Cascading Stairs Riverwalk areaMEMORANDUM
July 29, 2002
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Cascading Stairs
As you know, construction for the Riverwalk is underway and includes the installation of
a second set of cascading stairs near the Mississippi River National Education and
Conference Center. In response to a suggestion by City Council, City staff has inquired
about the possibility of etching the word "Dubuque" on both sides of the steps to provide
visibility from the river. The cost to do so is approximately $1,500.
The first alternative is to use letters of 1' 3" in height, which is readable from 750 feet.
The second alternative is to use letters of 2' in height, which is readable from 1,200 feet.
According to the US Coast Guard, the width of the channel near the education and
conference center is approximately 2000'. The eastern most point of the navigable
channel at that location is approximately 1,560'. HOK Venue, the project architect, has
expressed concerns that a larger sign would take away from the design of the
cascading stairs and the education and conference center. They have also indicated
that additional signage for the education and conference center will be located along the
exterior of the River room on the east elevation.
Assistant City Manager Cindy Steinhauser requests the City Council select the design
and height of the proposed sign.
I respectfully request Mayor and City Council direction.
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
MEMORANDUM
July 23, 2002
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager,
SUBJECT: Cascading stairs
Discussion
As you know, construction for the Riverwalk is underway and includes the installation of
a second set of cascading stairs near the education and conference center. In
response to a suggestion raised by City Council, city staff has inquired about the
possibility etching the word "Dubuque" on both sides of the steps to provide visibility
from the river. The cost to do so is approximately $1500.
Attached are drawings provided by HOK Venue, which shows what this etching could
look like. The font type proposed is similar to what has been recommended on the
signs for the education and conference center and what is being used on the
Convention and Visitor's Bureau marketing materials. The first image shows the size of
the letters at 1' 3", which would provide readability from 750' away. The second image
shows letters 2' in height, which would provide readability from 1200' away. According
to the US Coast Guard, the width of the channel near the education and conference
center is approximately 2000'. The eastern most point of the navigable channel at that
location is approximately 1,560'. HOK Venue has expressed concerns that a larger sign
would take away from the design of the cascading stairs and the education and
conference center. They have also indicated that additional signage for the education
and conference center will be located along the extedor of the River room on the east
elevation.
Action
The requested action is for City Council to approve the design and height of the
proposed sign.
Cc: Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
July 29, 2002
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Cascading Stairs
As you know, construction for the Riverwalk is underway and includes the installation of
a second set of cascading stairs near the Mississippi River National Education and
Conference Center. In response to a suggestion by City Council, City staff has inquired
about the possibility of etching the word "Dubuque" on both sides of the steps to provide
visibility from the river. The cost to do so is approximately $1,500.
The first alternative is to use letters of 1' 3" in height, which is readable from 750 feet.
The second alternative is to use letters of 2' in height, which is readable from 1,200 feet.
According to the US Coast Guard, the width of the channel near the education and
conference center is approximately 2000'. The eastern most point of the navigable
channel at that location is approximately 1,560'. HOK Venue, the project architect, has
expressed concerns that a larger sign would take away from the design of the
cascading stairs and the education and conference center. They have also indicated
that additional signage for the education and conference center will be located along the
exterior of the River room on the east elevation.
Assistant City Manager Cindy Steinhauser requests the City Council select the design
and height of the proposed sign.
I respectfully request Mayor and City Council direction.
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
MEMORANDUM
July 23, 2002
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Michael C. Van Milligen, /~ ~ I ~
City Manager
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manage
Cascading stairs
Discussion
As you know, construction for the Riverwalk is underway and includes the installation of
a second set of cascading stairs near the education and conference center. In
response to a suggestion raised by City Council, city staff has inquired about the
possibility etching the word "Dubuque" on both sides of the steps to provide visibility
from the river. The cost to do so is approximately $1500.
Attached are drawings provided by HOK Venue, which shows what this etching could
look like. The font type proposed is similar to what has been recommended on the
signs for the education and conference center and what is being used on the
Convention and Visitor's Bureau marketing materials. The first image shows the size of
the letters at 1' 3", which would provide readability from 750' away. The second image
shows letters 2' in height, which would provide readability from 1200' away. According
to the US Coast Guard, the width of the channel near the education and conference
center is approximately 2000'. The eastern most point of the navigable channel at that
location is approximately 1,560'. HOK Venue has expressed concerns that a larger sign
would take away from the design of the cascading stairs and the education and
conference center. They have also indicated that additional signage for the education
and conference center will be located along the exterior of the River room on the east
elevation.
Action
The requested action is for City Council to approve the design and height of the
proposed sign.
Cc:
Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager