Chaplain Schmitt Island Redevelopment PlanCity of Dubuque
Special Meeting
Copyrighted
February 12, 2024
Work Session - Bottom # 01.
ITEM TITLE: Chaplain Schmitt Island Redevelopment Plan
SUMMARY: Dubuque Racing Association President and CEO Alex Dixon and
consultants from RDG Planning & Design will present the
Redevelopment Plan for Chaplain Schmitt Island.
SUGGESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
MVM Memo City Manager Memo
Staff Memo Staff Memo
Presentation 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: Work Session — Chaplain Schmitt Island Redevelopment Plan
DATE: February 8, 2024
Dubuque
WAWca 914
ii
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
Economic Development Director Jill Connors is submitting information for the February
12, 2024, work session at 6:00 p.m. for a presentation from Dubuque Racing
Association President and CEO Alex Dixon and consultants from RDG Planning &
Design on the Redevelopment Plan for Chaplain Schmitt Island.
v
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
CC' Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Jill Connors, Economic Development Director
Alex Dixon, Dubuque Racing Association President & CEO
Dubuque
THE CITY OF
All -America My
nni K xvni , nz: a:u�ir,
DUB E
2007-2012.2013
Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2017*2019
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Jill M. Connors, Economic Development Director
Economic Development
Department
1300 Main Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4763
Office (563) 589-4393
TTY (563) 690-6678
http://www.cityofdubuque.org
SUBJECT: Work Session — Chaplain Schmitt Island Redevelopment Plan
DATE: February 7, 2024
During a February 12, 2024 work session at 6:00 PM, Alex Dixon from DRA and
consultants from RDG Planning & Design will present the Redevelopment Plan for
Chaplain Schmitt Island to the City Council. Multiple City staff will also be in attendance
to address questions, as needed.
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Development Vision
Schmitt Island
Development Plan Purpose — Why Now.?
1. Significant investments are being made which will change Schmitt Island's standing within the community
and region.
1. Casino Renovation
2. Hotel Expansion
3. Amphitheater
4. Raise Grant / 16t" Street Improvements
2. Market conditions have changed considerably over the past year, and especially from 2014/2017
3. The demand for natural resource / water centric activities have never been higher over the past 25 years —
there is an opportunity to capitalize on Schmitt Island's location and proximity to the river.
Schmitt Island
Plan Objectives
1. To fulfill the island's vision of "Dubuque's Gateway to Entertainment and the Mississippi," creating a
regional destination.
2. To create a place where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can experience Dubuque's beauty
and high quality of life.
3. To leverage the significant public and private investments that have been made within and around the
island.
4. To attract investment from Local, Regional and national sources, serving as a model development for
Dubuque's riverfront.
5. To ensure commercial, residential, entertainment and recreation uses are "right sized" and in sync with
the market.
Schmitt Island
Plan Objectives Continued...
6. To review existing city ordinances or policies that may impact how development occurs on the Island.
7. To evaluate the regulatory impacts on floodplain and floodway development, specific to this development
initiative.
8. To restore and enhance the island's natural resources.
9. To evaluate the Island's infrastructure and mobility opportunities.
10. To determine the highest and best development use, given these objectives.
Schmitt Island
Policy Alignment
LOOKING AHEAD
Over the course of three sessions in
August, City Council members affirmed
the 6-year vision statement and
mission statement and identified eight
five-year goals for the city.
They also identified top and high
priorities for a 2023-2025 policy agenda
as well as in -progress projects and
capital projects for 2023-2025.
