Five Flags Civic Center Work SessionCity of Dubuque
City Council Meeting
Copyrighted
December 5, 2022
Work Session - Top # 01.
ITEM TITLE: 5:00 PM - Five Flags Civic Center Work Session
SUMMARY: The work session will commence with a tour at Five Flags, 405 Main St. -
First Floor Box Office. The tour will not be broadcast and will not be
accessible on GoToMeeting.
After the tour, the work session will continue in Council Chambers, 350
W. 6th St. - Second Floor, at 5:30 PM.
SUGGESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Five Flags Civic Center Work Session-MVM Memo City Manager Memo
Staff Memo Staff Memo
Presentation Supporting Documentation
Commission Recommendation Supporting Documentation
Capital Costs - Scenario 2 (Appendix E of 2018 Study Supporting Documentation
and Assessment)
Public Input —Uploaded 12.5.22 Supporting Documentation
THE C
DUjIBQTE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Five Flags Civic Center Work Session
DATE: December 1, 2022
Dubuque
WAWca 914
ii
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware is sharing information related to the City Council
work session on Five Flags Center.
The work session will start at 5:00 p.m. at the Five Flags Civic Center for a brief tour.
The tour will begin at the Locust Street entrance by the Box Office.
v
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Marie Ware, Leisure Services Manager
THE CITY OF
DUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Manager
SUBJECT: Five Flags Civic Center Work Session
DATE: November 30, 2022
INTRODUCTION
Dubuque
MI -America City
2007*2012-2013
2017*2019
The purpose of this memo to share information related to the City Council work session
on Five Flags Civic Center.
DISCUSSION
This packet contains the work session presentation and the recommendation from the
Civic Center Commission. The work session will start at 5:00 p.m. at the Five Flags
Civic Center for a brief tour. The group will meet at the Locust Street entrance by the
Box Office. The work session will then move to the Council Chambers to start at
approximately 5:30 p.m.
ACTION REQUESTED
This is provided for information only for the work session.
r' L--
a
Im
I
IF
0 1 WM4 116r,00"I :$t"bqfCl 10
FIVE FLAB
HISTORY
August 1976 2005
Bond Referendum Renovation
• Over $2 million
0 0 0
Five Flags Civic Center —
Opened 1979
• $3.7 million
01979
City Council Goals and
Priorities
• Five Flags Center
Study High Priority
• Every year since - High
or Top Priority
2016-2023
DUBUQUE CITY COUNCIL
� - GOALS & PRIORITIES
2022 - 2024 High Priorities
[ire alph4bafic-al ardar)
nti o n sJ F L n ri
7
Imagine Dubuque
2037 Call to Action
- 2017
Community
Facilities Section
"Implement future
plans for Five
Flags based on
assessment and
study to better
showcase this
downtown venue"
0
IMAGINE
DUBUQUE
• Site visit and tours
• In -person interviews of local groups and
individuals
• Kickoff and public meetings
• Civic Center Commission input
• Presentations to Chamber, Main Street and
other groups and input from these groups
• Follow-up telephone interviews
• Community survey (1,087 responses)
• Surveys with potential event planners (40+
interviews):
• Touring entertainment event promoters
• Local performing arts organizations
• Flat floor event planners
• Spectator & participatory event/activity
planners
• Study Steering Committee input
• Community input each step that at Council
CIVIC CENTER COMMISSION
INVOLVMENT
Very active in every step and phase of the
process
• Citizen input sessions
• Planning meetings and Council meetings
• Previewing and overviewing the studies
first
• Providing recommendations to the
Council
• Answering citizen questions
ASM GLOBAL INVOLVEMENT
Provided operational data, facility tours,
building specifications, financials and more
A
A
• Market support exists for both arena and
EY theater components.
• FFCC long -served as an important
�NDINGS community asset
0 • Quality of life would be negatively -
impacted without facilities serving these
roles
C..)SESSMENT FFCC Theater is an historic asset that
D STUDY should be protected
• FFCC location is ideal
• FFCC Arena has exceeded its practical
life, functionality/marketability
substandard
• Demand exists to protect/grow FFCC
business with investment
• Highest -and -best -use for FFCC is
multipurpose event complex
FIVE FLAGS EVENTS
EVENT DAYS
FY 13 FY 15 FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 FY 22
FIVE FLAGS EVENTS
TOTAL EVENTS
241 255
210
' 182
156
m
73 '
IF M
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
ARENA THEATER ■OTHER
OTHER is
events in
multiple
locations,
Bijou
Room,
meeting
rooms, etc.
STUDY --
ENGAGEMENT
INPUT
CONSIDER INCORPORATING DURING DESIGN
Seat comfort
Sightlines
W i F i coverage
Quality of sound system
Number of restrooms
10
PROPOSAL FOR COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET FY 23-27
Leisure Services Department
FY 23
Civic Center Division $ 6007000
Total $6, 000, 000
Funding previously budgeted for parking ramp
Approximately $18,000,000
FY 24
$ 2, 900, 000
FY25
$ 2, 500, 000
APPROXIMATE TOTAL FUNDING AVAILABLE $249000,000
PROPOSAL FOR COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION
$24,000,000 FUNDING SOURCE:
Downtown Urban Renewal Bonding
Funding source requires a vote of the City Council. Does not require a
referendum.
Funding source does not increase property taxes.
