HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 04-03-2001 SpecialAgenda
City of Plymouth
Special City Council Meeting
Tuesday, April 3, 2001
7:00 p.m.
Police Training Room
Call to Order.
2. City Center Streetscape improvements, including parking
bays on Plymouth Blvd., and related issues
3. Consider future study session topics and meetings
4. Adjournment.
Agenda Number:
TO: Dwight Johnson, City Manager
k
FROM: Anne Hurlbu ommunity Development Director
SUBJECT: City Center
DATE: March 30, 2001 for the Special City Council Meeting of April 3, 2001
1. ACTION REQUESTED
No action is proposed to be taken at the April 3, 2001 Special Meeting. This report is
provided as background for a staff presentation on the City Center planning efforts of the last
few years.
2. BACKGROUND
History of City Center Planning
The City of Plymouth has designated an area known as "Downtown Plymouth" or "City
Center" in its Comprehensive Plan for many years. As early as the 1960's the area was
discussed as a civic center and community shopping center location. In the 1970's, the
Plymouth Hills" mixed use planned unit development (MPUD) was approved by the City.
The original plan included the residential areas to the north and northeast. The street patterns
and land divisions of the area were established at that time, and the City Hall and Post Office
sites were developed. In the late 1980's, a community center was proposed but never built.
Little additional development occurred until the early 1990's, when the Cub Foods store was
built and plans were made to build a new Hennepin County Library in the area.
In 1991 the City began acquisition of a 5 -acre site for the new Hennepin County Library at the
northeast corner of Highway 55 and Vicksburg. The County changed the location of the
library to the northeast corner of Vicksburg and 36' Ave. The City purchased the new site for
the library, but was still committed to the purchase of the original site.
After receiving clear title to the 5 -acre former library site in the fall of 1994, the City received
a number of informal inquiries about a possible purchase of the site. The inquiries included
projects (such as a discount store) that did not seem to fit the Council's vision for the area.
City Center
Page 2 of 4
The City Council determined that a plan was needed to determine how the site could best be
utilized to encourage quality development in the Downtown.
The City Council recognized that the City Center had not developed into the focal point for
commercial and civic activities that the City envisioned. While the residential portion of the
original MPUD had developed, the commercial portion was not a coordinated, recognizable
downtown." All of the existing uses had been developed as free-standing sites, with little
relationship among them. Sidewalks had been built along the major streets, but most of the
development was automobile -oriented with little regard for pedestrian circulation. There were
no design standards other than an un -codified, not uniformly followed, policy that all building
materials be "brick or better." Ownership of the land was divided into small parcels, and the
owners were complaining that the City did not have a clear direction of what development was
desired.
The City hired a consultant in early 1995 to assist with developing a concept plan and design
guidelines for City Center. Three public workshops were attended by surrounding residents,
landowners, Planning Commission and City Council members, City staff and other interested
citizens. Participants also contributed photographs to a survey documenting the places, people
and events that could contribute to the City Center environment, as well as detract from the
quality of the area. A preliminary concept plan was prepared to illustrate the concepts and
recommendations. Further study included a traffic study to model proposed roadway changes
based on the preliminary concept plan, and consultation with a marketing consultant to
examine additional options for the city -owned property at Vicksburg and Highway 55. After
additional meetings (including a City Council subcommittee, public meeting and public hearing
by the Planning Commission) the plan was adopted in January of 1996.
About the same time that the City Center planning began, the City opened discussions with
LifeTime Fitness on a partnership to build recreation facilities on the former community center
site. Planning for the LifeTime/ Ice Center complex proceeded concurrently, and the project
plans were approved about two months after adoption of the City Center Plan.
Key City Center Planning Concepts
The vision of City Center developed in the planning process was not a "downtown" in the
traditional sense, but a blend of commercial, cultural, recreational, civic and entertainment
uses that encourage the interaction of the entire community. It is to be pedestrian -friendly and
auto -convenient, with an emphasis on striking a balance between people and cars. Uses are
diverse, but integrated, with distinctive public spaces (especially the LifeTime/ Ice Center
complex) being the highlight. The key concepts/ design guidelines developed in the plan have
been incorporated into the current comprehensive plan as an appendix to the Land Use Chapter
see attached.)
Soon after adoption of the City Center plan, the old MPUD was abolished and the City created
the City Center zoning districts that correspond to the land use designations in the plan. The
design concepts were translated into regulations (including uses, setbacks, landscaping,
City Center
Page 3 of 4
signage, etc.) which are used to review development applications. As the City has worked
with the regulations, they have changed to respond to fit better with the physical constraints of
the area and the evolving center.
In early 2000, the geographic boundary of City Center was expanded to include the northwest
corner of Highway 55 and Vicksburg Lane. Including that site (now under construction for
the Ruby Tuesday's restaurant, Marquette Bank and Noodles and Chipolte restaurants) ensured
compatible land use and design, and recognized that Vicksburg Lane is a major gateway to
City Center.
City Center Streetscape Planning
In early 1998, the City hired SRF Consulting to help develop the Streetscape Plan, which was
needed to provide more specific guidelines for the public spaces than were contained in the
City Center plan, which was more focused on the buildings and other private spaces. It was
intended to identify a set of unifying elements to create a strong identity for the City Center
area. Unlike in other commercial centers, this unity cannot be achieved by private landowners
because not all of the land is being developed at the same time and a single entity doesn't
control planning for the area. Having an overall design theme can be very beneficial for
attracting tenants to commercial areas and for making them attractive additions to the
community, as we've seen with other recent shopping centers developed in Plymouth (such as
the Plymouth Collection and Plymouth Station) and surrounding areas. The Streetscape Plan
was seen as a coordinating "spark" to bring an overall sense of identity to City Center.
The Streetscape Plan was adopted as part of the Comprehensive Plan in June of 1999. The
plan (see excerpts attached, from Comprehensive Plan Appendix 4-B) provides design
standards for landscaping, lighting, screening, signage, pedestrian amenities, pedestrian
crossings and parking based on a core concept of a hierarchy among the streets. The
hierarchy establishes Vicksburg Lane and Highway 55 as the primary gateway to City Center,
and Plymouth Boulevard as a parkway.
Most of the discussion and concerns surrounding the Streetscape Plan related to the proposal
for changes to Plymouth Boulevard: reducing the road to two lanes, widening medians,
creating parking bays and bump -outs for pedestrian crossings which were designed to "calm"
traffic through the area and make it more pedestrian -friendly. (The initial recommendation
had included a traffic circle at Plymouth Boulevard and 36' Ave., which was later deleted
from the plan.) While on -street parking is a common feature on parkways (for example, the
Minneapolis Chain of Lakes) it has not been a common practice in suburban areas where the
emphasis has been on moving cars. The design of Plymouth Boulevard today (35 to 40 m.p.h.
speed limits, four -lanes plus turn lanes, long blocks with few access points) is clearly meant
for cars, not people. The intent of the proposed changes is to slow traffic to the 25 to 30
m.p.h. range more compatible with a pedestrian -oriented parkway, and to increase the real and
perceived level of safety for pedestrians. An additional benefit is additional convenient
parking for the adjacent uses.
City Center
Page 4 of 4
Status of Current Implementation Efforts
Staff are currently working on a number of individual projects that would implement the plans
that have been adopted over the last several years:
Street lighting on Plymouth Boulevard between 34t' Ave. and C.R. 9. and 3&' Ave.
from Plymouth Boulevard to Plymouth Creek Center. Plans and specifications for
ornamental street lighting have been ordered, and project bids should be taken in 2001.
Identification signs. Preliminary designs for City Center entrance monument signs at
Highway 55 and Plymouth Boulevard (1 sign) and at Highway 55 and Vicksburg (2 signs)
have been completed and initial discussions have taken place with business owners about
possible financial participation. North American properties will construct one of the signs
with their Plymouth Marketplace Development. The next step for the other two signs will
be to get final designs and cost estimates and finalize cost sharing plan before returning to
the City Council for final approval.
Landscaping. Staff contracted with Close Landscape Architects to prepare prototype
landscape plans for the medians on Plymouth Boulevard. Some funding has been reserved
in the current CIP to begin the project, which would proceed from the south (nearest
Highway 55) to the north, as funds permit.
