: � Jessica Rosenfeld 266-6560 ; Must Be on Council Agenda by (Pate): � Assign Number For Routing Order ueparvnenc 0 �Plannine & Economic Develoo �'�oartmen[ D�rector � ��_ I, 1 itv Attome Feter Waroer . �'� � 6- C ; 2 avor's O�ce � Mavo /Assistant ' i 3 ouncil � Cim Council � Total # of Signature Pages �(Clip All Locations for Signature) Action Requested: Adopt resolurion to adopt amendments to The General Policy Statement fox the Construction of the Saint Paul Skyway System. Recommendations: Approve (A) or Reject �_ Pfanning Commission CIB Committee Civil Service Commission Must Answer khe Following Questions: �. Has this person/firm ever worked under a contract for this department? Yes No 2. Has this person/firm ever been a city employee? Yes No 3. Does this personffirm possess a skill not normally possessed by any cunent city employee? Yes No Explain all yes answers on separate sheet and attach to green sheet Mitiating Problem, Issues, Opportunity (Who, What, When, alVhere, Why): To remedy complaints from building owners, staff formulated amendments to the General Policy Statement for the Construcrion of the Saint Paul Skyway System to provide clarity on duectional si�age in the skyway system. These amendments were pLepaied with input from the affected building owners. Advantaqes If Approved: Adoption of amendments will clarify the appxopriate format and content of directional signage in the skyway system�. g � � 1����VJ Dfsadvantaqes If Approved: � None. ���y�, ���p� Vf! Bil7FT 1 DisadvanWges If Not Approved: The General Policy Statement for the Conshucrion of the Saint Paul Skyway System would remain silent on the issue of direcrional signage in the skyway system, leading to furthe[ confusion and system inconsistency. Transadion: Fundinp Source: Fi nancial Information: (Explain) p . CosURevenue Butlgeted: {y . - � - �;«m �y �.� g cg� �.,.... �� � � � - ActiviN Number: � ss� z y� � ' �� ��x;�P�+''f°�,t'YF`.�,.. �� a". �:i �� v �_ ��� � � ���5 ����` �a � ����� ��� �5� AMENDED PLANIVING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE SKYWAY POLICY 1. Building owners and/or developers will pay for the initial manufachue, upkeep and replacement of all directional signage enclosures (the metal framed boxes that hold the signs). Building owners and/or developers will pay a pro-rata cost for directional sign faces based on where their building name appeazs on such sign faces. 2. Directional signs will reference building names only and not individual businesses. Directional signs that aze located at skyway intersections and suspended below the concourse ceilings at the end of the skyway bridges or in the buildings adjacent to the skyway bridge entrance will contain the following content and format. Signs read upon leaving a building and entering the skyway bridge should read: Top line of sign: Buildin¢(s) Name(s) you aze entering Bottom line of sign: Street name you are crossing over Signs read upon entering a building and leaving the skyway bridge should read: Top line of sign: Buildin� Name(s�vou are entering 3. Building Owners and/or developers will have 180 days after adoption by the City Council to conform to the sign content and placement standards, and design specifications herein. 4. Building Owners are required to use the uniform signage package for all directional signage throughout the skyway system. All directional signage should be lit from within the enclosure. 5. The color of the background and the font style will conform to ADA and City $uilding Code standards. 6. A current Standard Skyway Map will be placed within the skyway corridors, a minimum of one (1) at each major skyway intersection and a minimum of one (1) at the entrance to and exit from each skyway bridge. Any existing skyway maps showing the original color-coded skyway routes will be removed and repiaced with the current version of the map. A"You are here" sticker will be applied to each map by the property owner indicating where the pedestrian is in the skyway system. The Standard Skyway Map should be free and clear of advertising. 7. The existing signs attached to directional signage indicating the Gold, Red, Crreen, Purple and Blue paths will be removed and any other references to color directional system will be removed. Add the following resolutions to the City Council resolution already proposed. Be it further resolved, that the City Council recommends that the City establish a clear sign permit procedure for future sign changes. The procedure should include informing impacted building owners or managers in advance and reviewed and approved by the Skyway Governance Committee. Be it further resolved, the City of St. Paul will administer the design, construction and installation of all updated directional signage. ��-isq of saint paul pfa ning commission resoiution �[e n mber os-11z date - - -- --- WHEREAS, the Ge�e Sysfem was adopted�l 1987, 1997 and 2002; SKYWAY POLICY AMENDMENTS Policy Statement for the Construction of the Saint Paul Skyway the Saint Paul City Councif in 1980 and subsequentiy amended in WHEREAS, the Policy la out development premises for the skyway system, as well as policies regarding cost-sha " g and funding; design and materials for concourse corridors, nodes, bridges, bridge supp structures and service, and vertical access facilities; public art; signage; and operation and m�ntenance; and WHEREAS, City staff have been�sked to provide ciarity on the appropriate format and content of directional signage in the skyway1system; and WHEREAS, after consulting with the C itolRiver Council, Buiiding Owners and Managers Association and Downtown Buiiding Ow rs Association, staff concluded that amendments to the Policy regarding directional signage ar required; and WHEREAS, a public hearing was held by the lanning Commission on August 12, 2005, for which all property owners abutting the skyway s stem were sent notice, along with the text of proposed amendments to the Policy; and WHEREAS, fhe Planning Commission considered af ubiic testimony in making its recommendations; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, thaf the Plannin Commission hereby recommends to the Mayor and City Council the following language hP ��� tn ±hn (�`gngrZ/ P �;;�y g�ate,m,er,t for the Constrvction of the Saint Paui Skyway System regardi directional signage: Building owners and/or developers wi(l pay for the inifial m�nufacture and replacement of all directional signs. \ moved by seconded by in favor Unanimouslv � against ► - b� 3. 