HomeMy WebLinkAboutV.C - Downtown Property Study
HEDRA Memorandum
To: HEDRA Commissioners
From: Rusty Fifield, Economic Development Coordinator
Date: October 4, 2019
Subject: Scope of Work and Budget
Downtown Property Utilization Study
Action Requested
No action requested. Item presented for information.
Background
One of the Immediate Action items in the Strategic Plan is to “Work to achieve development on
City-owned property that enhances the Downtown”. To that end, we have submitted an
application to the Dakota County CDA for a Redevelopment Incentive Grant (RIG) to help fund
the study of HEDRA properties in the Downtown area. The proposed project allows HEDRA to
obtain the technical expertise needed to assist in evaluating options and creating an effective
development strategy for five sites. Each of the five sites has different development
considerations. The planning approach will be tailored to fit each site, but will involve the same
basic steps: (1) What uses are possible on HEDRA owned parcels? (2) Is the site best used in
conjunction with adjacent private parcels and if so what are the alternatives? (3) How do the
alternatives fit with existing uses and plans for Downtown? (4) What is the preferred strategy for
dealing with the HEDRA owned property? (5) What City/HEDRA actions are needed to
implement the preferred strategy?
Our application was the only one received by the CDA in September for planning assistance. We
are optimistic that our project will receive funding. The $15,000 grant combined with a $15,000
local match will be used to engage a consultant with the appropriate expertise to supplement
staff capabilities.
The purpose of this agenda item is to explain the project and to get your feedback on the
proposed scope of work. Staff will use the scope of work to collect information and conduct
initial investigations. Our findings will be used to shape the work to be performed by the
consultant. We plan to bring a contract for consulting services to HEDRA in January.
Downtown Property Study
October 4, 2019
Page 2
The Sites
The Study divides HEDRA property into five sites.
Site 1
This site consists of two parcels bound by
Artspace Lofts, rail line, Mississippi River
and Levee Park. The site is subject to
purchase option with Panache that expires
October 31, 2019. If the property is sold, the
project will focus on site development design
to integrate development into this unique
setting. If the option expires, the project will
take the opportunity to evaluate alternative
uses for this site and to create site design
guidelines.
Site 2
Plans for mixed use redevelopment of this
site (one of four parcels owned by HEDRA)
dates back to the 2003 Heart of Hastings
downtown plan. To date, no developer has
been able to create a feasible plan. The long-
term use of this property requires guidance
from HEDRA. We are seeking answers to the
following questions:
What use(s) (if any) are possible on the
vacant parcels?
Is it possible to redevelop the site and
incorporate all or some of the existing
structures?
What public actions are required to achieve the desired private development?
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October 4, 2019
Page 3
Site 3
This site was developed as a park-and-ride lot
for the future extension of commuter rail or
BRT service to Hastings. The project was
funded by a grant from the Metropolitan
Council. The terms of the grant agreement
change in the use of this property without the
written consent of the Metropolitan Council.
Given the uncertain status of transit service
and the importance of this site to the
downtown area, the exploration of
redevelopment options needs to answer these
questions:
How is the parking currently used?
Are there redevelopment options that make better use of all or part of this property?
How can the parking displaced by development be replaced in a way that would be
acceptable to the Metropolitan Council?
Site 4
HEDRA acquired the former United Building
Center (UBC) property in 2005. Initial
downtown planning envisioned these parcels
as parking. The 2003 Heart of Hastings
proposed housing-based redevelopment
oriented to downtown and transit. Neither of
these ideas have become reality. The City
currently uses the buildings for storage.
Alternative uses of this site must be
considered in concert with the other sites in
the study.
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October 4, 2019
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Site 5
The 2003 Heart of Hastings Plan shows the
redevelopment of the south half of the Post
Office block. To date, no redevelopment
projects have been proposed. The study will
consider the use of this property in concert
with the overall plan for downtown.
Study Scope of Work
The scope of work is designed to make effective use of staff capabilities and to maximize the
ability of funding to utilize consulting services. Staff will conduct all data collection and
stakeholder interviews before the end of the year. We will use what we learned to determine
work needed from the consultant. The end result will be a clear understanding of what is
possible for a site, a preferred development strategy, and actions needed to achieve the desired
outcomes.
We have divided the study of the seven tasks. The work to be performed in each task is
summarized below:
Task 1 - Framing the Study. Staff will collect data and conduct initial discussions with
stakeholders. This information will be used to shape the more detailed site analysis that follows.
This task may lead to a determination that certain options do not merit investigation. For
example, an alternative use of Site #3 is not worth exploring if the Metropolitan Council is not
willing to consider it.
Task 2 - Define the Steps. The objectives of this task are (1) compile the information
collected in Task #1, (2) define the constraints on the investigation of each site, (3) define the
work to be performed by the Consultant, (4) engage the Consultant. Part of this task will be to
define if the City will take the lead in preparing the Study report and the specific deliverables
desired from the Consultant.
Task 3 – Kick Off Day. This would be a full working day in Hastings. Consultant team gets to
be on the ground at the sites. Staff can follow up with resources at City Hall. Staff will be able to
participate as Consultant creates concept(s) for each site. Identify follow up tasks before
concluding.
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October 4, 2019
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Task 4 – Concept Development. Consultant creates one or more concept for each site (with
development capacity). Workshop at Consultant office to review concepts. Identify preferred
concept, identify modifications, identify additional information needed. Explore actions needed
to implement the preferred concepts.
Task 5 – Draft Report. Prepare working draft of Study report that contains findings and
recommendations.
Task 6 – Conduct HEDRA Workshop. Present draft report and obtain feedback
Task 7 – Prepare final report. Revise draft based on HEDRA input and finalize action steps.
Financial Impacts
None at this time. $15,000 upon award and acceptance of the grant.
Attachments
None