LifeTime Fitness/ Plymouth Ice Center Feasibility Study. On March 20, the City
Council directed preparation of a feasibility study to look at possible parking lot expansion,
including the possible impacts of a third sheet of ice at the ice center. Study of this issue
was one of the Council's top goals adopted for 2001-2002.
Plymouth Boulevard Improvements. Also on March 20, the City Council has approved
the feasibility study for Plymouth Boulevard parking bay and overlay improvements (see
attached) and a public hearing is scheduled for April 24, 2001. This project would reduce
to two lanes the section of Plymouth Boulevard between the intersection of 34' Ave. and
the north City Hall parking lot entrance to 37' Ave. and create parking bays
accommodating 95 parking spaces. An additional 22 parking spaces would be created in
parking bays to be installed as part of the Carlson Real Estate project on the west side of
one block, concurrent with the City project.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. City Center Location Map
2. City Center Timeline
3. 1976 General Development Plan
4. Excerpt, Chapter 4 Comprehensive Plan (Page 4-37, CC (City Center))
5. Comprehensive Plan Appendix 4-B, City Center
6. Feasibility Study, Plymouth Parking Bay and Overlay Improvements (2/20/01)
cd\plan\staffrep\cc\2001\citycenter background for april 3 special meeting.doc
0
City Center Timeline
City of Plymouth
March, 2001
LP
Original "Plymouth Hills" MPUD General Development Plan (includes
residential developments to north of current City Center area)
1976
1977 Conditional Use Permit for City Hall approved
1977 Sale of land to Postal Service
1978 Revised development plan for "Plymouth Hills Addition" (business area)
1980 Site Plan for Retail Liquor Store
1981 Site Plan for First Bank Plymouth
1981 Sidewalk Guide Plan for Downtown Plymouth
1982 Cable Communications site plan/ tower approvals
1989 PUD Amendment for Plymouth Community Center
Site Plan and other Approvals for Super Valu (Cub Foods) 1990
1991 City begins quick -take condemnation of 5 -acre library site (exception to
PUD) at NE corner of Highway 55 & Vicksburg Lane
1992 City Public Safety Building receives approvals
1992 City purchases new site chosen by Hennepin County for library at
Vicksburg and
36th
1993 PUD Amendment for Plymouth Towne Square (HRA senior housing
proj ect)
April 1994 City Council adopts goals and priorities for 1994-1995 including
developing Downtown Plymouth design and considering use of Port
Authority for development
1994 Hennepin County acquires library site from City and receives development
approvals for Vicksburg & 36th Ave. site
1994 City acquires title to 5 -acre former library site at Highway 55 & Vicksburg
Lane
1994 State Farm Insurance building receives development approval
1994 City Council decides plan is needed for City Center area and to determine
best use of former library site
March 1995 City hires Hoisington Koegler Group to develop concept plan and design
guidelines
May 1995 City Center workshop meetings— 1) visioning session 2) review vision
and guiding principles
June 1995 City Center workshop—review concept plan sketches
July/August
1995
Photograph survey, market study of city -owned site, traffic study
September 1995 City Center subcommittee reviews alternative concept plans
November 1995 Planning Commission holds public meeting on concept plan
LP
City Center Timeline
November 1995 Kindercare receives development approvals
December 1995/
January 1996
Planning Commission holds two public hearings on City Center Plan and
recommends approval
January 1996 City Council adopts City Center Plan as part of Land Use Element of
Comprehensive Plan
February 1996 Planning Commission holds public hearing on zoning ordinance
amendments to create City Center districts and recommends approval
March 1996 LifeTime Fitness and Plymouth Ice Center plans approved, including new
plans for City Amphitheater
March 1996 City Council adopts zoning ordinance amendments and repeals 1976
MPUD
April 1996 City Council adopts goals and priorities for 1996-1997 including marketing
and implementing City Center development plan using HRA and Port
Authority
April 1996 City issues RFQ for developer for theater on retail/entertainment site
owned by City (former library site)
May 1996 Gearty Delmore Funeral Chapel plans approved
June 1996 Frauenshuh selected as developer for City theater site
July 1996 Amphitheater opens on current site
Fall 1996 Frauenshuh fails to secure theater participant or site control needed to
develop theater and surrounding area; City considers and rejects proposal
to move theater to site at northwest corner of Vicksburg & 55 (Harstad site)
January/
February 1997
City begins negotiating with Mann Theaters for purchase of theater site,
and discusses desire to attract "up -scale" restaurants to City Center area
February 1997 City Council adopts goals and priorities for 1997-1998 including
continuing to plan downtown and strengthen sense of community
April 1997 Mann Theater/ Carlson Real Estate plans for theater/ Plymouth Towne
Center project approved
May 1997 TCF Bank plans approved
May 1997 Kindercare revised plans approved
November 1997 Streetscape study authorized by City Council
January 1998 City hires SRF Consulting Group to prepare streetscape study
January 1998 Mann Theatre grand opening
April 1998 Plymouth Hills Shopping Center, two retail buildings on Plymouth Blvd.
Streeter project) approved after much debate over design standards
April 1998 City staff and consultant host open house on draft streetscape plan
May 1998 LifeTime/ Ice Center Parking lot expansion plans approved
August 1998 Doolittles Air Cafd and adjacent retail building plans approved
January 1999 Planning Commission holds public hearing and recommends addition of
streetscape plan to City Center section of Comprehensive Plan
February 1999 City approves plans for Plymouth Creek Center
February 1999 Staff discusses draft streetscape plan with Plymouth Business Council who
shows interest in helping with implementation (notably landscaping)
March 1999 City Council holds study session on draft streetscape plan
May 1999 Plymouth Community Bank Plans approved
11
City Center Timeline
May 1999 City Council study session on draft streetscape plan to discuss traffic
calming & parking. Council directs staff to schedule approval of a
Comprehensive Plan amendment to adopt streetscape plan.
June 1999 City Council approves Comprehensive Plan amendment adopting
streetscape plan
October 1999 City Council accepts preliminary engineering report on street lighting
improvements in City Center and orders public hearing
November 1999 City Council holds public improvement hearing on street lighting
improvements and orders preparation of plans and specifications for
lighting project
February 2000 City council approves reguiding and rezoning of 4.5 acres at northeast
corner of Highway 55 & Vicksburg to City Center & City Center/
Entertainment District (Ruby Tuesday's restaurant site)
March 2000 City Council adopts goals and priorities for 2000 including City Center
Streetscape
April 2000 City Council approves 1) design and proposed spending plan for City
Center signs at Plymouth Blvd. and Vicksburg and authorized staff to
negotiate cost sharing agreement for sign on east side of Vicksburg, 2)
proposed spending plan for additional landscaping along Plymouth Blvd.
and 3) general design for street furniture (benches) in City Center
April 2000 Council receives proposal from Plymouth Civic League for Hilde
Performance Center
June -Aug. 2000 Staff contacts affected landowners east of Vicksburg regarding
participating in costs of City Center sign on Vicksburg and Highway 55
July 2000 City Center Office Building (37 Ave., Guddal property) plans approved
July 2000 City Council approves zoning ordinance amendments refining City Center
design standards
August 2000 Carlson Real Estate Office Building (Plymouth Blvd. between 36 & 37 )
approved, including on -street parking bays. Council adopts resolution
directing addition of parking bays into CIP for 2001.
August 2000 City hires Close Landscape Architects to prepare detailed landscape plan
for medians along Plymouth Blvd.
September 2000 Plymouth Plaza office building and bank approved (T)7"'& Plymouth
Blvd.)
December 2000 Medical office building approved (35
n& Plymouth Blvd.)
January 2001 Consultant submits final draft plans for Plymouth Blvd. landscaping
January 2001 City Council adopts goals and priorities including resolving parking at
LifeTime/ Ice Center, including possible future third ice sheet
March 2001 City Council sets public improvement hearing on Plymouth Blvd.
improvements including parking bays for April 24, 2001
a
APPENDIX 4-13
CITY CENTER
1
APPENDIX 4-13
CITY CENTER
The material in this appendix provides additional detailed direction for the development of City
Center. Specific elements include:
Development Strategies
Streetscape Analysis
Public Space Design Guidelines
Streetscape Hierarchy Concept
Cd/plan/memos/compplan/landuseelement/appendix4B.doc
Plymouth Land Use Plan, Appendix B 4-B-1
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1.1 Accommodatinq Pedestrians
Intent:
Plymouth's City Center should be a
place that is as comfortable for pedestri-
ans as it is for cars, and should allow for
pedestrians to move easily from one
destination to another without the use of
cars. Recognize first that most people
will arrive by car, but once they park
they become pedestrians.