•
"From day one, it has always been the
Commission's goal to provide an
entertainment center and theater that our
community can be proud of and that will
serve as a destination venue in the
Midwest."
"the Commission strongly supports
investing approximately 24 million dollars
in urban renewal debt capacity into the
Five Flags Center. This funding proposal
appears realistic, innovative and is an
excellent first step to greatly improving the
arena and the historic theater."
r
CURRENT
FIVE FLAGS
FOOTPRINT
.r r
CURRENT FIVE FLAGS FOOTPRINT
El
L
STREET LEVEL
3
=192mim
CONCOURSE LEVEL
SCENARIO 2 -- BUT NOT EXACTLY
U nfront Ca vital Costs
Scanarlo
m t By Type 2
Expansia nfConstru dhon
$Q
Deferred Maintenance
$4_070,000
Life Safety I Cade Compliance
$484,000
sacurKy
5435.000
Event Marketability
$3,815.500
Patron Amenities
$5,297,500
Operations
$2.102,500
Hard Construction Costs
$16_204.500
Soft Construction Costs
$2.430,675
Total Corrstruotian Costs
$18,635 175
Upfront Plus Capital Coss gears 1-15
Expansia nfConstru dhon
$Q
Deferred Maintenance
$7,590.000
Life Safety I Cade Compliance
$583.000
seouri Y
5580.000
Event Marketability
$4 A40,500
Patron Amenities
$6_800,000
Operations
$2.467,500
Hard Construction Costs
$22.451,000
Soft Constructian Costs
$3.369,150
Total Construction Costs
$ ,830l 1
2018 Prelim Costs
CIVIC CENTER DIVISION
CAPITAL
Culture and Recreation
Five Flags Building Improvements
G_C#. Gehl, Greater
Downl
rnvntown TIF
aoa,o00 $ 2,900,Oao $ 2,500,000 $
— $
$
6,IXkU,000 6S
IMPROVEMENT
Arena -Reseal Ballroom Floor
ORA Gaming
5
— $
— $
— $
26.5M $
_
$
29.500 fig
Arena -Paint Exterior Steal Siding
ORA Gaming
5
— S
— $
— $
1113.0m $
—
$
1103.000 70
BUDGET
Arena - Masking Equi pmenl
ORibu A Distrtion
$
— $
41.0M $
—
$
41.000 71
Arena - Lacker)Shower Facililies
ORA Distribution
5
— 5
— $
— $
16.3m
—
$
16,300 72
m
FY 232 7
Arena - Stage Stage Replaceme nt
Arena -Air' andNioner Replacement
ORA Distribution
Greater Dawrdawn TIF
5
— S
$
— $
— $
— $
255.000
—
—
528,000
$
$
Z55.000 73
529.000 74
Arena - Paint Ceiling
Sales Tax Fund (ZD%7
5
— S
— $
— $
—
87,760
$
87.700 75
Arena -Dressing Roams Remade l
Sales Tax Fund (241%)
5
— S
— $
— $
35,000
$
35.000 76
Arena - Scoreboard
Sales Tax Fund (241%)
5
— S
— $
— $
73,000
$
73.000 77
Theater - dressing Rooms Remodel
ORA Gaming
5
— S
— $
— $
54,fl5(1
—
$
M.050 78
Theater - Boiler Replacement
ORA Distribution
5
—
100,000 $
— $
— $
—
$
10).000 79
City of Dubuque
Recommended Capital Improvement Summary
FY 2023 - FY 2027
PROGRAW PROJECT DESCRIPTION
DEPT
SOURCE OF FUNDS
FY 2023
FY 2024
FY 2025
FY 2026
FY 21327
TOTAL
PAGE
LEISURE SERVICES
CIVIC CENTER DIVISION
Culture and Re creation
Theater - Chair Restoration
Sales Tax Fund (241%)
5
— 5
— $
— $
— $
184,000
$
184.000
50
Theater - Orchestra Pit Lift
ORA Dmtrdmtion
5
— 5
— $
— $
256,000 $
—
Z58,000
51
Theater - E.Aerior Awning Addition
Sales Tax Fund (241%7
5
— 5
— $
— $
— $
27,000
27.000
52
Theater - Scene Shop Ramp Removal
Sales Tax Fund (241%7
5
— 5
— $
— $
— $
35,000
35.000
53
Theater - Stage Ourtain Replacement
Sales Tax Fund (241%7
5
- 5
— $
— $
— $
35,560
3B.500
54
Theater - Stage Lighlirg Replacement
Sales Tax Fund (241%
—
— $
— $
— $
125,000
125.000
55
Theater - Plaster Restoration and Paint
Sales Tax Fund (241%
212.000 $
— $
— $
— $
—
$
212.000
56
Theater - Fire Escape
ORA Distribution
127.200 $
— $
— $
— $
—
$
127.200
57
Theater - East Exterior and Interior
Graater Dawnlawn TIF
Restoration
$
— $
— $
— $
— $
30,000
$
30.000
88
Promenade - Remodel Cancession
Sales Tax Fund (241%i
Stand
$
— $
— $
187,000
$
187.000
139
SCENARIO 2 -- BUT NOT EXACTLY
Deferred maintenance
Roof and HVAC
Energy efficiency items
Updated lighting and lighting systems
Life safety/code compliance
New elevator
Increase space on the sidewalk at entrances
Security improvements
Bollards at entrances
Ingress and egress improvements
https://www.citvofdubugue.org/DocumentCenter/View/43430/
Appendix-E--- FFCC
SCENARIO 2 -- BUT NOT EXACTLY
Event Marketability
Flexible seating arrangements
Updated dressing rooms
Upgrades to black box in theater
Enhanced entrances
Patron amenities
ADA
Concessions
Seating
Restrooms
Operations
Electrical systems
POTENTIAL INCORPORATION INTO PROJECT
Civic Center Commission
"the Commission supports utilizing the 24 million dollars on updates to the Five
Flag Center that would not preclude or inhibit the construction of a dual use
facility down the road. YY
M
!;
"Creating a dual use facility
by constructing an outdoor
event plaza
area north
of
the arena is an idea
that
has
been discussed
by
the
Commission
in
the past."
