6. EDSR 10-13-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CUNINGHAM G R O U P 2. Scope of Services Understanding In the 1870s railroads became the predominant method of transportation replacing the rivers. In Elk River the area known as "Lower Town" (current Main Street District) replaced the 'Upper Town' as the center and focus of commercial development. Now over 130 years later Elk River is experiencing similar cycles of change. Change is a common element in the nature of cities; habits change; development shifts; markets form and re-form. It is somewhat ironic that the railroad, 130 years later, is playing a role in the next series of changes in Elk River. Elk River is a city of firsts: one of the first paved roads in Minnesota was Highway 10, then known as Jefferson Highway. It is the site of one of the first rural nuclear power plants and is now home to the RDF facility operated by Great River Energy. It is a unique area in the state where forest meets prairie, where the hills held coarse materials, and at one time herds of Elk where common. Elk River is a unique and special place with qualities and character unlike any other. These qualities should provide the basis for new and future development patterns that clearly are of Elk River; that communicate and reinforce what is different and special and how its built form can express and celebrate these qualities. We understand the Gateway Focused Area Study, situated between Hwy. 10 and the soon-to-be operating Northstar Commuter Rail Station, can be the next new and , unique place in Elk River. We also understand the City is looking to better define how this 70 acres and the larger surrounding context can be developed in a way that supports additional commercial/retail use, mixed-use and transit-related development (including residential). In general we understand the scope of services you are requesting includes: • Determining development and redevelopment potential based on opportunities and constraints relative to mixed-use and transit complementing uses • Determining highest and best use • Developing design standards • Preparing design concepts • Contacting adjacent property owners to facilitate participation • Developing a list of amenities associated with the site, location to Energy City, and Northstar Rail Station • Estimating timing of development • Presenting and reviewing with the EDA, Planning Commission and City Council We also understand your desired outcomes include: • Defining appropriate land uses • Defining what is being marketed and who is this area being marketed to • Knowing the detail, parameters, issues and concepts required for eventual development of the property 2-~