Strategies:
Complete a pedestrian network of side-
walks and trails.
Connect the sidewalks and trails of the
City Center to trails reaching to the rest
of Plymouth.
Facilitate parking and pedestrian con-
nections that allow people to park once
and shop twice.
1.2 Creating a Sense of Density
Intent:
If this area is to be Plymouth's 'City
Center,' it has to look like the center of
something — and be different -than other
commercial areas in the City. The best
opportunity would be to build cohesive-
ness and legibility through the density of
development (or the appearance of den-
sity).
Strategies:
Place buildings near the streets to pro-
vide a sense of development beyond
parking -- define an edge and create
something to pass by. -
Share land resources wherever possible
in order to increase the intensity of
development (shared ponding, joint use
parking).
Avoid 'stand alone' uses, uses that rely
on drive-through sales, and those that
are oriented solely to the automobile.
City Center Design Guidelines
City of Plymouth, Minnesota
1,0 The Structure
of the Center
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Buildings developed near the street will yield a greater s= s:E? cf
density, and provide opportunities for interior portions c` s1:e to
be used for common eurposes.
4-B-2
1.3 Mixing Uses '
Intent:
Downtowns are places of mixed uses.
Plymouth's City Center should be a mix
of commercial, office, public, entertain-
ment, recreation and housing uses.
This range of uses should occur on the
various blocks of City Center, within
individual parcels,• and even within a
single building.
Strategies:
Establish a general guide for use/activi-
ty in the City Center area; allow uses
that are appropriate to occur outside of
the guide if the pattern_of use and activi-
ty furthers the goal of an active and vital
center (without compromising compati-
bility).
Allow a percentage reduction in parking
required for development that mixes
uses with peak parking times that are
complementary.
1.4 Focal Points
Intent-
Some locations within the City Center
have great significance, and when
developed, they can lend identity and
signature to the center. When consider-
ing landmarks, recognize that focal
points do not have to be buildings --
special sites and well-developed streets
could become signature elements of
Plymouth's City Center.
Strategies:
Use resources to promote development
of a 'landmark' quality in key locations
Recognize that the City has most con-
trol over the public spaces of downtown
especially streets); promote more
intense development of these areas to
create a signature for the entire City
Center.
City Center Design Guidelines
City of Plymouth, Minnesota
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Uses that are mixed throughout the center will create a more
vital, active, interesting and useable center for Plymouth.
I
Buildings, site and streets can all be focal points for City
Center, and each can lend identity to the center.
1.5 Identity and Definition
Intent:
One should know when you enter the
City Center, and what it is that sets this
place apart from other downtowns or
commercial areas. In Plymouth's City
Center, features of the natural and built
environment can be used to create a
sense of Identity, and to define the
boundaries of the area of downtown.
Strategies:
Establish 'markers' at significant points
of entry (key intersections), and extend
the character of those markers through-
out the downtown streetscape.
Utilize the larger patterns of woodlands
that lie at the edges of the center as a
crucial identity element.
Develop guidelines for building design
that encourage individual expression
while maintaining some sense of unity.
City of Plymouth, Minnesota
City Center Design Guidelines
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A built 'edge' provides a strong contrast to the natural "edge'
on Vicksburg Lane and Plymouth Boulevard. This idea is keytosettingadistinct, authentic identity for the City Center.
2.1
2.1.1 Streets of the Citv Center
Intent:
People will invariably enter the City
Center in their cars, and their first
Impressions will be of the streets. The
streets set an order to the center, and
there should be a hierarchy of streets
relating to their importance in the struc-
ture of the center.
Strategies:
Develop Plymouth Boulevard as a park-
way, strengthening the relationship
between downtown to its west and the
park to its east.
Consider Vicksburg Lane, due to its
connections to the larger Plymouth
community and the volume of traffic that
it carries, as Plymouth's Wain Street.'
Develop 36th Avenue with a character
that links the main street and the park,
and connects the public/civic functions
at its ends.
City Center Design Guidelines
City of Plymouth, Minnesota
2.0 Design of -
Public Spaces '`
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Plymouth Boulevard, north of 36th Avenue: wide medians;
hedges at City Center side, 'wall' at Park side; on -street parking.
Plymouth Boulevard, south of 36th Avenue: wide medians;
hedges at City Center side, 'wall' at Park side,
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I 36th Avenue: wide medians; hedges at both sides of street;
no on -street
parking.
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ayr Vicksburg Lane: no planting at medians; hedges at City
Center side, 'wall' at Sugar Hills
2.1.2 Street Character
Intent:
Visitors to the center will experience it
first on the street. To encourage them
to explore the center; streets should be
a lively, active environment that encour-
age pedestrian activity and provide for a
visually interesting view from vehicles.
Strategies:
Avoid blank walls facing streets by intro-
ducing windows or architectural treat -
meets of facades with a street orienta-
tion.
Screen parking and service areas from
street views with landscape and archi-
tectural treatments; berms should not
be used as the grade change separates
development from the street.
Reinforce the pedestrian environment
with street trees, plantings, pedestrian -
scale street lights, and other amenities;
use these elements to extend the street -
wall across areas without buildings.
2.1.3 Pedestrian Environment
Intent:
Pedestrian activity is an important com-
ponent of the City Center, and every
person that comes here will experience
some part of it as a pedestrian. The
vehicle and pedestrian environments
should be balanced, creating a center
that is comfortable, safe, convenient
and accessible for pedestrians.
Strategies:
Develop the shortest possible street
crossing distance by using 'bump -outs',
medians, traffic circles or other devices.
Plan for traffic signals at intersections
along Vicksburg Lane and stop signs at
other downtown intersections to allow
for safe pedestrian crossing.
Require sidewalks between the public
sidewalk and the front door of every
building in downtown.
City Center Design Guidelines
City of Plymouth. Minnesota
Buflding walls that face streets should be 'active,• with windows
and other elements that create Interest for passing pedestrians
and motorists
41—
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Parking areas should be screened from street views with
hedges, rather than by berms and screen fences.
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Spaces between buildings should be developed to extend the
sense of an edge at the street — a continuous 'streetwall. •
Make streets comfortable to cross by extending the pedestrian
zone as far as possible into the street.
Sidewalks should connect the front door of every building to
the sidewalk at the street; buildings with two front doors would
have sidewalk connections at both locations.
2.14 Planting
Intent:
One of the most recognizable pattems
of the center will be. the pattems of the
landscape. A consistent landscape
character should be developed, relating
the City Center to -the larger environ-
ment, and creating a seamless land-
scape between streets and develop-
ment sites.
Strategies:
Develop a sense .of connection between
streets of the center (the urban forest)
and the park and Sugar Hills neighbor-
hood (the natural forest).
Establish continuity at streets by using a
defined palette of materials.
Extend the character of the streets into
sites by allowing the dominant street
planting pattems to inform the planting
patterns of adjacent sites.
Emphasize the spine by establishing a
landscape character that is different
from streets and developed areas.
2.1.5 On -street Parkin
Intent:
The streets of the center need to serve
a purpose beyond movement of vehi-
cles. Street should be used, where
practical, for parking, resulting in activity
on the street, easing of parking required
on sites, creation of a buffer between
traffic and pedestrians, and a reduction
in traffic speed.
Strategies:
Provide opportunities for on -street park-
ing on streets with lower traffic volumes,
especially where it would help balance
unusual peak parking demands for indi-
vidual sites.
Allow for a space 8' wide by 22' long for
parallel parking, at both sides of the
street; create protection for on -street
parking, where used.
Do not provide parking in front of areas
where the pedestrian spine touches the
street.
City Center Design Guidelines
City of Plymouth, Minnesota
As the landscape of the streets in the center takes cues from
larger pattems of the environment, the pattems of landscape
development at buildings draws from the character of the adja-
cent street.
4-B-7
2.1.6 Identity Elements
Intent:
The public space offers great opportuni-
ty to signal the City Center. While the
center will be noticed. due to the density
of development, a more unique identity
could be established in ways that are
more subtle and more meaningful to the
community.