CURRENT RESTROOMS
go
RESTROOMS
22
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Potential
Theater
Lobby
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C'ONVENT€QNS
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me
It
FY 23-24
RFP Process for Architectural Services
(FY 23 budget has $600,000 available for
design)
FY 24-25
Design, Bidding, Initial Construction
01
�! FY 25-26
J:l•
Construction
Construction potentially phased to keep one
portion of Five Flags operational during
construction in another area — to be decided
during design
FUTURE ENGAGEMENT
RFP for Architectural Services
would include a community engagement component
• Civic Center Commission
• User groups of facility — Dubuque Symphony, Fly by Night, and
others
• ASM Global staff and corporate
• Customers
Assist in determine the exact project that will lead to the renovation
project to be completed for Five Flags Civic Center
! .4
4
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30
THE CITY OF
E
DUB
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
November 29, 2022
The Honorable Mayor Brad Cavanagh
& Members of the City Council
Re: Potential Five Flags Capital Project
Dubuque
PA-Amfin CHI
cnu JAM:
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
Dear Mayor Cavanagh and City Council Members:
This letter relates to a recent proposal by City Manager Mike Van Milligen regarding approximately 24 million
dollars in urban renewal debt capacity that may be available to the Five Flags Center in the next few years. At
two recent meetings, Mr. Van Milligen discussed with the Dubuque Five Flags Civic Center Commission how
this funding could greatly improve the customers' and entertainers' experiences at Five Flags Center. Mr. Van
Milligen also provided us with answers to our questions and the dialogue was open and educational.
The Commission has conducted a free flowing and serious discussion regarding Mr. Van Milligen's proposal
and the Commission strongly supports investing approximately 24 million dollars in urban renewal debt
capacity into the Five Flags Center. This funding proposal appears realistic, innovative and is an excellent first
step to greatly improving the arena and the historic theater.
Creating a dual use facility by constructing an outdoor event plaza area north of the arena is an idea that has
been discussed by the Commission in the past. The Kemba Live in Columbus, Ohio and Stage AE in
Pittsburg Pennsylvania are examples of this unique venue model. See the attached summary of the dual use
facility. Constructing a dual use facility using Five Flags Center's current structure has been conceptually
proposed at 35 million dollars (10 million dollars more than the City Manager's funding proposal). Because
the Commission has high hopes for converting the Five Flags Center into a dual use facility in the future, the
Commission supports utilizing the 24 million dollars on updates to the Five Flag Center that would not
preclude or inhibit the construction of a dual use facility down the road.
The Commission supports investing 24 million dollars into the Five Flags Center. From day one, it has always
been the Commission's goal to provide an entertainment center and theater that our community can be proud
of and that will serve as a destination venue in the Midwest.
Sincerely,
Five Flags Civic Center Commission
Rod Bakke, Chair
Bryce Parks, Vice Chair
McKenzie Blau
Brenda Christner
cc: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Manager
Attachment
A revised vision for Five Flags: A venue we need and a budget we can justify.
Proposal by Bryce Parks from conceptual plans started by HR Cook and Five Flags Staff
As we submit out wholehearted support for applying the $24 million to bringing Five Flags to a new and
much needed place for our community, I would like to introduce a plan we had been working on. While we
do not expect this plan to happen in it's entirely immediately, I ask you to look at what can be and how
this current investment of $24 million can be done in a way that steps us toward this longer term end goal,
bringing the upgrades we desperately need, but in a way that leaves to door open to something
wonderful.
When costs elevated to near $100 Million dollars for the preferred Option 4 of the proposed new Five
Flags Arena, staff and commission members saw the writing on the wall before the project was officially
shelved in 2021. But despite the loss of the desired end goal, those who were fighting to see the venue
find a new and vital life in downtown Dubuque did not stop looking for new solutions, taking in community
sentiment, realistic financials, and looking for a fresh and creative approach to what was feared to be a
dream that was slipping away. With the news that the City Council and City Manager have opened a door
to a possible $24 million investment in Five Flags, it's time to make sure that those leaders who set the
vision for the future are aware of an exciting vision for the future that they have until now, not been aware
of.