4. 5. Directional signs that are located at skyway intersections and suspended below the concourse cerlings at the end of the skyway bridges or in the buildings adjacent to the skyway bridge entrance wili contain the following content and format: Top Jine of sign: Buildinq name vou are enterinp �ottom line of sign: Street name you are crossing over owners and/or developers wil! have 120 days after final adoption by the City to conform to the sign confent and placement standards, and design 3tions contained herein. Building to house The color of the City Building Co will be permitted to use thei�respective building signage package style ctional sign content. and font style of directional signs wil! conform to ADA and 6. A current Standard Sk ay Map wil( be placed within the skyway building corridors, a minimum of one (9) at e h major skyway system i�fersection and a minimum of one (1) af the entrance to and exit om each skyway bridge. Any existing Standard Skyway Maps showing the original c r-coded skyway routes will be removed and �eplaced with the current version of the map. "You Are here" strcke� wiU be applied to each map by the p�operty owner indicating wh e the pedest�ian is in the skyway system. 7. The existing signs attached to direcf�al signs indicating Go1d, Red and B/ue paths will be removed. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning � additional actions related to skyway signage and sys i 1. The Mayor and City Council should req� Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau on signage into the overall skyway sigttage 2. The Skyway Governance Committee, re should be re-established. ;sion recommends the following administration: >t that City staff work with the Saint �w to incorporate major destination in 1997 by the City Council, �1�-45� CITY OF SAINT PAUL Christopher B. Coleman, Mayor January 30, 2006 390 Ciry Hall IS West Kellogg Boulevard Saint Paul, MN 55102 Council President Kathy Lantry and Members of the City Council 320B City Hall Saint Paul, MN 55102 Dear Council President Lantry and Council members: Telephone: 651-266-8510 Facsimile: 651-266-8513 It is my pleasure to transmit to you amendments to the General Policy Statement for the Construction of the Saint Paul Skyway System, approved by the Planning Commission on October 21, 2005. The Planning Commission recommends final adop6on of the attached amendments to the General Policy Statement for the Construction of the Saint Paul Skyway System regarding the location and content of directional signage. I concur with its recommendation. Sincerely, � �^� Christopher B. Coleman Mayor � ���� � � �� CTTY OF SAINT PAUL Christopher B. Colem¢n, Mayor January 30, 2006 Mayor Chris Coletnan 390 City Hall 15 W. Kellogg Boulevazd Saint Paul, MN 55102 Dear Mayar Coleman: PLANNING COMMISSION Q Brian AI1on, Chair 25 West Founh Street Saint Pau1, MN 55102 Telephorse: 6i I-166-6700 Facsimile: 65l-2183220 Early in 2005, building owners complained to Ciry staff that changes to skyway directional signs were being made in conflict with City policy. Upon investigarion, it became clear to staff that the General Policy Statement for the Construction of the Saint Paul Skyway System did not provide adequate guidance on the required location and content of directional signage. In response, PED and Real Estate staff prepared a set of proposed amendments to the General Policy Statement for the Construction of the Saint Paul Skyway System to clarify the appropriate format and content of directional signage in the skyway system. These amendments were the subject of a Planning Commission public hearing in August 2005, after which the attached resolution was approved unanimously by the Commission on October 21, 2005. 'I'he Planning Commission is now forwarding the proposed amendments to the City Council for final adoption. The proposed amendments to the General Policy Statement for the Construction of the Saint Paul Skyway System require directional signs in the skyways to contain the name of the buiiding pedestrians are entering and the name of the street the skyway is crossing. Additionally, the amendments require that a current Standard Skyway Map be placed at each major skyway system intersection and at the entrance to and exit from each skyway bridge. RECOMMENDATION The Planning Commission recommends that you forward to the City Council for final.adoption the attached amendments to the General Policy Statement for the Construction of the Saint Paul Skyway System regarding the location and content of direcrional signage. Sincerely, , �`"„��'L�w� � ! Brian Alton � ��� Chair Attachments ��-�s� GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SAINT PAUL SKYWAY SYSTEM Adopted By The City Council Of Saint Paul, Minnesota January 8, 1980 Revised March 10, 1987 Amended November 5, 1997 Amended February 14, 2002 RECOMMENDED FOR AMENDMENT BY THE SAINT PAUL PLANN/NG OCTOBER 29, 2005 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA This Policy Statement supersedes and replaces the General Policy Statement Pedestrian Concourse System Downtown Urban Renewal Project Minn. R-20 Adopted by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota TABLE OF CONTENTS � � PURPOSE AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION DEVELOPMENT PREMISES AND CONSIDERATIONS C. COST SHARING AND FUNDING POLICY 1. Bridges 2. Concourse Corridors and Nodes 3. Bridge Support Structures and Services 4. Vertical Access Facilities 5. Directional Signs D. DESIGN AND MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS 1. Concourse Corridors (a) Skyway System Symbol (b) Skyway System Graphics (c) Floor Materials (d) Concourse Ceilings and Lighting (e) Skyway System Walls (f) Business Signs (g) Skyway Colors (h) Temperature 2. Nodes 3. Bridges (a) Floor Materials (b} Bridge Ceilings and Lighting (c) Bridge Walis (d) Window-Washing Ladders (e) 7emperature (f) Exterior Accent Painting (g) Exterior Accent Lighting (h) Length (i) Number Per Block Q) Bridge Doors and Ramps (k) Exceptions from Standard Design (I) Paint Color Specifications 4. Bridge Support Structures and Service 5. Vertical Access Facilities E. PUBLIC ART F G. SUBMISSION OF PLANS EASEMENT REQUIREMENTS H. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS ��-�Sq Page Number 3 3 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 13 13 14 ��-�s� A. PURPOSE AND GENERAI. DESCR1PTlON Beginning with the Downtown Urban Renewal Project Area - Minn. R-20, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Saint Paui has developed a skyway system in downtown Saint Paul. As used herein, the term "skyway system" encompasses the following: (1) concourse corridors, (2) node points in the concourse corridors, including, where feasible, one major node central to each block, generally at the point where several concourse corridors intersect, (3) bridges spanning streets, (4) certain vertical access facilities connecting the concourse corridors to public streets or other public property. The original purpose of this skyway system was to dive�t pedestrians from the minimal-width street-tevel sidewalks, enabling pedestrian traffic to move in an enclosed environment protected from adverse weather and vehicular tra�c. The skyway system has significantly reduced pedestrian- vehide conflicts at street level, particularty during periods of peak traffic, thereby permitting a smoother flow of vehicular traffic and greater safety for the pedestrian. The skyway system has served Saint Paul well in the years since its inception. 1t has become a key factor in maintaining the economic viability of downtown. It has afforded developers the opportunity to provide shop and office space abutting the concourse, allowing peopfe to circulate throughout downtown unhindered by adverse weather conditions and traffic. The skyway system, through the efforts of the developers, also may contain sculpture, waterdisplays, artworks, and otherelements contributing to the aesthetic and cultural enrichment of the citizens of the City, thereby becoming a focus of activity in the downtown area. The general location of the existing skyway system, including concourse corridors, nodes, vertical access facilities and bridges, is shown on the attached map. Saint Paul has chosen a neutral, standardized design for its public skyway system to allow the architecture of the connecting buildings to be a more prominent feature of the streetscape. The key elements of this neutral design include the Vierendeel truss, a deep brown color and clear glass. In particular, the Vierendeel truss was chosen because it reflects the architecture of most of the buildings in downtown (i.e. simple horizontal and vertical lines), and it is more transparent than other truss types. With the truss, the other standard design elements help the skyway system act as a backdrop to the architecture of the city and minimize visual obstructions at the street levei. In addition, designing the skyways as a system (not as a series of individual bridges), with a standard design, provides physical and visual continuity and cohesiveness throughout downtown. Architectural tradition is important in Saint Paul. With 38 skyways built over the last 30 years, the standard skyway design has now become part of that tradition. B. DEVELOPMENT PREMISES AND CONSIDERATIONS Incorporation of the public skyway system into private development and building ownership presents some unique implications forthe public, owners, and developers. With recognition of the public and private interests involved in the skyway system, certain premises have been estabiished relating to the system, and these premises are basic to the regulations and development criteria established for the skyway system as set forth in the succeeding 0�-Is� section. "fhe following premises appfy to the entire skyway sysiem, even though portions of the system may be built by private buitding owners or developers: The skyway system is an above-ground pedestrian system. It is one component of a larger downtown transportation system, which a4so includes tunnels, arcades and other forms of at-grade, weather-protected pathways. While this policy addresses the elevated skyway system oniy, the vitality of downtown depends on maintaining a balance between at-grade and non-at-grade pedestrian systems, and fostering investment and activity at ali levels. As currently conceived, the skyway system is the dominant non-at-grade-system in downtown. 2. The skyway system will be entirely enclosed and capable of being heated and cooled to temperatures comparable to that maintained in adjacent office and retaii areas, and in compliance with Chapter 140 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. The term "enclosed" shall mean proteeted from the weather, though the area of the skyway system need not necessarily be confined by its own wails. The concourse corridors and bridges wiil be constructed with a minimum width of 12'- 0" unless, in the judgment of the City, physicat fimitations of existing buiidings, such as column spacing, fixed vertical element locations, window opening, etc., render the 12'- 0" width impractical, or would constitute an undue hardship to the owner. In such instances, a lesser width, to be approved by the City, may be allowed. 3. The success, that is the degree of utilization of the skyway system, will be directly related to the convenience, comfort, safety and efficiency it affords pedestrians in the downtown. The safety of system users shall be maintained in compliance with Chapter 140 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code and the document "Design for Public Safety: A Guide for Making a Safer Public Realm." 4. Any and all public expenditures for the skyway system must be limited only to those improvements that are of public benefit. While adjacent buildings may derive peripheraf benefii from a public skyway abutting their properties, no segment of the skyway system or its facilities that are of primary benefit to private interests can be constructed with pubiic monies. The City reserves the right to determine what improvements are of public benefit. 