FIVE-YEAR GOALS: 2023 - 2025
• Vibrant Community: Healthy and Safe
• Financially Responsible, High -Performance City Organization:
Sustainable, Equitable, and Effective Service Delivery
• Robust Local Economy: Diverse Businesses and Jobs with
Economic Prosperity
• Livable Neighborhoods and Housing: Great Place to Live
• Sustainable Environment: Preserving and Enhancing Natural
Resources
• Connected Community: Equitable Transportation, Technology
Infrastructure, and Mobility
• Diverse Arts, Culture, Parks, and Recreation Experiences and
Activities
• Partnership for a Better Dubuque: Building Our Community
that is Viable, Livable, and Equitable
Option LHousing
Option 2' Retaii
Schmitt Island
2017
L-13
Development
Program
Schmitt Island
2024 Development Program Establishment
1. Developer Interviews
2. Stakeholder Meetings
3. Market Research
4. Development Program
5. Regulatory Review
6. Development Costs
7. Policy Considerations
8. Highest and Best Use
Schmitt Island
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Apartments— Scheme 1 Level 2 -3
Name I Count jArea/qn Unit I Extension I Remarks
Residential Units
01 1 BD A
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
24
610
SF
14,640
33,3% Unit Mix
v0.02 1 BD B.
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
28
750
SF
21�=
38.9% Unit Mix
00.03 2BDA
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
8
971
SF
7,768
11%Unit Mix
00.04 2 BD B.05
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
4
11
SF
4,420
5.6% Unit Mix
00.05 2 6D C
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
4
1190
SF
4,360
5.6% Unit Mix
00.05 2 BD D
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
4
1218
SF
4,872
5.6% Unit Mix
SUBTOTAL RESIDENTIAL UNITS
72
52,88
01DO Resident Support
01.01 UPPER LEVELCORRIDOR
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
2
3,718
SF
7,435
01.02 ELEVATOR
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
3
140
SF
420
01.03 STAIR #1
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
3
260
SF
780
01.04 STAIR #2
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
3
260
SF
780
01.05 STAIR 43
3
260
SF
780
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
01.05 MECH / ELEC / TRASH
1
620
SF
620
SU BTOTAL R ESI DENTIAL SU PPORT
10f816
02.00 PublirSpace
02.01..LOBBY 1
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
1764
SF 1,764
02.02 COMMON ROOM 2
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
810
SF 1,620
02.03 COMMON DECK 2
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
749
SF 1,498
02.04 TENANT SPACE 2
3,916
SF 7,832
SUBTOTAL PUBLIC SPACE
4,882
Subtotal - Net assign abieSF (NSF) (01-10) SF 5R,286
Subtota BuildingFactor- Non -assignable SF 0.10 SF 6,829 (%=Walls, Chases, Pathways,
Interstitial spaces)
TOTAL FLOOR AREA
751115
................i.............................................................................................................. ¢ ..................... .................. ......................................................................................................
1.............................................................................................................................................................................
NOTE: DOES NOT INCLUDE AREA OF COVERED PARKING ORSUFACEATLE•,EL1
❑ 1 BD A Unit — (610SQ FT) ❑ 1 BD B Unit — (750 SQ FT) ❑ 2 BD Unit — (971-1218 SQ FT)
Schmitt Island
13
Hotel
Name Gaunt Area/Qnty Unit Extension
07.00 Guestn-mg
07.01 QUEEN STUDIO
73
323
SF 23,579
07.02 QUEEN ONE BEDROOM
4
491
SF 1,964
07.03 QUEEN STUDIO -CONNECTING
23
323
SF 7,429
07.04 QUEEN STUDID-ACCESSIBLE
3
451
SF 1,353
0 7. 05 DU EEN ONE BEDROOM -ACCESSIBLE
4
554
SF Z216
SUBTOTAL GUESTROOMS
107
36,541
08.00 Guestroom
08.01 GROUND LEVELCORRIDOR
1
675
5F
675
08.O UPPER LEVELCORRIDOR
_.. _ _...
3
3,150
SF
_SF
3,450
03.03 ELEVATOR
4
140
5W
08.04 LINEN (UPPER LEVELS)
3
133
SF
399
03.05 ENGINEERING
1
SD
SF
8D
................ ................. ................. ..................
0806 HOUSEKEEPING
.................
3
.................
