5. HRA SR 03-05-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ilk River REQUEST FOR ACTION TO ITEM NUMBER Housin Redevelo ment Authori 5. AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY March 5, 2012 Annie Deckert, Director of Economic Develo ment ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED B~/ Authorize entering into contract for the completion of concept Cal Portner, Ci Administrator plans and recommendations for 716 & 720 Main Street REVIEWED BY improvements ACTION REQUESTED Authorize entering into a contract for the completion of concept plans and recommendations for 716 & 720 Main Street improvements BACKGROUND In 2006, the HRA purchased 716 and 720 Main Street in Elk River with the intent to expand downtown surface parking. On October 3, 2011, the HRA authorized staff to obtain proposals for costs to demolish the. Main Street buildings. On December 12, 2011, the HRA approved a contract with Veit and Company for the demolition and removal of the buildings. The buildings were demolished and removed the week of December 26. At the February 6, 2012, meeting, staff recommended working with a landscape architect to create concepts for the design of the area, incorporating information from discussions with the HRA and downtown businesses (similar to the process used with the construction of River's Edge Commons). DISCUSSION Staff has held discussions with various downtown business owners throughout the past couple months to solicit input for the area. Conversations indicated a high interest in additional parking with aesthetic amenities. Reoccurring ideas included planters, benches, outdoor dining tables and attractive landscaping. Business owners also mentioned utilizing the location for events (Farmer's Market, street dance, etc.) and the creation of one trash enclosure for the dumpsters from the businesses on the block. Staff has invited the Hosington Koegler Group and Landform to present proposals and cost estimates to complete the design concepts for this, project. All input for the proposed improvements have been shared with the consultants. The HRA is encouraged to provide additional input and/or ask questions of the consultants. Consultants will be submitting detailed concepts to provide to contractors for construction bids. Staff will work with City Engineer Justin Femrite for the creation of the construction documents. Tonight the HRA is asked to recommend a consultant and approve the contract to ensure the project continues to move forward.