5. The skyway system must have a design identity of its own, distinguishing it from other areas with public access within buildings as an aid to citizens in finding their way throughoutthe system. Further, where there is a pubiic easement in the skyway system, it must be possible to readily identify those public areas so that citizens are cognizant of the location of the skyway path. The system must possess directional ctarity and be accessible, identifiable and continuous. The skyway system must functionally and visualiy help to unify the downtown and reinforce the compactness of downtown. Concourse corridors shouid be urban in character and shall provide a variety of speciat experiences; they shail not be of monolithic design throughout the system's length. The skyway system shall possess a variety of floor to ceiling heights and abut spaces of varying design and activities. Neverthe{ess, it must stiil possess enough common elements to provide directionai clarity, continuity and identity. C� b�-I S� The present skyway system standard exterior design, with its vierendeei truss and uniform color, has provided a system that is a functional, consistent, transparent and neutral backdrop to the architecture of the city. The City shall continue to employ this design. Any exceptions wili be evaluated by the City on the basis of specific conditions and constraints. 8. Skyway access continues to be a majorfactor in downtown development decisions and the overall economic vitality of downtown. As such, the system needs to be retained and provisions must be made for its extension, but new investments in the system need to be balanced with investments in the street-levei pedestrian realm. 9. Proposals to extend the skyway system shall be considered based on the following criteria: a. The density of new development to be served by the proposed e�ension; b. The architectural significance of the buildings to be connected by the proposed e�ension; c. The impact on views of significant natural and built features; d. The impact on at-grade pedestrian activity and vitality; e. The feasibility of alternative connections such as tunnels, at-grade weather- protected walkways, etc.; and f. The impact on system continuity. C. COST SHARING AND FUNDING POLICY The fotlowing cost sharing and funding policy applies to all skyway system elements (concourse corr+dors, nodes, bridges, bridge support structures and services and vertical access facilities) not under a construction contract at the time of the adoption of this policy by the City Council, unless otherwise specifically exempted from this policy by the City Council. Such skyway system elements specifically exempted by the City Council wili be covered by this policy statement. This cost sharing and funding policy is considered to be consistent with Saint Paul's adopted Capital Allocatio� Policies. The skyway system is considered to be a Service System Improvement, and any proposal for an addition to the existing skyway system must be based on the merits of each proposal as to its economic benefit to the City. The sole and final determination for each addition to the existing skyway system wili rest with the City Council. Adjoining property owners must agree to share in the cost of subsequent improvements to skyway system elements. Bridges - The City may pay a portion of the tota! cost of each skyway bridge, including construction costs, architecYs fees and other associated costs. The exact amount will be negotiated between appropriate City staff and benefitting building owners or developers based on the City's downtown development priorities. The City Council will make the final determination on the exact cost to be borne by the City. �� - IS9 2. Concourse Corridots and Nodes - Benefitting building owners or developers wiil pay all costs for constructing, remodeling or reconstructing their buildings to provide acceptable concourse corridors and nodes through their buildings. 3. Bridge Support Structures and Senrices - The developer or building owner at each end of the bridge wiil be responsible and will pay all costs for the provision of structural supports within their respective properties, which are necessary to accommodate the bridge. The City will not be financially responsible for such increased support structure, nor will the Ciiy buifd independent supports for the bridge upon private property at either end at its expense. With respect to bridge services, the building owner or developer, at his/her expense, wiil provide and connect the mechanical and electrical systems of his/her buildings io the bridges and supply to ail necessary facilities for fresh air, heating, cooling, and electrical power, unless the building owner or developer is advised that a previously constructed building already suppfies such facilities. Where a bridge connects the improvements of one developer or bui(ding owner with that of another developer or building owner, each paRyso connected shall be responsible foragreeing as to how they will share the cost of providing the required mechanical and electrical services to the bridge. Such a cost-sharing agreement must be reached by the affected parties and submitted to the City for its review prior to the start of bridge construction. For bridges connecting new buildings for which the location is determined at the time of working drawing preparation, the developer's working drawing and specification will include mechanical and electrical equipment design, location and connectionstosupplynecessaryservicestothebridges. Forbridgeswhereprecise {ocation is not yet determined at the time of working drawing compietion on the building, the developer must agree to retain the service of an architect and/or engineer, at the time such bridge location is determined, to provide necessary design services as stated above. The building owner or deve{oper must agree to retain the services of an architecUengineer to provide information, drawings, documents, and to spend the time necessarywith Citystaff in orderto coordinate the provision of inechanical and etectricai facilities to the bridge and to resolve a0 structusal, aesthetic and related matters relative to bridge design, structure and utility connections/easements. All such design, consultation and coordination wil{ be accompiished in a timely manner so as to permit construction of the bridge as soon as the two buiidings to which the bridge connects are capable of receiving the bridge. 