Strategies:
Establish markers to highlight the
streets of the center and to set a rhythm
as one passes through the center.
Use an element of the same vocabulary
as the markers to reinforce the woods at
each edge of the center as the bound-
ary to City Center.
Establish common landscape themes
for the public/street side of each devel-
opment in the center (such as the
hedge and street trees patterns
described above).
2.1.7 Traffic Speed
Intent:
Cars should not move through the cen-
ter at the same speed they would on a
highway. By controlling traffic speed,
the City Center can be made more con-
ducive to pedestrians, and safer for
vehicles.
Strategies-
Provide traffic signals at all intersections
on Vicksburg Lane for controlling speed
and to allow for pedestrian crossing.
Recognize that traffic can 'flow' without
having to flow at high speeds; balance
speed, traffic flow, and convenience
with scale, pedestrian movement and
aesthetics.
Plant trees close to the street as one
method of 'calming' traffic, and as a
way of developing streets with distinct
character.
City Center Design Guidelines
City of Plymouth, Minnesota
A wall at the edge of the woods defines the boundary between
the 'urban' and natural' patterns of the City Center, and creates
a strong element of Identity. Hedges at the opposite side of the
street mark that edge with an element more reminiscent of the
woods.
Markers,' at street intersections, identify the district and set a
pattern of elements unique to the City Center. They build on the
character of the walls that define the center's boundaries.
Trees planted near the edge of the street set a strong pattern
throughout the City Center and serve to 'calm' traffic.
Om
2.2
2.2.1 Useable Spaces
Intent:
Throughout the City Center; spaces
should be.developed to encourage
interaction and gathering, and to
accommodate special events. These
spaces should vary in size, be multiple
purpose, with a character recalling fea-
tures of the larger landscape of
Plymouth.
Strategies:
Create a pedestrian -oriented spine to
connect the north and south ends of the
City Center area.
Develop a variety of spaces on the
spine to allow for a variety of activities.
Add functions of private development to
the spine (regional NURP ponds, for
example).
Include amenities as a part of the spine
for comfort, convenience and interest.
Use the spine to recall the larger envi-
ronment of the community.
2.2.2 'Public' Space in Private Development
Intent:
Not all of the gathering spaces of the
City Center need to occur in public facil-
ities. The entire downtown should be
considered a gathering space for the
community, and therefore, there should
be opportunities for some degree of
gathering at every building.
Strategies:
Develop waiting spaces at transit stops,
or at places where public transportation
is likely to pick up or drop off riders.
Create useable, inviting outdoor spaces
plazas') at front doors of buildings
over 30,000 square feet, especially
where the front door lies at a connection
to the spine.
Incorporate special pavement, seating,
more detailed landscaping, and other
special features at each such space.
City Center Design Guidelines
City of Plymouth, Minnesota
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Even private development in the City Center will be 'public' in
some respects. These buildings should accommodate gathering
at their front doors, with places to meet and places to sit.
4-B-
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9
2.2.3 Stormwater as a Feature
Intent:
Typically, every development would be
eequired to accommodate systems for
treatment of runoff -on the immediate
site, wasting space and, most -often,
treating the. system as an undesirable
necessity. These spaces, if designed
properly, could become an amenity, and
allow for some increase In the Intensity
of development.
Strategies:
Develop 'regional" NURP ponds to be
shared by a number of parcels in down-
town; locate ponds as a part of the
spine
Maintain ponds through City or an asso-
ciation.
Recognize ponds as an amenity and
encourage ponds to be developed in a
more park -like fashion; prohibit fences
around ponds.
City Center Design Guidelines
City of Plymouth, Minnesota
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The spine should be developed to accommodate pedestrians, to
create a highlight for the City Center, and to provide for required
functions of new development in the center,
J
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Areas developed to treat runoff from new development shou'_
be considered amenities for the City Center, and should have a
park -like character.
3.1o. Building to Street Relationships
Intent:
For Plymouth's City Center to gain an
Identity as a.distinct district and a com-
mercial area with a different look than a
shopping center," It must be made to
feel like you have entered something.
The way buildings relate to the street Is
one of the key aspects of creating a dis-
tinct district.
Strategies:
Form an edge to the street with build-
ings, leading to a sense that the street
Is like a "room' within the center.
Establish a "build to" line at 20 feet from
the rights-of-way; require that 50% of
the largest building on the site occupy
the street frontage at the 'build -to' line.
Establish a "building development zone'
between the 'build -to line' and a line set
at 40% of the depth of the lot.
3.2 Building to Buildinq Relationships
s
Intent:
To continue the sense of a room at the
street, the space between buildings
should be addressed. In this way, a
feeling of a continuous wall might be
developed, lending a stronger sense of
a downtown district.
Strategies:
Minimize the sideyard area of buildings
on Vicksburg Lane.
Coordinate development of buildings to
create active spaces in sideyards
rather than only parking or service
functions).
Allow parking between buildings to the
extent that parking in the sideyard
accounts for a maximum of 50% of
parking on the site.
Encourage the creation of spaces for
people in areas between buildings.
City Center Design Guidelines
City of Plymouth, Minnesota
3.0 Configuration
of Sites
A common 'setback,' established close to the street, will pro-
mote the streets of the center as Important public spaces -- or
rooms' -- within the City Center.
4.
Buildings of the City Center will address the street with a manda-
tory 'build-to'line, set 20' from the right-of-way. Buildings will
occur in the front 40% of the lot, and at least 50% of the street
frontage must be occupied by building.
3.3 Density of Development
Intent:
When one approaches the center, one
should recognize it partly due to the
Intensity of development. Plymouth's
City Center -should be developed to pro-
mote that kind of intensity on every site,
and to set it apart as a result of its den-
sity of activity and buildings.
Strategies:
Promote the use of air, not land, in
developing sites in the center, encour-
age multiple story buildings where the
use is appropriate to taller buildings.
Require the footprint of each building to
cover a minimum of [15) percent of its
site (not including areas designated for
shared stormwater ponds).
Allow free-standing buildings on a site
only if another building on the same site
meets or exceeds the minimum lot
cover on its own.
3.4 Access
Intent:
Access from the street to buildings in
downtown should be clearly visible, con-
venient and safe, and should be orient-
ed to vehicles and pedestrians. This
level of connection between buildings
and the street will complete the pedes-
trian network through downtown.
Strategies:
Provide access to sites from 35th
Avenue, 36th Avenue and 37th Avenue,
to the greatest degree possible.
Develop pedestrian routes alongside
the vehicle routes that connect buildings
to streets, creating a more significant
arrival for both.
Provide for interesting, comfortable and
safe routes for pedestrians in parking
areas (as even those driving to the cen-
ter become pedestrians once they park
their cars).
City Center Design Guidelines
City of Plymouth. Minnesota
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By promoting density. the City Center will focus on a charactercreatedbybuildings, not parking.
dun zall
Each site mast be intensely developed, using at least (201 per-
cent of the available area for the footprint of the primary building.
Arrival to destinations of the center should be as interesting on
foot as it is by car. Combining the pedestrian and vehicle entries
makes the experience for both more a part of the City Center.
I <
Parking lots should recognize that once people park, they
become pedestrians. Comfortable, safe, interesting and sepa-
rate routes should be created for pedestrians between their car
and the front door of a building.
4-B-12
3.5 Parkin
Intent:
Regardless of the'land use assignments
made through this plan, parking will use
the most land of any development.
Parking must be designed to emphasize
the spaces and buildings, making it an
Integral part of the City Center.
Strategies:
Recognize that once people park, they
become pedestrians.
Encourage joint use parking to avoid
over -building parking for singular
events.
Locate parking behind or beside build-
ings -- no parking between building and
street or on comersrntersections. .
Design parking areas to evolve to "other
uses if transportation modesof the
future allow.
Implement parking to meet the expected
demand of proposed development, with
proof -of -parking for the difference
between expected demand and City
requirements.
3.6 Planting
Intent:
To build cohesiveness, plantings should
recognize patterns that are larger than
individual sites. Plymouth's City Center
should promote a seamless landscape
between public spaces (streets) and pri-
vate spaces (sites), with a recognition of
significant natural landscape patterns.
Strategies:
Require that the dominant tree species
on each site match the species of street
tree (east/west street take precedence
for sites with two frontages).