When you find out what's impossible, you have to discover what IS possible
The City Manager mentioned the idea of a dual use facility that could play indoor or outdoor. Then -
General Manager HR Cook began researching such facilities elsewhere in America. He found some
promising opportunities to complete a renovation of Five Flags that not only addressed the capacity and
amenity upgrade needs of the facility, but did so in a stunningly, financially frugal manner while
introducing a new model for civic centers that would serve as a model for other communities to emulate
Using the facilities Kemba Live in Columbus, OH and Stage AE in Pittsburg, PA as examples, the plan is
as simple as it is ingenious. Without tearing down what we have, the current structure can be augmented
to serve two stages, one indoor facing a north stage as it often does now, and one that opens the wall
behind the stage to serve a beautiful amphitheater park across 5th Street to host concerts, festivals and
more. The outdoor stage would utilize permanent stage, light, sound and projection screens that power
the stage no matter the set-up. Parks grants for turning asphalt into green space again can be a target for
additional funding.
The plan begins with moving the North wall of Five Flags out about 20 feet toward 5th Street. The street
could remain open for one lane of westbound traffic. This expands the footprint of the existing arena to
accommodate more space. About 60-feet at the center of the wall would open with movable doors to
allow performances to play out to the open air. Automated bollards can close off the remaining 5th Street
to traffic for these shows, using that street space as up front VIP seating or standing room with a terraced
park -like amphitheater setting behind it. Both the inside and outside of the building would have giant
projection screens on each side of the stage that can be served by a simple two -camera set-up to make
every seat in the house an up -close -and -personal experience for each show. A permanent steel canopy
is pre -rigged for sound and lights and also serves as an attractive architectural element to the re -
imagined building exterior. The entire building would also get an exterior wrap or facelift to make it more
modern or better fit the neighborhood.
Inside the arena, the old bleachers at the East (Main St) and West (Locust St.) sides of the area are
removed and an approximately 40 foot wide section of that space is infilled with amenities critical to the
function of the facility. The West (Locust St.) side, would house support services that serve the show itself
including catering, dressing rooms, showers, production rooms, load -in storage, and "backstage" needs.
The load -in door would move from the East end of 5th Street to the west end of the same side of the
building. Support parking for the buses and semis from the touring shows would be where the gas station
used to be, directly across from the new load -in door, in addition to parking behind the Post Office along
5th Street.
On the East Side, that 40 foot -plus space is infilled with customer service amenities that would serve both
indoor and outdoor shows. No more festival porta potties. Bathrooms, concessions, and bar area would
be accessed from the ends. This could also house a small kitchen.
New seating (NOT bleachers, real seats) would be built on top of these built out areas, 40 feet deep and
they would step up to the upper mezzanine, allowing for a walkway around the arena to access those
seats, the first floor balcony, and the amenities on that upper mezzanine behind the main (existing) arena
seats. Telescoping seats could then also extend out in front of those new built-in areas to extend the new
seats to the floor. Thus, the reason to access the amenities beneath from the ends. Those telescoping
seats could remain retracted to allow for wider floor standing or floor seats, giving the venue a more
eclectic feel similar to the exciting new Sylvee entertainment venue in Madison, only larger. With more
seating on 3 sides, many shows would likely not need floor seating, opting for GA standing, especially for
shows appealing to younger audiences.
The center entrance (Gate B) to the floor of the arena from the concourse, currently not used for shows,
would become the main entrance and Gate C (Main Street side) would be an entrance, though
restructured to add more restrooms. The existing dressing rooms on the Main Street side would be taken
out to accommodate more bar areas and restrooms. The locker rooms under the current seats would be
removed and replaced, once again, with restrooms and potential concessions, greatly expanding the
access and amount of those facilities, which is a high priority for show attendees. Gate A (Locust) access
into the arena from the concourse would be eliminated to accommodate the extensive needs of the
support services build -out. The box office entrance to the concourse from Locust Street would remain.
What was formerly the "party zone" for hockey games and now is primarily storage, the upper mezzanine
open area at the southeast corner of the arena, can become a unique bar area with views of the stage
and easy access to the new seats above the East end build -outs. Underutilized mezzanine space space
by Gate G (southwest corner outside the arena) could become expanded bar space and the Orpheum
Room could become a private lounge.
Former broadcasting and scorekeeper booths behind the last row of main seats could be transformed into
2 private suites. Those suites, as well as the newly opened upper level seats in the Five Flags Theater
world be accessible from a renovated elevator in its current location, serving the facility on the Theater
side of the upper mezzanine, with a skywalk to the arena. These suites can be fairly easily served with
catering from the new kitchen under the East side seats.
The entire arena venue would now feel more intimate, with seats closer to and above the stage. It's an
eclectic arena feel that most have not experienced before. A show of 500 could feel as intimate as a show
of 4500. And with a removable raised stage inside the building, the set-up would still allow for a full-sized
basketball court, rodeo set-up, sports tournaments, and other arena style shows that that are already
popular in the venue. So, the Five Flags Arena would remain a multi -function space.
Capacity would stay approximately the same or increase, but there is a significant improvement. All
seats would be fixed and not bleachers. Bleacher seating is one of the biggest areas of customer
complaint in the current venue and the reason bleacher shows are avoided as much as possible.
Upgrades to the Theater would remain in line with what was planned for Option 2 of the proposed
renovations, which include access to the arena mezzanine bathrooms from the theater, as well as
opening up the top level of the balcony to seating with elevator access. That would give the venue 900-
950 seats instead of 750 and allow for a new level of acts to consider the venue while touring.