247
SF
.... ........ ........ ........ ........
741
0807 ICE:GROUND LEVEL,1 ....
1
. .. 80
..SF
..80
090810E UPPER LEVELS)
_.. _ _...
3
25
SF
_SF
75 _
W.09 STAIR NI _. -_..
4
_ 1,w
_..
w
-5W
03.10 STAIRR2
4
I'm
SF
08.11 STORAGE
1
70
SF
70
09.12 ELEVATOR LOBBY (UPPER LEVELS]
3
nsl
SF
697
........... ........ ............ .........
08.13 MECAHNCAIL
...
1
..... ....
440
..........
SF
.............. .........
1 440
SUBTOTALGUESTROOM SUPPORT
8,377
09.00 PublicSpace-
09.01 MAIN VESTIBULE
09.02 REAR VESTIBULE
09.03 RECEPTION
09.04 RETAIL
09.D5 GATHERING ROOM
09.06 BREAKFAST SERVING COUNTER
0907 COMMUNIITY TABLE SEATING
09.09 LUGGAGE CART STORAGE
09.09 PU BUC LAUNDRY . ........... ...
09.10 PUBLIC CIRCULATION
09.11 ELEVATOR LOBBY -----_-
SUBTOTAL PUBLIC SPACE
10.00 Public Space Support
10.01 EMPLOYEE BREAK ROOM
10.02 FRONT DESK
10.03 MANAGER'S OFFICE
J. 1004 SALES OFFICE
10.05 EMPLOYEE WORKSTATION
10.05 PBX ROOM
10.07 PANTRY - -
10.03 MACHANICALRDOM 1
1009 MECHANICALROOM 2
10.10 LAUNDRY
10. 11 STORE ROOM
10.12 POOLEQUIPMENT
10.13 PDDLMECHANCIAL
10.14 ELEVATOR EQUIPMENT
10.15 ELEVATOR VESTIBULE
10.16 ELECTRICAL ROOM
10.17 STORAGE
SUBTOTAL PUBUCSUPPORT
I1,986
11.OR Recreation Facilities
11.01 POOLAREA-Indoor
1
1580 SF
1,580
11.02 PQOL RFSTRDOMS
1
84 SF
84
1103 FITNESS CENTER
-
1
525 5F
_- -I
525
- - -
I*
SUBTOTALRECRLATIDNALFACH-HRES
2.189-
(Subtotal Building FactorNon-assignable SF 0.10 SF I 5182 !%eWitiaslsh.-Pathways,
Schmitt Island 14
9
lop*
161
Ir
-•AL
�.
36
d
Azu'ro-1 re
0
jo�Al
Alf
Ice Arena Addition
No. space/ Room Name Count Area / Qnty Unit Interior Exterior
04.00 Ice Center Addition
04.01
.......
Ice Rink Size
......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .........
1
.........
11,000 SF
......... .........
17,000
........ .........
..................
04.02
Spectator Seating
1
1,600 SF
1,600
-
....
..... ..... ..... ... ....
Seat Count
....
300
...... .....
.....
... .. .
.....
04.03
University of Dubuque - Men's Clubhouse
1
SF
1,720
-
Locker Room, Shower, & Restroom
1
SF
1,500
-
J1,500
Coaches Office
2
110 SF
220
04.04
......... ..................
University of Dubuque - Women's Clubhouse
Locker Room, Shower, & Restroom
1
..........
SF
1,720
-
1
1,500 SF
1,500
Coaches Office
2
110 SF
220
04.05
Locker Rooms - Tournament
4
660 SF
440 SF
2,200 -
1,760
Locker Room
4
Restroom / Shower
2
220 SF
440
04.06 Training Room
1
250 SF
250
04.07 Mech / Ice Equipment Storage
1
2,580 SF
2,580 -
04.08 Spectator Restrooms
1
645 SF
645
Subtotal Ice Center Addition I SF 27,715
Total 1.34 1 SF 37.138
No. Space / Room Name L.Count Area / Qnty Unit Interior Exterior
01.00 Family Focused Entertainment Area
01.01 Entertainment Zone
SF
-
8,000
......... ...... ........ .........