Blend the boundary area of sites adja-
cent to the spine with 'wetland' land-
scape materials, as used in the devel-
opment of the spine.
Plant shade trees in parking areas to
provide shade over (25]% of the parking
area (including connections to the
spine) within [15] years.
City Center Design Guidelines
City of Plymouth, Minnesota
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Significant landscaped areas should be used within parldng areatoreducetheapparentexpanseofpavementThesespaces
should connect between the building and the spine, if the site isadjacenttoit.
Parking should be located at the interior of a site; parking shouldnotoccurbetweenabuildingandthestreet.
Plants chosen for individual sites should talo cues from the
planting patterns of the street. A 'seamless' landscape results --
one that fits the land c.` the City Center and one the brings a
sense of unity to develcrment within the center.
4-B-13
3.7 . Elements
Intent'
Development components other than
buildings also play a role in the aesthet-
ics of the center. In Plymouth's City
Center, these elements should be of a
scale that is oriented to pedestrians,
with recognition of how those elements
affect people in cars.
Strategies:
Require signs to be Incorporated into
the facades of buildings, not extending
past the roof line and not projecting.
more than 12' beyond the plane of the
facade on which it Is located; allow
pylon signs only along the Highway 55
frontage.
Discourage buildings that are designed
as signs; encourage signs that can be
understood by pedestrians.
Provide pedestrian scale light fixtures at
walkways, gathering spaces, .building
fronts and entries(not higher than 15
feet); provide lighting in parking areas
no higher than 25 feet.
Encourage other pedestrian features,
especially at building entries and areas
near the spine.
City Center Design Guidelines
City of Plymouth, Minnesota
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With cars moving slowly on the streets and buildings placed
dd"se to the street, the need for large, 'billboard' signs for busi-
nesses is eliminated. Signs on awnings, as an integral part of
the building, orin windows orient to pedestrians and cars.
Site elements, such as lighting, should be of a scale that is com-
fortable for people in areas where pedestrian activity might be
expected.
4-B-14
4.1 Building Character
Intent:
Plymouth's City Center is a place of
commerce and community —ideas cen-
tered on people; the architecture of its
buildings should reflect this focus on
people. Buildings should be commer-
cial, not residential; more permanent
than transitional; and more expressive
than 'formulized
Strategies:
Encourage individual expression ,but
develop continuity with elements that
result in a unified, compatible center.
Require that buildings be oriented to the
street activity as well as the activity in
the parking areas.
Avoid designs that rely on fashion;
encourage designs that are timeless
and will not become obsolete with age.
Require developers to demonstrate how
the building relates to its neighbors.
4.2 Integrity
Intent:
Buildings of Plymouth's City Center
should be designed to create an endur.
ing complement to the community.
Buildings should be developed to lend a
sense of permanence, not because of
their size, but due to the way they are
conceived and constructed.
Strategies:
Base building design on `found' charac-
teristics of their site in the City Center,
not on a franchise formula (roof pat-
terns, corporate colors or similar ele-
ments).
Create detail that is an integral part of
the architecture, not a series of applied
elements (such as canopies, 'plastic'
awnings, clocks or towers).
Require the developer to demonstrate
how the building is a benefit to center,
not just the use within the building.
City Center Design Guidelines
City of Plymouth, Minnesota
4 0 Design
of Buildings v,
Even though buildings of the center will be diffemt, they should
respect the character, scale and proportions of adjacent build-
ings. This consideration will yield a compatible set of buildings,
with a unity that builds identity for the City Center.
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In a center where all buildings are designed with consideration of
their integrity as a structure, the center works as a whole without
anyone building calling out for attention. Each is made better by
the relationship it has with other buildings, and City Center
becomes the destination.
4-B-15
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Even though buildings of the center will be diffemt, they should
respect the character, scale and proportions of adjacent build-
ings. This consideration will yield a compatible set of buildings,
with a unity that builds identity for the City Center.
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In a center where all buildings are designed with consideration of
their integrity as a structure, the center works as a whole without
anyone building calling out for attention. Each is made better by
the relationship it has with other buildings, and City Center
becomes the destination.
4-B-15
4.3 Massinq/Densi
Intent:
The City Center area should be one of
the most intensely developed parts of
the community, and. the density will fos-
ter pedestrian activity. More massive
buildings should be expected, but their
size should not prevent them from relat-
ed strongly to the street or from becom-
Ing attractive components of the center.
Strategies:
Use air, not land when creating build -
Ings in the City Center.
Keep tall buildings close to the street,
but require that upper floors be stepped
back to prevent canyon -like streets.
Articulate large buildings to reduce their
apparent size; modulate their facades to
provide for additional interest to long
buildings.
4.4 Composition
Intent'
Every building in the City Center does
not have to be the same. Development
should be guided to provide enough lati-
tude for creativity while simultaneously
weaving a common thread through each
design.
Strategies:
Avoid large blank exterior surfaces;
articulate facades, especially with win-
dows, to create visual interest from the
street.
Establish a strong base and top for
multi -story buildings, with middle layers
that are more simple.
Articulate the tops of buildings to avoid
box' -like images; encourage building
tops that reinforce their commercial
nature (prohibit sloped roofs).
Provide entries to buildings that are visi-
ble, or at least obvious, from the street.
Integrate mechanical systems into the
architecture of the building
City Center Design Guidelines
City of Plymouth, Minnesota
Buildings with more than two levels will be stepped back fromthestreetatat: t ratio.
Articulation (giving emphasis to architectural elements, and the
Interval at which the elements occur) and modulation (variations
in the face of a building) are important in creating a building thatprovidesinterestfromthestreet.
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Buildngs of the center should not be the same, but should be
encouraged to explore within a set of general 'organizational
codes.'
Articulate facades at regular intervals to provide greater visual
interest. Use elements such as lighting, trees, windows,
awnings and entries to achieve a well -articulated facade.
4.5 Materials
Intent:
It Is Impossible to guarantee that all
buildings would be well-designed simply
because high quality materials are
required. In Plymouth's City Center,
creativity should be promoted, utilizing
materials that are enduring, timeless
and well -detailed.
Strategies:
Define a list of desired and undesired
materials for buildings in the City
Center; allow develoPers to deviate
from the list only when they demon-
strate (visually and verbally) that the
proposed design Incorporates materials
in ways that are compatible with the
proposed use and the City Center as a
whole.
Require that buildings be constructed
and maintained in ways that promote
longevity; require developers to submit
a schedule of anticipated building main-
tenance/replacement and projected life
cycle costs of major building materials
with building plans.
City Center Design Guidelines
City of Plymouth, Minnesota
Building Materials
Desired Undesired
Materials that are easily Non -durable siding materialsmaintained, durable, and such as plywood, corrugatedattractiveatclosedistancesmetalorfiberglass, or otherfromtheviewofapedestd- materials that decay rapidlyanonasidewalk, for exam- when exposed to the ele- ple)• ments.
Materials that have an Materials that have -no pat.
attractive pattern, texture, tern•or relief, especiallyandqualitydetailing. when those materials areBrick, stone, or high quality applied to large wall sur -
pre -cast concrete (colored faces.
and textured). Simulated brick or stone.
Metals that are matt finish Wood, except as accent
and neutral or earth tone in materials or in elements that
color, metals that are used are integrated with other
for exterior walls should desired' materials.
have visible corner mould- Mirrored glass, especiallyingsandtrim. mirrored glass that faces an
Concrete enhanced with tex- active pedestrian street.
turing, coloring, embossed Materials that represent cor-
or sculpted surfaces, porate colors, patterns or
mosaics or artwork. trademarks.
Transparent glass. Brightly colored metal roof-
Canvas awnings. ing or canopies.
Concrete that is not
enhanced as indicated under
Desired Materials,' espe-
cially pre -cast, tilt -up walls.
Synthetic awnings, especial-
ly awnings meant to be illu-
minated from within.