4. Vertical Access Facilities - Vertical access facilities wiil be installed by the benefitting building owner or developer at no cost to the City. Existing vertical access facilities shall be used wherever possible. The City Council may require the installation of escalators or elevators as part of the skyway system. The benefitting building owner or developer will pay all costs of such vertical access facilities. 0 0�-IS9 5. Directional Signs - The C—�q buiidinq owner or develooer will pay for the initial manufacture of ail tHarttiAated directionai signs bexes and faces within buildings. The benefitting building owner or developer will pay all costs for supports, electrical senrice, installation, operation, maintenance, repair and repiacement of such signs. Such directional signs shall be installed by the building owner or developer upon completion of construction of the skyway bridge, or bridges, for pubiic use. D. DESIGN AND MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS The skyway system's identity, design consistency, and ease of orientation are necessary if the skyway system is to function effectively. The City has established design and materials requirements for the skyway system and its five elements: concourse corridors, nodes, bridges, bridge support structures and vertical access facilities. The design of the skyway system within each block shall adhere to these requirements. Two major components of the skyway system, bridges and the concourses/nodes, need to be treated differently. While the exterior design and materials of the bridges shali stress uniformityand consistency throughout the downtown, the concourse corridors and nodes shall provide a variety of experiences for the skyway pedestrian. Nothing in these requirements shall prohibit or excuse any element of the system from complying with pertinent local, state and federal requirements, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, Chapter 140 (Skyway Conduct) of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, Chapter 12 (Public Art and Design) of the Saint Paul Administrative Code, Chapter 73 (Heritage Preservation Commission) of the Saint Paul Legisiative Code, the State Building Code, the Citys Design for Public Safety Initiative, etc. Concourse Corridors Concourse corsidors will run through a block from buiiding face to bui{ding face connecting to a skyway bridge. The primary public purpose of such concourse corridors in the accommodation of pedestrian travel from point to point, and, as such, a minimum width of 12'-0" is established for such elements. Concourse corridors shall be light, airy, animated civic places with memorable character. Long, blank-walled corridors shall be avoided. The pedestrian shall encounter a variety of design experiences while traversing the system. (a) Skyway System Symbol - A graphic symbol has been developed for the skyway system. Such symbol shall be used to indicate the location of the skywaysystem within the building in a mannerapproved bythe City, and on such skyway signage as the City may provide. No other use of the symboi wilt be permitted. (b) Skyway System Graphics - Graphics will play a vital role in orientation in the skyway system, and through consistency of design and placement, will also constitute a vital element in achieving skyway system identity. The City will be responsibie for the design and location of all skyway system graphics; the types of graphics and general location criteria are as follows: 7 n����� Directionai Signs - Directional signs are the targest and most conspicuous signs in the skyway system. They are used to give directions to streets and to major destinations in the skyway system. All directional signs will be suspended belowthe concourse ceilings, will be perpendicular to the axis of the concourse area in which they are located and wilf be the only such signs to be mounted in this manner. . The City has developed standard designs for the directional signs and will advise the developer or building owner of the specific location and content of the �efldaNts--ar�d signs including the followinq: _ Directionalsignsthatarelocatedatskywavintersectionsand susoended below the concourse ceilinps at the end of the skvwav bridaes or in the buildings adiacent to the skywav bridqe entrance will contain the following content and format: Toq line of sign: Suildina name vou are entering Bottom line of siqn: Street name you are crossinq over _ Building owners and/or developers will have 120 days after final adootion by the City Council to conform to the siqn content and olacement standards. and desian specifications contained herein. = Suilding owners wili be permitted to use their resaective buildinq sianaqe aackaqe stvte to hause the directionai sipn content. _ The color of the backaround and font stvle of directional siqns will conform to ADA and Citv Buildinq Code standards. _ The existina signs attached to directionai siqns indicating Gold, Red and Blue paths wifl be removed. ii. Maps and Route Directories - Wall-mounted or free standing maps and route directories of the skyway system will be placed in prominent locations at the head of vertical access facilities, within nodes, or in other appropriate locations so that the pedestrian may, togetherwith the directional signs, determine the skyway route to be used in order to arrive easily and quickly at the desired location, A iii. Entry Signs - Entry signs displaying the skyway logo and the International Access Symbol, if appropriate, wiil be posted on showing the oriqinal color-coded skywav routes wifl be removed and reafaced with the current version of the map. A"You Are Here" d��ISq building entrances which identify access points to the system. Entry signs shatl