Consideration and Adoption of Concept Design: Civic Space at the Downtown Connection Center
 

Based on public outreach over a substantial period of time, Mountain Line has a proposed concept design for the future Civic Space at the Downtown Connection Center. Staff are seeking adoption of the concept design to move the needle forward on construction drawings.  The future space is reliant on the pending Rio de Flag realignment project and the inherent timing; however, having construction drawings created based on an adopted concept design is ideal and functional.  Components that were valuable to our community for a downtown civic space included keywords of kinetic, fluid, natural, modern, uplifting and celebratory.  The valuable components laid the foundation to create the concept design, including a green park space, a mountain-view, a sculpture location, a FUTS connection, an entertainment space, a food truck and café opportunity, a splash pad/cooling space and a restroom.   The concept design presented serves as a 30% complete construction drawing, whereas the adoption of this concept design enables the team to move forward to 60% complete construction drawings, providing further details inclusive of infrastructure adjustments and needs to compliment the newly constructed Downtown Connection Center, the future Rio de Flag realignment and future Phase 2 Bus Plaza.   

There is no financial impact with this concept design adoption.

There is no policy impact with this concept design adoption.

As mentioned, the Civic Space discussion had significant public outreach and comment as part of the process for the Intergovernmental Agreement with Mountain Line (IGA) which was approved in June 2022. As some time has passed, Mountain Line and City staff have worked together to bring the design concepts to the Beautification and Public Art Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Downtown Business Alliance Board, and now to Council for consideration and feedback on the current bubble diagram. The intention is to confirm the direction forward, knowing it is at a higher level, so that continued design can occur while the timeline for the Rio de Flag project construction on that parcel becomes clear. As expressed in the presentations mentioned above, the feedback being solicited is focused on the civic space design which is being prepared by Mountain Line, but will be programmed and maintained by PROSE in the future. The boundaries of the civic space and the other uses on the parcel are defined in the approved IGA.

1. Not approve the concept design as presented and;
2. Provide staff with direction

Goal LU.5.6. Encourage the placement of institutional and civic buildings centrally located within a neighborhood to promote walkability and multi-use recreation spaces.

IR-3:  Plan for changes to recreation, reduce emissions, and respond to the impacts of climate change on current Parks and Recreation facilities and operations

There is no connection to the 10-Year Housing Plan.

Southside Community Specific Plan