4-B-17
Key:
CumentOn-streetParkIng
Proposed On -Street Parldng
Wsting Traffic Slgrial
Int Existing Bus Route
wwo Average Daily
Tiaf is Volumes
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Possible Roundabout
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Location
Vehicular Entry Point
High Volume)
Vehicular Entry Point
ibw Volume)
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Plymouth City Center
Streetscape Element
Q
Vehicular Circulation Analysis
November 6, 1998
Multi and Single
ramlly ResidentW
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Kull ftd Singlal Existing Concrete Sidewalk
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C CC7 C7 Proposed Pedestrian Spine
w an an as Proposed Trap
Single family
Realdeatial .f Pedestrian overlook
Pedestrian Movement
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Multi and Single
Single ramily ramlly Residential
Residential
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Single family
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Singlc FYmlly' \•• '•ti Cir / '+
Residential. i 1,, 11/14 r' r l\ ` , •
Plymouth City Center _a
Streetscape Element'
Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Analysis
Novetnber 6, 1998 r—v
4-B-19
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Plymouth City Center
Streetscape Element
Visual Analysis
November 6, 1998
4-B-20
Key:
Sight Line
View Terminus
Major Sign (EYee-standing)
Major Sign (On Building)
0 Temporary Sign
Existing Screening
D Screening Advised
Thee Massing
Change in Ground Elevation
rV Loss of Street Edge Definition
IN
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PUBLIC SPACE DESIGN GUIDELINES
Develop a streetscape hierarchy
Plymouth- Boulevard should be a parkway
Vicksburg should be Plymouth's "Main Street
Use* 36th Street as link from Vicksburg to Park
Create lively streets
Allow parking on the streets
Avoid blank building facades
Screen parking and service areas
Reinforce pedestrian aspect of streets with street. trees,
pedestrian lights and other pedestrian scaled amenities
Pedestrian environment should be,comfortable, safe, convenient
and accessible
Implement traffic calming measures
Require sidewalks from. all buildings out to public sidewalk
Create pedestrian walkways through parking lots.
Develop a strong streetscape
Tie streetscape into the wooded areas on the east -and west side
of the City Center
Utilize. the same plant materials of the streetscape in private
development plantings
Plant shade trees in parking lots
K Create usable open spaces within the City Center to encourage
gathering and interaction
Develop transit stops
Create plazas at front of large private buildings
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CC (City Center)
The intent of this classification is to provide the framework for development of a vital center
serving the entire community, attracting residents for a variety of civic, cultural, entertainment,
retail and recreation activities and providing a strong sense of identity for the City of Plymouth.
This is a unique classification intended to provide for planned, unified development in the City
Center area. Public streetscape elements, such as lighting, landscaping, pedestrian amenities and
signage will be used to reinforce and strengthen the identity of the area.
Guidelines and Criteria
Minimum Area:
City Utilities:
Corresponding Zoning Districts:
None
Required in all areas
CC -P (City Center -Public)
CC -R (City Center -Retail)
CC -RE (City Center-Retail/Entertainment
CC -OT (City Center-Office/Technical)
Types of Development: • Uses as described in Section 4.4.2 and Appendix 4-B
Horizontally mixed uses
Vertically mixed uses, including residential over
commercial
Development Location Criteria: • Unique location in the community as shown on the Land
Use Plan
Plymouth Land Use Plan — August 8, 2000 4-37
FEASIBILITY STUDY
PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD PARKING BAY AND
OVERLAY IMPROVEMENTS
PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA
CITY PROJECT NO. 1002
FEBRUARY 2001
I hereby certify that this report was prepared by me or under my direct supervision and
that I am a duly Licensed Professional Engineer under the laws of the State of
Minnesota
J4IW41 S. REG. NO.
RONALD S. QUANBECK, P. E DATE:
4 a
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Conclusionsand Recommendations..........................................................1
Introduction........................................................................................ 2
Plymouth Boulevard Parking Bays and Overlay Improvements ..................... 3
Existing Conditions....................................................................... 3
Proposed Improvements................................................................. 3
TrafficConcerns..........................................................:....................... 4
EstimatedProject Schedule..................................................................... 4
EstimatedCosts................................................................................... 5
CostSummary ............................................................................. 5
Project Financing......................................................................... 5
FundingSummary ........................................................................ 6
Appendix A
Cost Estimate
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE NO. TITLE FOLLOWING PAGE
1 Proposed Improvements - Plymouth Blvd. 6
2 Typical Section 6
PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD PARKING BAY AND
OVERLAY IMPROVEMENTS
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusions drawn from studies and investigations are:
1. The proposed street and parking improvements are feasible, necessary and cost
effective.
2. A combination of milling and overlaying is the best procedure by which to
resurface the street.
3. The addition of parking bays is a feasible way to gain additional permanent
parking and to calm traffic along Plymouth Boulevard.
4. The existing right-of-way is adequate to construct the proposed street and parking
improvements.
Based on these conclusions we recommend:
1. The proposed parking bay and overlay improvements for Plymouth Boulevard be
constructed at an estimated project cost of $249,400.
2. Installation of new concrete curb and gutter and revision to the storm sewer
system on Plymouth Boulevard from 34th Avenue to County Road 9 in order to
facilitate the addition of parking bays along this segment.
3. Existing storm sewer structures be surveyed prior to construction to identify
repair needs.
4. Surveys be conducted for Plymouth Boulevard from 34' Avenue to County Road
9 in order to design the project and develop construction drawings.
5. Assessments for the Plymouth Boulevard parking bays and overlay improvements
be assessed to benefiting properties pursuant to the City's assessment policies.
1-
INTRODUCTION
The Plymouth Boulevard Parking Bays and Overlay Improvements Project investigated
in this Feasibility Report includes a combination of parking bay installation and street
resurfacing. Resurfacing preserves the initial investment and improves the street
condition before it decays to a point requiring more costly reconstruction.
Resurfacing activities include repairing pavement cracks and patching isolated
distressed areas before the overlay is applied. Many of the transverse cracks will
develop through the new surface of both resurfaced and reconstructed areas due to the
temperature extremes of Minnesota. Continued routine maintenance such as crack
filling will be required after completion of the rehabilitation.
The proposed improvements are consistent with the City's Pavement Management
Program. The 2000 Pavement Management Update stated that an overlay program will
be started and focus on major streets such as Plymouth Boulevard as identified in the
City's Thoroughfare Guide Plan. These streets generally have an adequate sub -base
and typically require only resurfacing to substantially extend their service life. In 1995
Plymouth Boulevard was overlaid from Highway 55 to 36' Avenue as a part of the
City's Street Reconstruction Program.
In addition to the mill and overlay portion of this project, it is proposed that the outside
thru lane of Plymouth Blvd. be converted to parking bays from the intersection of 34`h
Avenue and the north City Hall parking lot entrance to 37' Avenue. Construction of
the parking bays will implement one aspect of the streetscape concept for Plymouth
Blvd. Plymouth Boulevard would be reduced to one lane of thru traffic in both
directions where the parking bays are installed. It is believed that introducing these
parking bays and reducing the number of duu traffic lanes along this portion of
Plymouth Boulevard will have a slowing and calming effect on the traffic through the
downtown focal area of Plymouth.
This report discusses existing conditions and proposed improvements for Plymouth
Boulevard and summarizes estimated costs for the proposed improvements. Figure 1 is
a map showing the location and proposed improvements for the area studied in this
report. A cost estimate breakdown is provided in Appendix A.
2-
31 r
PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD PARKING BAY AND OVERLAY IMPROVEMENTS
Existing Conditions:
Plymouth Boulevard is a designated major collector in the City's Thoroughfare Guide
Plan. Plymouth Boulevard was constructed in 1979 with two lanes in each direction
separated by a center island which includes left turn lanes. The 22 -year old street was
constructed with concrete curb and gutter and a 28 -foot width in each direction.
Surface distresses such as expanding longitudinal and transverse cracks are evident in
the area proposed to be milled and overlaid from 36 h Avenue to County Road 9. The
area near 37th Avenue is beginning to exhibit block cracking.
The only parking that currently exists along Plymouth Boulevard is located along the
northbound outside lane from 36`h Avenue to 37 h Avenue adjacent to Lifetime Fitness
and the City of Plymouth Ice Center. Temporary reflective barrels which require a
great deal of maintenance and upkeep currently delineate this parking.
Proposed Improvements:
Figure 1 shows the proposed improvements for the project. The portion of Plymouth
Boulevard from 36' Avenue to County Road 9 will receive a 1 1/2 inch bituminous
overlay after milling the existing surface as shown on Figure 2.