Outdoor Entertainment
.........
1
......... ... ... ... ....
8,000
SF
-
8,000
Pickleball Courts
Cornhole
Lawn
00.01 Indoor Entertainment
1
6,900
SF
6,900
-
Dining
1
Bar
1
-
Clubroom
1
Subtotal Family -Focused Entertainment Area
SF
6,9W
8,000
Schmitt Island 17
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Recreation / Entertainment / Destination Play
No. (Space / Room Name I Count I Area / Qnty I Unit I Interior I Exterior
01.00 Family Focused Entertainment Area
01.01 Entertainment Zone
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
1
12,200
...................................................................................................................................................................................................
SF
4,350
9,850
Skating Ribbon
..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
1
8,000
SF
8,000
Skating Ribbon Equipment
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
1
1,200
SF
1,200
Skating Ribbon Rental
1
150
SF
150
-
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Splash Zone
1
650
SF
-
650
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
ClimbingWall j Bouldering
.............................. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
1
4,000
SF
4,000
Zip Line Operator/ HQ
1
200
SF
200
-
Subtotal Family -Focused Entertainment Area
5F 4,350 9,850
Schmitt Island
NAW
19
Recreation / Entertainment / Destination Play
• Inclusive Design
• River Themed
• Challenging Play
• High Capacity
• Restrooms
,j� '* �" RIM
Schmitt Island 20
Recreation Outpost
No. Space I Room Name
Count
I Area j Qnty I
Unit
I Interior
Recreation Outpost
02.01 Lab /Classroom
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
1
1,5W
SF
1,500
02.02 Landscape Restoration equipment garage
......... ......................................................................................................................................................................
......... 1
500
SF
500
02.03 Watersports Rental
......... ......................................................................................................................................................................
1
.......................
1,4455
.........................
SF
....................
1,465
.........................................
0 ffi ce
1
100
SF
100
........................... ........................................................................................................................................................
Vessel Storage
.......................
1
.......................................
950
....................
SF
....................................
950
........................... ........................................................................................................................................................
Equipment Storage
...............................................................................
....................... .......................................
1
415
.................... .........................................
SF
415
02.04 Concessions Building
1
300
SF
300
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................
Concessions
1
200
SF
2OU
Storage
1
100
5F
100
............................................................................................................................................................................................
02.05 Conference /Gathering Space
............................................................................................................................................................................................
........................ ........................................
1
....................... .......................................
1,100
..................... ....................................
SF
. ............... .........................................
...
LIOD
02.05 Public Restroorns
1
420
SF
420
..............
1
180
SF
MenrS
�
1
140
SF
--C
.... ....................
.......02.07
........
Custodial
1
....................... .......................................
100
SF
.................... ....................................
.... ..........
100 ...
02.07 Water Taxi
1
.1
111-k
Subtotal Recreation Outpost
SF
5,285
Total Recreation Outpost
I
SF
7.082
Schmitt Is I and 21
Public Fishing Access — Peosta Channel
Schmitt Island
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III
ph.
F
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0
9
Mul IZ: 7 rk I- W- NOW
Island Master Plan
A
.-ter._..
• Year around use
• Paved drives and pads
• Group seating terraces with fire pits
• Shade trees
RV Park
Schmitt Island 25
Camping
No. (Space f Room Name Count I Area f Clnty I Unit Interior
Camping
05.41 Contemporary Cabins 10 700.0 SF 7,000
05.02 Glamping 10 200 SF 2,000
Subtotal Camping SF 9AW
�•rc41. _
Schmitt Island 26
Bridge Lignting
0000
41.
o
oo��
Natural Resources
Schmitt Island 28
Restoration Zones
[] Ding Rail Wands
Naturalized Lowlands
0 Oper, I 1pland
Heron Pond
0 Woodl a rid Edge
Opera Lowland
#4
M
Restoration Objectives
*Create spaces with improved access and managed vegetation for public use and enjoyment.
