Workshop Item - Erik Thorvig, Community Development Director
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105th Avenue Redevelopment Study Introduction
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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. Sperides Reiners Architects (SRA) was selected as the architect to assist with the project.
There will be a series of meetings to create a master plan to assist the City in marketing the area for redevelopment. The first meeting on November 15 will focus on information and idea gathering for the consultant to better understand the ideas and vision for the area. The consultant has prepared a list of questions that the City Council should come prepared to discuss. They are:
1. The NSC master plan has a goal that talks about contributing to making "memories":
a) What is a favorite memory of yours of a place you have visited (anywhere/anytime)?
b) Name one use or activity that could contribute to making this district memorable.
2. Where do you consider the center or “heart” of Blaine to be?
3. Why do the study now and why is it important?
4. Are there places (local or not) that you feel are a good reference point for what you think this project could achieve?
5. What do you see as the greatest barrier from creating a successful district that engages the Blaine Town Center, the future entertainment district, and the Sports Center?
6. What type of development do you think would be suitable for the district?
7. Name one way to improve pedestrian and multi-modal connectivity in this area?
8. When you think about a "gathering" area, what are some key features that are needed to make it successful?
The consultant will attend the December 13, 2021 workshop where two hours are dedicated to a design charette to begin sketching out the vision. Two additional meetings will be held between January and March to finalize the vision.
Staff Recommendation
Review the questions provided by the consultant and come prepared to discuss at the meeting.
Attachment List
Study area map