The City of Plymouth has developed a streetscape concept for Plymouth Boulevard as a
part of the overall development of Downtown Plymouth. The addition of parking bays
as proposed is one aspect of implementing this concept. Some streetscape
improvements exist in the median and additional median landscaping and entrance signs
are being considered. An additional project for ornamental street lighting has been
approved.
As shown in Figure 1, the addition of the parking bays would add an additional 95
parking spaces. This number does not include an estimated 22 parking spaces to be
added by the recently approved Carlson Companies development along the west side of
Plymouth Blvd. from 35' Avenue to 36`h Avenue. The developer will install these
parking bays. Plymouth Boulevard will be reduced to one lane of thru traffic in each
direction where the parking bays are installed. Right turn lanes will be added and the
ism
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left turn lanes will remain to help with traffic flow in the one thru lane. As a
consequence of the addition of the parking bays, minor improvements to the storm
water drainage system are necessary with this project.
TRAFFIC CONCERNS
Traffic will be maintained on Plymouth Boulevard whenever possible during
construction. Construction activities for the project will be staged to provide access to
the area in general and minimize disruption to the connecting roads and driveways.
Driveway access will be provided and coordinated with effected businesses along
Plymouth Boulevard.
The construction schedule will be set so that the project is completed before the June
23rd Music in Plymouth 5K Fun Run/Walk and the July Yh Music in Plymouth Events.
Extensive use of Plymouth Boulevard and the newly constructed parking bays are
anticipated for both of these events.
ESTIMATED PROJECT SCHEDULE
City Council receives the Feasibility Report February 27, 2001
and orders the Public Improvement Hearing
Public Improvement Hearing March 20, 2001
City Council orders plans and specifications March 20, 2001
City Council accepts plans and specifications April 10, 2001
Advertise for bids April 11, 18, and 25, 2001
Receive bids May 2, 2001
Award Contract May 8, 2001
Begin Construction May 14, 2001
Construction ends June 22, 2001
4-
q
ESTIMATED COSTS
Estimated project costs have been projected for all the improvements studied in this
report. The costs include construction costs plus 10% for construction contingencies
and, 20% for engineering, administration and legal. Itemized cost estimates are
included in Appendix A of this report. The total estimated project costs are
summarized below. The aforementioned accelerated schedule to complete the project
before the Music in Plymouth Events is estimated to increase the construction costs by
approximately 5 percent. If it were to be decided that the project could be placed on a
more typical schedule starting and completing the project after the events, a cost
savings on the bids could be expected.
Cost Summary:
Construction Cost 188,940
10% Contingencies 18,894
Subtotal 207,834
20% Eng., Legal & Admin. 41,566
Total Est. Cost 249,400
Project Financing:
The cost of construction of improvements for Plymouth Boulevard from 34`h Avenue to
County Road 9 as discussed in this report are to be funded through a combination of
special assessments and City funds. Funding for the overlay portion of the project is
included in the projections that the City Council approved as part of the 2000 Street
Reconstruction Program update and with the 2001 budget. In accordance with the
Street Reconstruction Assessment Policy the overlay work will be funded by a
combination of special assessments and City reconstruction funds. The cost of
installing parking bays along Plymouth Boulevard is proposed to be fully assessed to
the benefiting property owners.
The street overlay will be assessed in accordance with the assessment policy. The cost
not assessed, about 65%, will be paid from Infrastructure Replacement Fund.
Following is a summary of the proposed funding.
5-
Funding Summary:
Improvements Assessed
Infrastructure
Replacement
Fund Total
Parkin Bas 115,000 0.00 115,000
Street Overlay 48,362 86,038 134,400
Total 1 $163,3621 86,038 249,400
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PAINTED TURN LANE
TWW LANE
PLYMOUTH BLVD. PARKING BAY AND OVERLAY IMPROVEMENTS rpPROJECTLOCATIONMAP
C.P. NO. 1002
FIGURE 1
EXIST. CONC.
IC & G
DETAIL A
FULL WIDTH MILL AND OVERLAY
DETAIL A
MILL & OVERLAY
1-1/2" BITUMINOUS WEARING COURSE
MN/DOT SPEC. 2340, TYPE 41
2357 TACK COAT
BITUMINOUS LEVELING COURSE (AS NEEDED)
MN /DOT SPEC. 2340, TYPE 31
2001 OVERLAY IMPROVEMENTS rp) TYPICAL SECTION
MILL AND OVERLAY AREA
43 11
FIGURE 2
APPENDIX A
mi
PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD PARKING BAYS
AND OVERLAY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
COST ESTIMATE - C.P. NO. 1002
Overlay
Item Unit Unit Price Quantity Overlay Cost
Parking Bay
Quantity
Parking
Bay Cost
02/19/01
Total Cost
Mobilization L.S. 10,000.00 0.55 5,500.00 0.45 4,500.00 10,000.00
Traffic Control L.S. 10,000.00 0.55 5,500.00 0.45 4,500.00 10,000.00
Remove and Replace Concrete Curb (Overlay Area) L.F. 20.00 400 8,000.00 0 0.00 8,000.00
Remove Concrete Walk S.F. 4.00 100 400.00 300 1,200.00 1,600.00
Remove Concrete Curb (Parking Bay Area) L.F. 7.00 0 0.00 1050 7,350.00 7,350.00
Sawcut Bit. Pavement (Full Depth) L.F. 4.00 400 1,600.00 1200 4,800.00 6,400.00
Salvage and Install Sign Each 30.00 0 0.00 4 120.00 120.00
Salvage Sign Each 100.00 0 0.00 20 2,000.00 2,000.00
Connect Storm Pipe to Existing Structure Each 1,000.00 0 0.00 5 5,000.00 5,000.00
F81 Sign Panel Type C S.F. 30.00 0 0.00 140 4,200.00 4,200.00
Salvage and Install Casting Each 300.00 0 0.00. 2 600.00 600.00
Adjust Casting Each 200.00 5 1,000.00 1 200.00 1,200.00
Adjust Gate Valve Each 200.00 5 1,000.00 1 200.00 1,200.00
Agg. Base CL. 5, 100% Crushed Ton 10.00 100 1,000.00 300 3,000.00 4,000.00
Type 41A Leveling Course Mixture Ton 60.00 50 3,000.00 0 0.00 3,000.00
Type 41A Wearing Course Mixture (1'/:'') S.Y. 3.00 14000 42,000.00 0 0.00 42,000.00
Bitumimous Patch Mixture Ton 80.00 20 1,600.00 150 12,000.00 13,600.00
Tack Coat Gal. 1.50 1000 1,500.00 100 150.00 1,650.00
Mill Bituminous Surface (1 'NJ (Overlay Area) S.Y. 1.50 14000 21,000.00 0 0.00 21,000.00
1' Mill Bituminous Surface (1'/:") (Parking Bay Area) L.F. 1.00 0 0.00 1200 1,200.00 1,200.00
Crack Repair Type 1 L.F. 3.00 500 1,500.00 0 0.00 1,500.00
Crack Repair Type 2 L.F. 5.00 500 2,500.00 0 0.00 2,500.00
4" PE Street Draintile w/ Sock L.F. 5.00 0 0.00 200 1,000.00 1,000.00
12" RCP Storm Sewer - Class V L.F. 30.00 0 0.00 180 5,400.00 5,400.00
CB Type ST -2 L.F. 225.00 0 0.00 13 2,925.00 2,925.00
CB Type ST -5 (48") L.F. 250.00 0 0.00 15 3,750.00 3,750.00
CS Casting Type R -3067 -DL Each 350.00 1 350.00 3 1,050.00 1,400.00
MH Casting Type R-1642-1 Each 350.00 1 350.00 2 700.00 1,050.00
4" Concrete Walk S.F. 6.00 100 600.00 600 3,600.00 4,200.00
Concrete Curb and Gutter Design B618 L.F. 11.00 0 0.00 1150 12,650.00 12,650.00
Zebra Crosswalk White (3'X 6') Paint Each 15.00 60 900.00 50 750.00 1,650.00
Pavement Message (Rt. Arrow) Paint Each 50.00 0 0.00 6 300.00 300.00
Pavement Message (Lt. Arrow) Paint Each 50.00 6 300.00 0 0.00 300.00
4" Solid Line White - Paint L.F. 0.25 1000 250.00 2600 650.00 900.00
4" Broken Line White - Paint L.F. 0.25 3700 925.00 0 0.00 925.00
4" Double Solid Line Yellow - Paint L.F. 0.50 0 0.00 200 100.00 100.00
24" Solid Line Yellow - Paint L.F. 2.00 0 0.00 60 120.00 120.00
Commercial Fert. Analysis 12-12-12 Lb. 1.00 50 50.00 100 100.00 150.00
Sodding Type Lawn & Blvd w/ 6" Topsoil S.Y. 5.00 200 1,000.00 600 3,000.00 4,000.00
Estimated Construction Cost 101,825.00 87,115.00 188,940.00
10% Contingency 10,182.50 8.711.50 18,894.00
Subtotal 112,007.50 95,826.50 207,834.00
20% Engineering and Administration 22,401.50 19,165.30 41,566.80
Estimated Project Cost 134,409.00 114,991.80 249,400.80
Agenda Number:
TO: Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager
FROM: Laurie Ahrens, Assistant City ManagerfA---,,
SUBJECT: Consider Future Study Sessions
DATE: March 30, 2001, for City Council meeting of April 3, 2001
1. ACTION REQUESTED: Amend the list of pending study session topics and, if desired,
establish future special meetings.