* Remove invasive specles from all Restoration Zones.
*Selective thinning of low -quality native non-invasive species to promote healthy growth of remaining specimens.
■Tree planting with site -appropriate native species to improve woodland quality and d1versity_
*Identify and improve potential wildlife habktat sites.
Develop ongoing maintenance protocol for long terra preservation and enhancement of restoration efforts.
Budget Cost
Zorn Work Summary
selected clear and grub, herbicide
Woodlancl Edge application, remove materials and haul off,
shrub, randsr-ape trees or planting
Selected clear and grub, herbicide
Heron Pond application, remove materials and haul off.
shrub, landscape trees or planting
Selected clear and grub. herbicide
King bail Woods application, remove materials and haul off_
shrub, land c. pe trees or planting
Selected clear and grub, herbicide
Naturalized Lowlands application, materials left in place.
Restoration grade shrubs, trees or planting
Selected clear and grub, herbicide
application, remove materials and haul off.
Hip -Camp shrub, lan&tape trees or planting (existing
less den 5e)
Selected cle ar a nd grub, herbicide
Caper Lowland application, femoae materials and haul off.
shrub, landscape trees or planting (existing,
smaller trees, less dense)
Selected clear and grub, herbicide
Open Li 1)iar74; application, remove materials and haul off_
shrub, landscape trees or planting {existing
Schmitt Island less dense
Restoration Budget Cost
Acres Per Acre Per Zo n e
31,8
8.5
10.fi
-10.1
21.2
5.0
1.3
520,000
18,0OQ
$18,000
$8,000
5,000
5,0DO
5,0DO
S636,797
S 153r272
190,475
$ 240,911
105,904
S2C978
9,162
4
, A
' KIng RaII Woods
0 Natllrall kzed Lowlar ds
Open IJpland
rM Heforl Pond
[_1 Hip -Camp
jig Woodland Edge
F-710pen Lowland
31
0
Economic Feasibility
Schmitt Island 32
Economic Analysis — Key Takeaways
1. Dubuque is growing at a slow and steady pace, but residential development has not kept pace with
population and income growth.
2. Schmitt Island today is successfully drawing in visitors from a broader region, with longer length of stay
relative to other local attractions.
3. The analysis argues that investments to Schmitt Island will allow it to better penetrate destination
markets within 3+ hours, further extending length of stay and benefits.
4. Dubuque is capturing retail shopping activity equal to its population, meaning there is room to
increase capture with new unique, well -positioned offerings.
5. The high -end rental apartment market has not kept pace with income and population growth, and
there appears to be a shortfall of roughly 400 units.
6. Office markets have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are not viewed positively in the
short term.
Schmitt Island 33
Residential Big Picture
• Construction costs are beginning to recover towards levels where alignment with prevailing incomes will be
more supportive of project financials;
• The assessment indicates there is a market for renter -occupied households to afford a premium apartment
product;
• Schmitt Island stands out as a unique destination, with serviced portions of the island able to support more
extended visitor length of stay relative to other assets; and
• The ability of the island to help Dubuque better penetrate the 3+ Hour drive time market through
additional tourism infrastructure.
• There is an opportunity for Schmitt Island to compete for the "triple crown":
1. Increase Ground Lease Revenue;
2. Generate Property Tax; and
3. Expand Sales Tax Collections
Schmitt Island 34
NEXT STEPS: For
digo
scussion at a later
date
Schmitt Island 35
Key Policy Considerations
1. Residential: work with the City to re-evaluate the permissible uses
within the PUD to include residential.
2. Partner with the City to re-evaluate ground lease terms.
3. Collaborate with the City to secure subsidies to prepare the Island
for development (e.g. elevate land out of the floodplain).
Schmitt Island