Architect David Geisel, who also designed the Grand River Center, toured the facility to help envision how
the space could incorporate all of these amenities and upgrades. He is known for his arena and larger
venue designs. Though his assessment was a ballpark figure, he estimated the cost to turn Five Flags
Arena into this kind of facility to be roughly $30-35 million. Not $68 or 92 million, the numbers that were at
times associated with Option 4. This new estimate did not include the renovations to the Theater. With a
possible infusion of $24 million into possible upgrades to Five Flags, this very modern, eclectic and
enviable civic venue is within reach from that base investment.
This design gives up very little from what was desired of Option 4. It does so at 1/3 the cost and it
elevates the whole project in an incredible way to open downtown Dubuque up to an array of outdoor
entertainment and cultural opportunities. It takes all the pressure off downtown and closing Main Street at
the Town Clock for events. It opens up revenue production for summer shows because people don't want
to be inside in the Summer and thus show booking drops way off that time of year. And if it rains, you turn
around and put it inside.
Also, with built-in sound and lights, upwards of $10,000 could be saved per show. When a band and a
promoter see that they can save thousands of dollars on your venue vs another venue, you book more
shows and everyone makes more money. More accessible bathrooms and concessions means higher
per -cap concession sales on every show as well, directly benefiting the venue's bottom line.
When I realized the potential, I got excited on a level I didn't even have for Option 4. 1 believe we would
be a destination venue. One that that other cities are already wanting to do, but we have things they don't
have. We have the land and an existing building to modify. Other communities have to start from scratch
making it cost -prohibitive. We're potentiality in a perfect place to leverage the existing structure to make it
a reality on a shoestring budget, compared to starting over. I feel the creativity and vision in this forward -
looking idea, driven by need and cost-consciousness, is an amazing revelation for what may have been a
dream lost. I hope you agree that it is our chance to reclaim that dream and do so in a way we didn't
realize was even possible.
Many of the changes that would need to occur inside the building to step toward this long-range goal
could be accomplished under the current proposed $24 budget. Obviously, moving the wall out, opening it
up and converting a parking lot to an amphitheater would be a part 2 for a later date. But a part 2 that
might carry a $10-15 million price tag (before private investment, naming rights, etc. are factored in). Not
a 50 million dollar cost.
Please also reference to attached images to help you see how it works in the the real world. There really
are no interior comparables to show as that part of the renovation would truly be unique in America, and
that part could happen with the $24 million.
Thank you for your time and vision.
PROPOSED
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APPENDIX E:
CAPITAL COST ESTIMATES
FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER ASSESSMENET AND STUDY
Appendix E: Capital Cost Estimates
_ FEH DESIGN 0 BetschAssociates
CONVENTIONS
CSQ11
LEISURE
APPENDIX E: Capital Cost Estimates
Comparison of Estimated Capital Construction, Repair & Replacement Costs over 15-Yr Projection Period
(All figures are shown in current 2018 dollars)
A Expansion/Construction
1 Site Acquisition Site Purchase of convenience store $0 $0
-
2 Site Construction Site Store demolition $0 $0
3 Site Construction Site Sitework/ utility relocation $0 $0
4 Construction Arena FFC Demolition $0 $0
5
Construction
Arena
FFC Interior Renovation
$0
$0
6
Construction
Arena
Roof Replacement
$0
$0
7
Construction
Arena
Construction of 6000 seat arena and support areas
$0
$0
8
Construction
Theatre
General interior renovation
$0
$0
A - Subtotal
-
$0
B Deferred Maintenance
1
Improve building
signage
Arena
Replace existing marquee- Project has been funded
$100,000
$200,000
2
Improve building
efficiency
Arena
Replace rooftop package HVAC unit and upgrade system
$800,000
$1,600,000
3
Improve building
efficiency
Arena
Replace arena lighting with dimmable LED fixtures
$300,000
$600,000
4
Improve building
efficiency
Arena
Replace hard wired dimming system
$48,000
$48,000
5
Improve building
envelope
Arena
Replace arena roof
$300,000
$600,000
6
Improve building
efficiency
Arena
Replace emergency generatorw/ natural gas equipm't in 10 years
$125,000
$125,000
7
Improve building
efficiency
Arena
Remove existing fuel oil tank in 10 years
$200,000
$200,000
8
Improve building
envelope
Arena
Tuck point brick on arena
$400,000
$700,000
9
Improve building
envelope
Arena
Insulate walls and roof
$400,000
$400,000
10
Improve building
envelope
Arena
Add gutter and drains at entry
$30,000
$60,000
11
Improve building
circulation
Arena
Replace elevatorto bring up to code and to increase load capacity
$150,000
$200,000
12
Improve finishes
Arena
Paint interior of arena
$300,000
$600,000
13
Improve finishes
Arena
Repair concrete on arena floor
$60,000
$120,000
14
Improve finishes
Arena
Replace stage curtains
$30,000
$30,000
15
Improve building
signage
Theatre
Install marquee/ awning at exterior entance
$60,000
$60,000
16
Improve building
efficiency
Theatre
