Workshop Item - Erik Thorvig, Community Development Director
Title
Title
105th Avenue Redevelopment Study Introduction
end
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.
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.
At the November 15, 2021 workshop, the consultant led a discussion to gather information from the City Council about their vision for the area. Attached are responses to the various questions and visual examples of areas identified by the City Council.
At the December 13, 2021 meeting, the consultant will lead several groups of the City Council and staff to create draft master plans. The draft plans will be revised after the meeting and the consultant will return on February 14, 2022 to receive feedback before a final product being completed in March.
Staff Recommendation
Review the attachments and come prepared to discuss.
Attachment List
Council Feedback
Design Master Plan