inctude, or be located next to, a listing of the buiiding hours. When building entries cannot allow disabled access to the skyway system, the building owner shaA post directional signs to the nearest accessible system entry. iv. Exit signs - Exit signs displaying the skyway logo and the name of the street to which access is available will be posted in the concourse corridors near vertical access facilities. v. Skyway information Signs - The City should suppiy signs containing the skyway logo and the international information symbol to volunteer skyway smail businesses. These businesses should be given a supply of skyway maps and shouid act as informal skyway information centers. (c) Fioor Materials - In concourse corridors running between bridges and nodes, a consistency of floor maierial for concourse corridors must be maintained throughout each building. A change in ffoor material shall help to define the concourse corridors from private areas. If the building owner chooses to use carpet or other non-permanent flooring material for concourse corridors, the building owner must agree to replace such carpet with new carpet or other material matching as closely as possible the original in color and texture at such intervals as may be determined by the City. (d) Concourse Ceilings and Lighting - Minimum ceiling height shali be 8'- 0",and no signs or other graphics other than as specified above shatl be fastened to, or suspended from, the ceiling. tighting fixtures shafl be installed in such a manner as to not visually block skyway signage. Luminous ceilings are permitted. Artificial lighting intensity shall comply with the minimum lighting levels established in Chapter 140 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. The artificial lighting shail be supplied with electricity so that the interruption of service in any circuit inside the building will not result in total interruption of the required lighting. (e) Skyway System Wal{s - Where the skyway system is defined by wa{Is or partitions separating the concourse from adjacent private building areas, such walis may be of a design and function consistent with the use and architectural design of such private building areas. Skyway system walls shall be of durable, easily maintained, finished materials. (f) Business Signs - One projecting business sign per business is allowed, provided that it meets the following criteria: i. It includes only the business name and/or symbol. ii. It does not exceed four square feet in size; iii. It is located eight feet above the floor; iv. It is not internally lit or made of neon, and does not flash. v. It does not block views of directional signs. � (��-I S9 Al( other business signs shall be parallel to adjacent concourse watls. (g) Skyway Colors - Skyway related signs and other graphics will employ a specific color scheme throughout the skyway system as deveioped by the City. Non-skyway retated signs and graphics in proximity to the concourse or node area utilizing the same colorscheme as skyway-related graphics wiil not be permitted. (h) Temperature - Heating, venting and air conditioning shall be provided as required in Chapter 140 of the Saint Paul Legistative Code. 2. Nodes - Nodes are the points of intersection of two or more concourse corridors and/or the location of a vertical access facility. At such points, pedestrian traffic is likelyto be heavierand moving in varying directions, directional decisions are made, and other activities may be occ�rring. Such nodes must clearly possess a design identity and character separating them from abutting private areas, and must be primarily oriented to the public purpose of accommodating pedestrian travel in the skyway system, including orientation, direction changes, and congregation or vertical movement to street level. The size and configuration of the node will be dependent upon tfie number of concourse corridors intersecting its location within the downtown and the overall skyway system, and the amount and nature of anticipated pedestrian activity within the node. The node must be large enough to accommodate anticipated pedestrian activity and to constitute a special area of importance within the overail skyway system. Therefore, a wider than 12 foot concourse area may be required, where possible, at one major node in each btock and may be necessary at other nodes. Secondary nodes may also occur in some instances, especially at points of vertical access to the street. Where appropriate, such areas shali also have a width wider than the 12 feet appropriate for concourse corridors. It is desirable to achieve an integration of the street and skyway levels at tfie node areas; therefore, exposure to the ground level is encouraged. To achieve prominence and identity for major node areas, the building owner, with the approval of the City, is encouraged to provide and maintain skyway furnishings in and near the node areas. Such furnishings may inciude sculptures, decorative fountains, pubiictelephones, pubticrestrooms, drinkingfountains, kiosksfordisplay of material of public interest, benches, trash receptacles, planter boxes and other furnishings and public art as approved by the City and in accordance with Chapter 12 (Public Art and Design) of the Saint Paul Administrative Code. The location of such furnishings in or near node areas wiil be determined jointly by the City and the buitding owner or developer, based on analysis of expected traffic patterns within the node and to adjacent private areas. The City and the building owner or developer will jointly approve the design of all such elements to be placed within the skyway system. 