Replace original flyrail
$300,000
$450,000
17
Improve building
efficiency
Theatre
Prepare structural grid study
$7,000
$7,000
18
Improve building
envelope
Theatre
Repair basement stone on theatre
$50,000
$50,000
19
Improve building
envelope
Theatre
Tuck point brick on theatre within 10 years
$300,000
$75,000
20
Improve building
envelope
Theatre
Replace theatre roof
$75,000
$375,000
21
Improve building
efficiency
Theatre
Replace stage lighting and provide LED fixtures in theatre lobby
$400,000
$550,000
22
Improve building
efficiency
Theatre
Replace rooftop package HVAC unit and upgrade system
$100,000
$100,000
23
Improve building
efficiency
Theatre
Replace stage lighting dimmers
$100,000
$140,000
24
Improve finishes
Theatre
Replace window woodwork and wood structure
$50,000
$75,000
25
Improve finishes
Theatre
Replace stage curtains
$50,000
$80,000
26
Improve finishes
Theatre
Replace stage wood floor
$25,000
$25,000
27
Improve finishes
Theatre
Paint interior of theatre and repair plaster
$60,000
$120,000
B - Subtotal
$7,590,000
C Life Safetv / Code Compliance
1
Increase space on sidewalk
Arena
Remove entry vestibule and rework entrance
$110,000
$110,000
2
Provide added safety devices
Arena
Add defribulators and oxygen recharging stations
$15,000
$15,000
3
Increase access to seating
Arena
Move dressing rooms to open up eastern entrance - No solution
$0
$0
4
Increase entrance/ exit capacity
Arena
Add doors to exterior walls
$24,000
$48,000
5
Increase entrance/ exit capacity
Arena
Provide added exits in north wall - No solution
$0
$0
6
Improve fall protection in theatre
Theater
Provide fall protection and roof rails
$85,000
$125,000
7
Need EMS access to balconies
Theater
Provide new elevator with access to all levels with new platforms
$250,000
$285,000
C - Subtotal
$583,000
D
Security
1
Increase limited visual surveillance
Arena
Provide video camera system and security office for arena/theatre
$250,000
$350,000
2
Need protective barriers at exterior
Arena
Add precast concrete bollards at entrances (24)
$50,000
$50,000
3
Need detention area
Arena
Provide security office
$35,000
$35,000
4
Improve poor box office security
Arena
Relocate box office with up to date systems
$85,000
$130,000
5
Improve poor box office security
Theater
Provide safe alarm for box offices
$15,000
$15,000
D - Subtotal
$580,000
E Event Marketabil
Appendix E: Capital Cost Estimates Page E-4
APPENDIX E: Capital Cost Estimates
Comparison of Estimated Capital Construction, Repair & Replacement Costs over 15-Yr Projection Period
(All figures are shown in current 2018 dollars)
1
Improve building access
Arena
Adjust mailing address to agree with main entrance
$0
$0
2
Improve building access
Arena
Replace ADA ramps to reduce slope
$17,500
$17,500
3
Reduce pull weight of entrance doors
Arena
Replace exterior door closers (22)
$5,500
$5,500
4
Premium seating
Arena
Provide club seating
$150,000
$150,000
5
Premium seating
Arena
Provide private and party suites - No solution
$0
$0
6
Cannot use dressing rooms in summer
Arena
Provide air conditioning and heat in locker/ dressing rooms
$300,000
$400,000
7
Increase dressing room capacity
Arena
Provide 6 large and 2 small dressing rooms - No solution
$0
$0
8
Improve sound seal at Blue wall
Arena
Replace operable wall and add east/west walls
$505,000
$505,000
9
Need increased arena seating capacity
Arena
No solution
$0
$0
10
Need increased arena seating capacity
Arena
Add seating sections to to the north and east
$0
$0
11
Improve inadequate exhaust system
Arena
Provide smoke exhaust system
$250,000
$250,000
12
Cannot create ice in warm weather
Arena
No solution
$0
$0
13
Cannot create ice in warm weather
Arena
Provide new ice floor
$0
$0
13
Provide flexible seating arrangements
Arena
Replace telescopic seating with seating in separate sections
$1,300,000
$1,300,000
14
Increase rigging capacity and capability
Arena
Provide expanded rigging grid and provide 150,000 pound capacity
$80,000
$80,000
15
Increase height to bottom of structure
Arena
No solution
$0
$0
16
Provide better identification of entrances
Arena
Provide enhanced exterior entrance design
$250,000
$350,000
17
Need increased catering capacity
Arena
Provide catering kitchen - No solution
$0
$0
18
Improve event capability
Arena
Provide portable staging and risers
$85,000
$85,000
19
Improve event capability
Arena
Provide folding tables
$25,000
$25,000
20
Need adequate wing space for stage
Theater
No solution
$0
$0
21
Need adequate dressing rooms
Theater
Renovate basement area to provide new dressing rooms
$150,000
$150,000
22
Increase rigging forsound system
Theater
Provide rigging points above the stage in the fly loft
$35,000
$35,000
23
Need adequate space in orchestra pit
Theater
Rework orchestra pit floor and add lift
$300,000
$300,000
24
Improve event capability
Theater
Provide concert grand piano for theatre and arena
$180,000
$180,000
25
Improve event capability
Theater
Provide upright piano
$17,500
$17,500
26
Improve event capability
Theater
Provide folding tables
$15,000
$15,000
27
Improve event capability
Theater
Provide Street Level offices for the Symphony
$0
$0
28
Improve small theatre facility
Theater
Provide upgrades for black box theatre (Allowance)
$150,000
$225,000
29
Increase theatre seating capacity
Theater
Renovate third floor balcony (Allowance) in 10 years
$350,000
$350,000
E - Subtotal
$4,440,500
F Patron Amenities
1
Improve poor wi-fi access
Arena
Provide updated wi-fi system
$250,000
$450,000
2
