Economic Development Authority - Erik Thorvig, Community Development Director
Title
Title
Consideration of a Design Service Contract for 105th Avenue Request for Proposals
end
Executive Summary
Consider approving a design service contact with Sperides Reiners Architects for the 105th Avenue redevelopment area visioning study.
Background
The 105th Avenue/Radisson Road industrial area has been identified in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan as a priority redevelopment area. It has also been identified as one of the four priority areas by the City Council through the visioning process that occurred in early 2021 and is also identified in the “Growth Management” portion of the City’s strategic plan. Based on direction from the City Council, the City will embark on a visioning/design process for this area to assist in future marketing and development efforts.
The industrial area consists of older industrial buildings that have either become antiquated due to their age or have excessive outdoor storage which is not consistent with the vision for the area. The EDA has been active in purchasing property over the last five years and continues to discuss further acquisitions as property becomes available. The National Sports Center (NSC) and Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) are also key property owners in this area.
General discussions by the City Council identify this as a potential “city core” where the City should encourage walkable, entertainment type of uses that take advantage of the NSC and be an amenity to Blaine residents and visitors. Staff is suggesting a planning/design process that includes key stakeholders (city staff, boards/commissions, city council, property owners, NSC and MAC) to establish the vision for this area both visually and descriptively. An important aspect is an architect assisting in creating the visual plan for the area. The general process would be staff led, however the purpose of the request for proposals (RFP) is to select an architect to assist in creating the visual plan. The plan will also include the vacant land on Town Square Drive in front of city hall.
An RFP was advertised in September seeking written proposals from qualified architects to assist the Community Development Department in preparation of a master plan for the 105th Avenue Redevelopment Area. The RFP was advertised on the Minnesota American Planning Association (MNAPA) webpage along with it being sent to various contacts that city staff has. Only one proposal was submitted by Sperides Reiners Architects (SRA). SRA has experience in Blaine representing such clients as Twin Cities Orthopedics and is the primary architect for the minor league baseball stadium proposal. Their proposal is attached outlining their team and relevant experience.
Staff outlined the process in the RFP to include four separate visioning meetings:
1. Meeting One (3 Hours) - Introductory meeting with city council, staff and stakeholders to discuss the land use vision for the area. This will be general discussion and assistance by consultant in preliminary design.
2. Meeting Two (2 Hours) - Consultant should prepare conceptual drawings between meetings one and two to discuss at meeting two. This meeting is intended to be a design charette.
3. Meeting Three (2 Hours) - Consultant should prepare refined conceptual drawings based on feedback from meeting two. Meeting three will be similar to meeting two and is intended to be a design charette.
4. Meeting Four (2 Hours) - Consultant should prepare a final master plan for final consideration and modification by the stakeholder group.
The consultant has identified the ability to complete this process by March, 2022. The schedule will be largely dependent on the ability to schedule meetings with the full City Council.
The consulting team is proposing a budget of $65,000 to complete the work. Staff did not have an anticipated budget identified in the RFP due to the unknown amount of work required by the consultant. However, when compared to the Northtown Planning study which has an identified budget of $100,000, staff feels the proposed $65,000 budget is reasonable based on the type of work being provided. The project would be funded from the EDA general fund.
The primary deliverables of this work include master plan drawings and documents that will guide discussions with developers as the City prepares this area for redevelopment.
Strategic Plan Relationship
The 105th Avenue/Radisson Road industrial area has been identified in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan as a priority redevelopment area. It has also been identified as one of the four priority areas by the City Council through the visioning process that occurred in early 2021 and is also identified in the “Growth Management” portion of the City’s strategic plan.
Board/Commission Review
Not applicable.
Financial Impact
The consulting team is proposing a budget of $65,000 to complete the work. Staff did not have an anticipated budget identified in the RFP due to the unknown amount of work required by the consultant. However, when compared to the Northtown Planning study which has an identified budget of $100,000, staff feels the proposed $65,000 budget is reasonable based on the type of work being provided. The project would be funded from the EDA general fund.
Public Outreach/Input
No public outreach/input is needed for this approval.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the attached resolution authorizing the president and executive director to execute any necessary documentation entering into a contract with SRA for design services for the 105th Ave. redevelopment study.
Attachment List
Request for Proposal Document
Submittal by SRA
Body
WHEREAS; the 105th Avenue/Radisson Road industrial area has been identified in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan as a priority redevelopment area. It has also been identified as one of the four priority areas by the City Council/EDA through the visioning process that occurred in early 2021 and is also identified in the “Growth Management” portion of the City’s strategic plan; and
WHEREAS, the City Council/EDA directed staff to prepare a Request for Proposals to hire an architect to assist in creating a redevelopment plan; and
WHEREAS, a submittal was provided by Sperides Reiners Architects; and
WHEREAS, after review of the submittal, staff is recommending entering into a contract with Sperides Reiners Architects.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Blaine Economic Development Authority hereby approves entering into a contract with Sperides Reiners Architects for design services related to the 105th Avenue redevelopment area and hereby authorizes the president and executive director to execute any necessary documents.
PASSED by the Blaine Economic Development Authority this 18th day of October, 2021.