3. Bridges - Bridges generally span streets and sidewalks between property li�es and perform essentially the same pubiic function as concourse corridors; therefore, the bridges will be built with a minimum clear width of 12'-0". Also, the City of Saint Paul currently requires a minimum bridge height clearance of 17'-4" at the center of the street which it spans. Bridges may span private property but must connect to 10 n�-�sq an accepiable segment of the basic skyway system, giving access to a public streei or other public property. Bridges will be of a consistent exterior design and materials throughout the downtown area. It is important that the skyway bridges reflect consistency in design and materials throughout downtown. Such consistency results in easier orientation for pedestrians, including people with visual disabilities, and allows the system to be read as a system, not just a collection of individual bridges. It is also important for bridges to emphasize neutrality, becoming a part of the urban streetscape rather than making their own architectural statement. (a) Floor Materiais - The preferred floor material for ail skyway bridges is a neutral-colored terraao floor, herein referred to as "skyway terrazzo". However, as with concourse corridors, adjoining building owners may agree to use carpet or some other non-permanent flooring material for skyway bridges as long as such affected parties agree to maintain and/or replace such carpet with new carpet or other approved material matching the original as closely as possible in color and texture at such intervals as may be determined by the City. The City shall also approve the quality and type of carpet to be used. (b) Bridge Ceilings and Lighting - The standard bridge ceiling is linear metal with recessed filler strips and fluorescent lighting. Supplemental decorative lighting may be considered. Ceiling heights and lighting levels shall meet the minimum requirements established in Chapter 140 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. (c) Bridge Walls - Brldge cuRain walfs shall consist of clear glass to provide maximum visibi(ity and include exterior dark bronze mullions. The preferred interior mullion color is also dark bronze, but in special circumstances, other neutral colors may be considered by the City. The vierendeel truss and related elements such as window washing ladders, ladder carriages, exposed icicle melting systems and ramp profiles shall be painted a deep brown cofor. (d) Window-Washing Ladders - Two window-washing ladders per bridge are required, one on each side. (e) Temperature - Heating, venting and air conditioning shall be provided as required in Chapter 140 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. (f) Exterior Accent Painting - The ftanges (beam and truss details) shail be painted in Western Automotive Finishes, Hi-G10 - W593, medium goid metallic. (g) E�erior Accent Lighting - Accent lighting on the e�erior of bridges shall be of a consistent design throughout the system. (h) Length - Long bridges shall be avoided by not placing them over open space, surface parking lots, empty blocks, or intersections. 11 o�-�S9 (i) Number Per Block - Visual clutter shall be avoided by allowing only one skyway bridge connection for each block face. Mid-block bridges are preferred, intersecting connecting buildings at90 degrees (i.e. perpendicular to the street). (j) Bridge Doors and Ramps - Bridge doors are required. The design, configuration, etc. of bridge doors and ramps shal4 comp4y with the Americans with Disabilities Act. New doors installed after the effective date of this skyway policy shall be equipped with motion detectors or other automatic opening devices. Bridge doors already in place on the effective date of this skyway policy shali be equipped with auiomatic opening devices according to a schedule determined by the City. (k) Exceptions from Standard Design - Requests for exceptions from these guidelines shall be evaluated on the basis of specific conditions and constraints, and shall be strictly viewed in terms of maintaining skyway design continuity and integrity. (I) Paint Color Specifications - The following paint types and colors shall be used: bare steel/metal decking primer: Tnemec Zinc 90-97, Green; for tie coats: as recommended by the paint (Tnemec) manufacturer; for the finish coat: Tnemec Series 73 Endurashield, IN 02, Medium Bronze, Semi-Gloss; and for the exterior accent stripe: Western Automotive Finishes, Fii-Gio, W 593, Medium Gold Metaliic. 4. Bridge Support Structures and Service - Bridge support structures will support the bridges at either end and will be contained within the buildings unless it is structurally necessary to provide bridge supports independent of the building. New buitdings that wiil connect to the skyway system shalf be designed to °grasp" the standard bridge design, so that the bridge and its connection are an integral part of the original facade design, rather than treated as a� add-on. All supports independent of buildings shall be outside existing or proposed rights-of-way of public streets, wherever possible. Bridge services are defined as those electrical and mechanical systems which supply fresh air and provide heating, cooling and electrical service to the bridge. Also included is the roof drainage system. 5. Vertical Access Facilities - Vertical access facilities in the form of stairs, escalators and elevators provide access to the concourse nodes, corridors, and the bridges from the street. Vertical access between the concourse and street level is required throughout the skyway system, with escalators or elevators being required at the principaf points of access to the skyway system. Elevators are encouraged in order to retain accessibility of the skyway system to all persons. Generally, vertical access shali be provided at or near each end of the bridges crossing streets and may also be required at other locations within the system. Vertical access points shall be adequately signed so that the pedestrian can both visually and physically connect the skyway system to the ground. New buiidings that wif� connect to the skyway system shall be designed to cleariy show the vertical connection beiween the skyway and the grou�d. 12 ��-� S9 E. PUBLIC ART Future skyways may incorporate public art in accordance with Chapter 12 of the Saint Paul Administrative Code, provided that such public art does not detract from or otherwise negatively affect pedesirian safeiy, movement and visibility; or the function, maintenance or design continuity of the system. F. SUBMISSION OF PLANS Pians shall be submitted by the building owner for approval by the City, indicating