Provide weather cover at entrance
Arena
Add entrance canopy
$75,000
$75,000
3
Improve ADA and box office access
Arena
Provide drop-off at new entrance (See Life Safety item above)
$0
$0
4
Need improved ADA access
Arena
Renovate existing toilets
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
5
Need improved concession service
Arena
Replace concession equipment
$60,000
$250,000
6
Need improved concession service
Arena
Renovate concession stands and provide mobile carts
$800,000
$1,300,000
7
Need improved concession service
Arena
Provide additional concession stands
$0
$0
8
Improve concourse finishes/ acoustics
Arena
Replace concourse carpet and floor tile without grout joints
$150,000
$210,000
9
Provide stroller and wheelchair storage
Arena
Provide new closet in concourse
$15,000
$15,000
10
Limited hospitalty and concourse areas
Arena
Provide hospitality area and party suites - No solution
$0
$0
11
Improve poor theatre acoustics
Arena
Provide added sound absorption and reflective clouds
$65,000
$65,000
12
Improve patron comfort
Arena
Replace 1500 fixed seats
$300,000
$300,000
13
Improve patron comfort
Arena
Replace 2400 riser seats
$1,560,000
$1,560,000
14
Improve room acoustics
Arena
Replace arena sound system
$550,000
$825,000
15
Need increased toilet capacity
Theater
Renovate back existing toilet not being used
$75,000
$75,000
16
Improve finishes in theatre
Theater
Replace concourse carpet and floor tile without grout joints
$45,000
$65,000
17
Need largertheatre lobby
Theater
Renovate arena concourse to serve as expanded theatre lobby
$65,000
$65,000
18
Improve patron comfort
Theater
Renovate theatre historic seating
$187,500
$375,000
19
Improve room acoustics
Theater
Replace sound system
$100,000
$170,000
F - Subtotal
$6,800,000
G Operations
1
Need 2" deck under telescopic seating
Arena
Provide 2" concrete fill under west telescopic risers
$27,500
$27,500
2
Improve inefficient electrical systems
Arena
Increase electrical capacity (1200 amps) and provide shore power
$175,000
$175,000
3
Improve inefficient electrical systems
Arena
Replace feeder cable with 4/0, 5 wire cable
$5,000
$5,000
4
Improve inadequate loading areas
Arena
Provide loading dock with 3 service bays and compactor
$75,000
$75,000
5
Improve number and image of offices
Arena
Renovate existing administrative office area
$210,000
$210,000
6
Upgrade production capabilities
Arena
Remodel press box as a production area
$75,000
$75,000
7
Upgrade production capabilities
Arena
Provide arena curtain trussing
$50,000
$50,000
Appendix E: Capital Cost Estimates Page E-5
APPENDIX E: Capital Cost Estimates
Comparison of Estimated Capital Construction, Repair & Replacement Costs over 15-Yr Projection Period
(All figures are shown in current 2018 dollars)
8
Upgrade production capabilities
Arena
Provide 21 chain hoists
$85,000
$170,000
9
Upgrade production capabilities
Arena
Provide 2 chain hoist motor controls and control cable
$20,000
$40,000
10
Upgrade production capabilities
Arena
Provide double hung lighting truss
$0
$100,000
11
Need more space for snow removal
Arena
Improve access to exterior plaza and sidewalk areas (Allowance)
$0
$25,000
12
Improve limited grease trap capacity
Arena
Provide additional under countertraps in concession stands
$0
$40,000
13
Need upgraded equipment
Arena
Replace follower spotlights (4)
$0
$100,000
14
Need upgraded equipment
Arena
Provide basketball floorwith new finish and storage carts
$0
$300,000
15
Need upgraded equipment
Arena
Remove existing goals from structure and replace basketball goals
$0
$100,000
16
Improve inefficient electrical systems
Theatre
Provide shore power at theatre
$0
$75,000
17
Improve inefficient mechanical systems
Theatre
Replace steam HVAC system with ducted air system in theatre
$0
$500,000
18
Need upgraded equipment
Theatre
Replace theatre follower spotlights (2)
$0
$50,000
18
Need increased theatre rigging capacity
Theatre
Provide structural modifications for front of stage rigging system
$0
$300,000
19
Improve inadequate office areas
Theatre
Upgrade theatre office and production areas
$0
$50,000
G -Subtotal
$2,467,500
CONSTRUCTION COST
$22,461,000
FEES, FF&E, SOFT COSTS, CONTINGENCY
$3,369,150
TOTAL - SCENARIO 2
$25,830,150
Appendix E: Capital Cost Estimates Page E-6
Adrienne Breitfelder
From: Citizen Support Center <dubuqueia@mycusthelp.net>
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 3:29 AM
To: Adrienne Breitfelder
Subject: "Contact Us" inquiry from City of Dubuque website
f
1 This sender is trusted
Attachment:
Dubuque City Council.docx
Contact Us
Name: Doug Donald
Address: 2920 Arbor Oaks Ct
Ward: 2
Phone:5635806444
Email: dsdplay69@gmail.com
City Department: City Council
Message:
1
Dubuque City Council
Dubuque, Iowa
Doug Donald
2920 Arbor Oaks Court
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
563-580-6444
Members of the City Council:
Sorry to be contacting you so close to the work session you will be holding on Five Flags but I
have been involved in a project that has taken a great deal of my time and I am just getting
around to sending you a few thoughts. Plus, I must confess that it seems that every time I was
getting close to forming those thoughts the ground would shift concerning the direction the
future of Five Flags would take. Understanding the demands your position on the council puts
upon you and the short period of time between this communication and your meeting, I will try
and be brief. I will be dealing with two areas.
