PUBLIC PROJECT 2011 APPLICATION FOR URBAN DESIGN REVIEW BOARD City of Des Moines, Iowa Date Submitted: _March 25, 2011 Project Information PROJECT NAME & ADDRESS:_Jaama Kwa Africa Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9 th Street CITY DEPARTMENT _Parks and Recreation CITY STAFF /PROJECT MANAGER_Larry Edris CONSULTING ARCHITECT/DESIGNER AND FIRM: _WDM Architects P.A. WHO WILL COORDINATE WITH OED STAFF TO SUBMIT MATERIALS PRIOR TO THE MEETING? Chris Kliewer, AIA, LEED AP CONTACT INFORMATION: Phone: _(316) 262-4700 Fax: _(316) 262-0002_ E-mail: _ckliewer@wdmarchitects.com Circle which UDRB meeting (Must be at least 2 weeks in advance of next meeting) 2011 Jan 4 18 July 5 19 Feb 1 15 Aug 2 16 Mar 1 15 Sept 6 20 April 5 19 Oct 4 18 May 3 17 Nov 1 15 June 7 21 Dec 6 20 Action Requested by Applicant: Informational Presentation: Applicants are encouraged to make an informational presentation to the URDB to obtain an initial reaction and direction before undertaking detailed design. This consultation is optional; it is an informal session to discuss siting issues, the surroundings, design concepts and gain insight on creating a successful project. Initial Approval and/or Recommendation: Applicant may obtain initial approval and/or recommendation by presenting schematic design information and details. _X_ Final Approval and/or Recommendation: Applicant may obtain final approval and/or recommendation by presenting final project details. The project must have had an informational presentation or an initial approval recommendation with the Board prior to this final review/recommendation. This step may be waived at the discretion of the staff or Board.
PUBLIC PROJECT APPLICATION FOR URBAN DESIGN REVIEW BOARD City of Des Moines, Iowa Materials to be Submitted by Applicant Submit to Rita Conner (raconner@dmgov.org) for review at least 1 week in advance of meeting Please try to submit as much of the information as possible, as it is critical to the Board s evaluation process. It is understood that certain project details may not be fully determined when a Board review is requested (final budget, schedule, materials, etc.). The goal is for the Board to review projects at a stage of development where there is opportunity for meaningful input into the design process. Submission Requirements Type of Approval Hard copy (15 collated sets) or Initial Final PDF digital version (preferred) Informational Approval Approval Location Map with Site Marked X X X Narrative Project Description X X X include schedule, estimated costs, developer/architect team, public participation process, energy efficiency and high performance components, other City design/use requirements 1 Building Plan and Elevations X (Sketch) X X Contextual Site Info: include photos X X X Plan showing adjacent building X X X Utility/HVAC locations and screening details X Samples of exterior X building materials and color scheme Landscape Plan X Proposed Signage X Lighting Plan/Details X 1 Design guidelines are available for Central Place, Guthrie Ave, Eastern Gateway and Western Gateway areas Board Presentation The applicant is encouraged to consider the use of various graphic presentation material including a location map, photographs, renderings/model, scale drawings of the proposal in context with adjacent buildings/uses/signs, etc., as may be deemed appropriate to describe the project. These materials may be presented using electronic media or standard boards. The Board is very interested in the appearance and design quality of projects. Emphasis should be given to the site plan, landscape plan, lighting plan, building elevations, exterior building materials, color scheme and graphics. Agendas are sent out prior to the meeting. Meetings are held at 7:30 am in the City Council Chambers unless otherwise noted. * Contact: Office of Economic Development/ City of Des Moines Rita Conner 515-283-4019 raconner@dmgov.org Glory Parks 515-283-4036 gaparks@dmgov.org Page 2
COMMUNICATION URBAN DESIGN REVIEW BOARD CITY OF DES MOINES, IOWA APRIL 19, 2011 MEETING Subject: Recommendation Prepared by: BLANK PARK ZOO AFRICAN EXHIBIT X APPROVE DISAPPROVE NO ACTION OTHER RITA CONNER 283-4019 CHRIS KLIEWER, AIA LEED AP 316-262-4700 Attachment Listing: http://www.dmgov.org/government/boards/urbandesignreviewboard/pages/meetings.aspx Summary: The 4.2 acre Gateway to Africa project at the Blank Park Zoo will include design concepts similar to parks within the continent of Africa. This project is estimated to cost $7 million and will be privately funded. The exhibit is scheduled to open during the Spring of 2012, and will include animal housing and holding areas, aviary, viewing pavilion, public restrooms, and areas designated for winter animal housing and usage. Preliminary site and building information was reviewed by the board in the summer and fall of 2010, with the quarantine and winter holding area buildings being approved. Additional information on the remainder of the exhibit and buildings has been developed by the design team and will be provided to the board. Scope of Review Board to make recommendation to City Council on: Design review of renovation /remodeling/new construction for City-owned or leased project Design review for urban renewal project with specific development requirements Whether a proposed urban renewal project qualifies for funding from tax increment. Whether the level of financial assistance funded from tax increment revenues proposed for a specific individual project are reasonable and appropriate. The selection of urban renewal sites for clearance or rehabilitation and problems relating to acquisition, clearance or rehabilitation of property, relocation of displaced persons and disposition of acquired property. Skywalk System Other Urban Design Review Board Action: The Board is asked to make its recommendation to City Council regarding the proposed African Exhibit. Staff Recommendation: Approval. Additional Information: This is part of a two phase project to replace the existing zebra-giraffe exhibit with a multiple African species habitat. The first phase will exhibit animals from the grasslands and prairies of the Savannah, with the second phase transitioning to the forests of Africa. The goal will be to educate visitors on the native habitat of each species while providing a suitable dwelling for the animals well being. Included in the exhibit will be buildings for the holding and management of the animals, as well as amenities and event space for the public. The exhibit is thematic, designed to create a link between the exhibits and the actual national park systems that house these animals in their native environment. There will be opportunities to view the animals year round, and the zoo s mission as a conservation organization will be underlined by the sustainability and energy efficiency of the state of the art facility.