all materiais, finishes, signage, etc. used in the skyway system and the architectural manner in which the skyway system is separated from abutting private building areas where the concourse occurs within the owner's building. The Gity may make certain additions to such drawings, including signs and other graphics, fumiture, and other elements consistent with achieving identity and design continuity for each segment of the skyway system. Any requested exceptions from the Citys design guidelines for skyway concourses and bridges shali be reviewed and approved by the City, with input from the Heritage Preservation Commission {as appropriate), the District 17 Community Council, and the Building Owners and Managers Association. The City may establish an ad hoc design review committee, composed primarily of qualified design professionals, to review requests for exceptions to this policy. G. EASEMENT REQUIREMENTS In order to assure a public benefit from the public investment made in development of the skyway system in the downtown, all areas of the skyway system must be located either on public property or within a public easement granted by the developer or building owner. Such easements shatl be coterminous with the designated areas of concourse corridors, nodes and vertical access facilities and shal{ extend on the ground floor from the foot of vertical access facilities to a pub(ic sidewalk or other public property, givi�g access to a pubiic sidewalk. Such easements shail be required for both those skyway system elements for which the City is responsible and those elements constituting a link in the basic system for which private parties may be responsible. The easements will be in form satisfactory to the City and wilt be fimited to the tife of the improvements constituting the skyway system. The easements will grant to the public the right of use of the skyway system for purposes of ingress and egress and pedestrian transitwithout limitation, except that such easements mayattach reasonable conditions regarding closing parts orail of the skyway system within the developer's or owner's structural improvements during non-business hours as dictated by reasonable security requirements of the buildings through with the concourse passes. The City wifl attempt to negotiate 24 hour easements. In order to assure the possibility of future expansion of the skyway system, when a building is connected to the skyway system the developer or building owner will grant to the City an easement which assumes expansion of the system beyond the building and/or block immediateiy being connected. The developer or building owner shail have the right at any time to change the locations or alignments of such easements provided that 1) new easements are granted which permit 13 ��--�s� the continuity of the skyway system; 2) the developer or owner instatls a new pedestrian concourse on the new easement area at the devefoper's or owner's sole cost and expense; and 3) the new easement meets the Citys minimum requirements for width, height, etc. In tfie event the developer or owner elects to substitute a new easement location, it will submit to the City an easement survey and fegai description thereof, the plans and specifications therefor, and proof of abi{ity to pay and method of payment therefore for City approval. The City shal4 have 90 days after the submission in which to approve or reject the proposal. If the City rejects the proposal, it must do so in writing within the 90-day period and, in such writing, set forth in detail the valid reasons for such rejections.ln the event the City fails to reject the proposal within said 90-day period, the City's consent shal4 be conclusively presumed. The City sha{I not be required to approve any change in easement location unless the easement to be submitted contains at least the same area and dimensions of the existing easement; and the improvements are of the same character, qua{ityand functional characteristics ofthe initial concourse, including replacementof signs, graphics and furniture provided in the original skyway system. W hen the City approves the substitution, the parties shall then join in the execution and delivery of an amendatory agreement in recordable form which designates the substitute location and terminates the easement over the old location effective upon completion of the construction of the new concourse and skyway system. H. OPERATION AND MAfNTENANCE REQUIREMENTS The skyway system, including all future additions, is focated on public property or within public easements. As such the City has a proprietary obligation for operation, maintenance, repair and repfacement of the skyway system. IVevertheless, the City will require, as part of the easement agreement, that the developer or buifding owner assume the fuli responsibility for the operation, maintenance, repair and replacement for all segments of the skyway system located within its property, for bridges over streets abutting its property, and carry out such operation, maintenance, repair and replacement at its own expense without cost to the City. In the event that the developer or building owner fails to operate, maintain, repair or replace the concourse system, or any part thereof, in compliance with Chapter 140 of the Saint Paui Legislative Code, the City may perform such operations and assess all costs incurred in so doing against the developer or building owner in accordance with the normal procedures for assessments related to sidewalk maintenance, repair and replacement in the City of Saint Paui. W here skyway bridges connect the property of one developer or ownerwith that of another, the developers or owners may share equally, or on whatever other basis is mutuaily agreeable, the bridge operation, maintenance, repairand replacement costs. Public liabifity and casua{ty insurance coverage including required surety bonds indemnifying and holding harmfess the City shall be incfuded as part of this operation/maintenance agreement between connecting developer(s} or owner(s). Such written agreement must be submitted to the City for review prior to commencement of bridge construction. iL!