I should also preface my thoughts by letting you know that my first job after moving to
Dubuque in 1979 was at the Civic Center, right after it opened. Also, that I am the founding
artistic director and current board member of Fly -By -Night Productions, a theatre company that
performs in the Bijou Room. In fact, we performed in the Bijou Room during our first season 40
years ago. However, I am contacting you as a private citizen and not as a representative of Fly -
By -Night.
First, it is my hope as you move forward on deciding the future of Five Flags that you will
change the name of the facility. I understand that this involves time and money, but
it needs to be done. As to what it should be changed to, I have no thoughts: perhaps it might be
a task for the Five Flags Commission. If called upon I would be willing to help in any way.
To explain, this started for me as I am working on a land acknowledgment statement for Fly -By -
Night Productions, to be included in the programs for our plays. As I was doing this, I was struck
by the fact we perform in a city building whose name only recognizes what happened in the
area after it was invaded and conquered by Europeans; it totally ignores the thousands of years
that an Indigenous culture existed in this area and that we live on what once was native land.
Many different nations occupied this land; among them were the Ho -Chunk, loway, Otoe,
Missouria, Meskwaki, Sauk, Potawatomi, Dakota, and Lakota. I have been proud of the city's
efforts in the areas of DEI, BIPOC and AAPI; all of the city's efforts to increase diversity and
belonging in our community. But calling the civic center Five Flags goes against those efforts.
Especially given the connection between the individual, Dubuque, our city is named for and that
Indigenous culture. If we are to put our words into affirmative action, we must find a different
name for the theatre and the civic center. It would also seem to me that this would be the ideal
time for such a change given the future changes that might happen to the building.
The next section you do not need to read if you have already decided on what needs to be done
within the current footprint of the civic center as what follows are my thoughts on what to do
with the building that differ from various ideas I have heard. They come from having worked
within the building in many different capacities and over a long period of time. This leads me to
approach the future of the building based on three starting points.
One, the design of the building's interior footprint simply does not work for a modern arena;
limiting the type of events it can be used for and adding to the cost of running it. I know you
know many of them such as seating limits and lack of bathrooms. I will add 3 others, but I could
add more. If they have already been brought to your attention, I apologize. The ceiling is too
low for modern staging practices. This has been a complaint from the very beginning; this limits
the number and types of productions that want to use it. There is no freight elevator, adding to
the time it takes to change over from one event to another; again, adding to the cost of running
the building, but also limiting what can be done using the lower and upper levels of the facility.
The storage space is too small and is not connected directly to the arena, which again adds to
the time it takes to change over events, adds to cost and limits the variety of uses.
Two, over time there have just been too many "small cuts" to the arena in terms of uses and
competition. When the Grand River Center was built it was decided that Five Flags could no
longer be booked for conventions or activities such as Home Shows or RV and Boat shows.
When the Ice Center was built it took all ice activities from the building. University of Dubuque
built the Heritage Center. Now there are plans to build an amphitheater on the island. Plus, it
seems between the mood of the city and the economy there is no desire to build a larger arena.
Three, the Five Flags complex is the only facility in the area that if available for use by
community groups to use. Groups such as the Dubuque Symphony, the Julien Dubuque
International Film Festival, and yes, even Fly -By -Night Productions. I would hope that would
remain a focus of the center in the future.
So, since you are not taking it bigger in the future, why not think smaller. Use the foot print of
the building to create and community -based art facility, centered around the Five Flags Theatre.
I don't want to take up your time here, so without going into great details, I believe the
following general items could be achieved.
The following would make the Five Flags Theatre more attractive to both audience and
performers. Thereby increasing its use and the attendance.
• Increase the lobby size of the theatre. Providing more space for an audience to wait
during inclement weather or get out of the heat.
• Increase the number of bathrooms on the main floor of the theatre.
• Provide a proper box office.
• Provide a concessions area with seating at tables, a small stage for performances before
a show and/or at intermission.
• Provide more off-stage area on the stage making the theatre available for a greater
variety of activities and events.
• Provide a hydraulic lift pit allowing it to easily be set at one level when an orchestra is
needed or at floor level when more seating is needed, or at stage level when a larger
stage is required.
• Provide a hydraulic lift trapdoor in the stage increasing the ways it can be used.
• Provide more modern dressing rooms and backstage bathrooms for the performers.
Using the rest of the arena space you could do the following.
• Create a small performance space, seating around 125 to 150 audience members;
something the city does not have for community organizations, but is needed. I would
note here the Bijou Room will never be an optimal performance space for a number of
reasons.
• Create a small art gallery that can focus on local art and be open when other events in
the center are happening.
• Move the cities Art and Cultural office to the facility. They would then be centered in
the middle of the downtown cultural corridor.
• You would still be able to adapt the north wall to create an outdoor space.
I know it seems like a lot but I believe it all could be done and would serve the needs of the city
well.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time. I thank you for both
taking time to give a hearing to my thoughts and for your service to the city. Finally, I do hope
you take into consideration my first point.
Doug Donald
2920 Arbor Oaks Court
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
563-580-6444