2. BACKGROUND: Attached is the list of pending study session topics, along with
calendars, for the Council's use in scheduling future topics or sessions.
Pending Study Session Topics
at least 3 Council members have approved the following study items on the list)
Joint meeting with EQC on Medicine Lake water quality improvements.
late summer, videotape meeting).
Bassett Creek Joint Powers Agreement draft.
Joint meeting with school districts to discuss safety issues, traffic, future
school sites, trends in population -- start with ISD 284.
South Shore Drive safety improvements, including pedestrian patterns
and Luce Line impacts, speed humps, and stop signs (late summer).
Consider ways to minimize effects of exposure to second-hand smoke.
Snowplowing (May).
Quarterly check-in with City Manager (next in May/June).
Other proposed study session topics:
Hollydale golf course (Mayor Tierney)
Disposition of houses along County Road 101 bought by the City (Mayor Tierney)
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
April 2001
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
DAYLIGHT
SAVINGS
COMMENCES - set
clocks ahead 1
hour
7:00 PM YOUTH
ADVISORY
COUNCIL,
Medicine Lake
Room
7:00 PM SPECIAL
COUNCIL
MEETING: City
Center Streetscape
Imp., parking bays
on Ply Blvd., Police
Training Room
7:00 PM PLANNING
COMMISSION,
Council Chambers
7:00 PM SKATE
PARK
INFORMATIONAL
MEETING, Plymouth
Creek Cerner
7:00 PM HUMAN
RIGHTS
COMMISSION -
Medicine Lake
Room
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
7:00 PM REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING, Council
Chambers
7:00 PM EQC,
Council
Chambers
7:00 PM PRAC,
Council
Chambers
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
7:00 PM YOUTH
ADVISORY
COUNCIL,
Medicine Lake
Room
7:00 PM
BOARD OF
REVIEW
Council
Chambers
7:00 PM
PLANNING
COMMISSION,
Council Chambers
7:00PM HRA -
Medicine Lake
Room
7:00 PM PUBLIC
SAFETY
ADVISORY
BOARD, Police
Dept. Library
11:00 AM CITY
EMPLOYEE
RECOGNITION
LUNCHEON,
Plymouth Creek
Center
22 21 24 25 26 27 28
7:30 AM LOCAL
BUSINESS
COUNCIL, Radisson
Hotel
7:00 PM PACT -
Bass Lake Room
6:30 PM MEDICINE
LAKE WATERSHED
EQC)
SUB -COMMITTEE,
Medicine Lake Room
7:00 PM REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING, Council
Chambers
29 30
Mar 2001 May 2001
7:00 PM YOUTH
ADVISORY
COUNCIL,
Medicine Lake
Room
S M T W T F S
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 27 28 29 30 31
modified on 3/29/2001
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
May 2001
Sunday Monday luesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5
Apr 2001
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
7:00 PM BOARD
OF REVIEW
RECONVENED),
8:00nNRIGHTS
COMMISSIONREGIONAL
7:00 PM HUMAN
RIGHTS
COMMISSION -
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Council Chambers WORKSHOP,Plymouth
Crook Centeroom
MediRuLake
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
7:00 PMCOMMISSIOLN NICoNuGncil
Chambers
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
5:00 PM YOUTH
ADVISORY
COUNCIL TOWN
7:00 PM EQC,
Council
7:00 PM PRAC,
Council
7:00 PM PLYMOUTH
PANDAS ICE SHOW
AROUND THE
10:30 AM -4:00 PM
PLYMOUTH HISTORY
FEST, Parkers Lake
Par` FORUM, Plymouth Chambers Chambers WORLD WITH THE
Creek Center CHAMPIONS",
7:00 PM REGULAR
Plymouth Ice Center 2:00 PM b 7:00 PM -
PLYMOUTH PANDAS
ICETHE WORLD
WITHD
COUNCIL THE CHAMPIONS-.
MEETING, Council
Chambers
Plymouth Ice Center
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
2:00 PM PLYMOUTH
PANDAS ICE SHOW
AROUND THE
7:00 PM YOUTH
ADVISORY
COUNCIL,
7:00 PM
PLYMOUTH
TOWN
7:00 PM
PLANNING
COMMISSION,
7:00 PM HRA;
Medicine Lake Rom
WORLD WITH THE
CHAMPIONS",
Plymouth Ice Center
Medicine Lake
Room MEETING,
Plymouth Creek
Council Chambers 7:00 PM PUBLIC
SAFETY ADVISORY
BOARD. ry Dept.
Center
7:00 PM YOUTH
SERVICE AWARDS,
Plymouth Creek Center
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
6:00 PM MILLENNIUM
GARDEN
GROUNDBREAKING
7:30 AM LO
BUSINESS
COUNCIL, Radisson
7:00 PM PACT -
Bass Lake Room
CEREMONY, Plymouth
Creek Ceobr Hotel
7:00 PM REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING, Council
Chambers
27 28 29 30 31
Jun 2001
MEMORIAL DAY 7:00 PM YOUTH S M T W T F S
Obser RY
OfficesCClosed C UNC 1 2
Medicine Lake
Room 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 11 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
eeed
modified on 3/29/2001
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
June 2001
Sunday Monday I Tuesday I Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2
May 2001 Jul 2001
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31
3 4 S 6 7 8 9
7:00 PM
PLANNING
7:00 PM HUMAN
RIGHTS
COMMISSION, COMMISSION -
Council Chambers Medicine Lake
Room
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
7:00 PM REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING, Council
7:00 PM EQC,
Council
Chambers
7:00 PM PRAC,
Council
ChambersChambers
Flag Day
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
7:00 PM
PLANNING
COMMISSION,
7:00 PM HRA-
Medicine Lake
Room
9:15 AM MUSIC IN
PLYMOUTH Sk
RUN
Council Chambers
7:00 PM PUBLIC
SAFETY
ADVISORY
BOARD, Police
Dept. Library
LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE, Duluth DECC
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
7:30 AM LOCAL
BUSINESS
7:00 PM PACT -
Bass Lake Room
COUNCIL, Radisson
Hotel
7:00 PM REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING, Council
Chaersmb
modified on 3/29/2001
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
July 2001
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
7:00
INPLANNING NIPLYMOUTH
City CenterCOMMISSION, Amphitheater
Council
Chambers 7:00 PM HUMAN
RIGHTS
COMMISSION -
INDEPENDENCE Medicine Lake
RoomDAY - City Offices
Closed
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
7:00 PM
REGULAR
7:00 PM EQC,
Council
7:00 PM PRAC,
Council
COUNCIL Chambers Chambers
MEETING,
Council
Chambers
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
7:00 PM7:00
PLANNING
PM HRA -
Medicine Lake
RoomCOMMISSION,
Council
Chambers
7:00 PM PUBLIC
SAFETY
ADVISORY
BOARD Public
Safety Library
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
7:30 AM LOCAL
BUSINESS
COUNCIL
Radisson Motel
7:00 PM PACT -
Bass Lake
Room
7:00 PM
REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING,
Council Chambers
29 30 31 Jun 2001 Aug 2001
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 1 2 3 4
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31
modified on 12/27/2000