Work Session - Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project - Blum Site UpdateBlum Site Overview
CREATING AN EQUITABLE
COMMUNITY OF CHOICE
Connected Community
•Connected communities are more resilient.
•They are better able to spring back when hard times hit, protect and
prepare themselves against global issues.
•Research shows they are happier and healthier.
Nowhere else in the City do we have a connected
community space like the Bee Branch Creek Greenway.
Connected Community
•Comfortable shared spaces give people a chance to meet others, gather,
relax, and try new things.
•It might be yoga, learning about healthy eating and how to grow
vegetables, or help with personal development.
Nowhere else in the City do we have a connected
community space like the Bee Branch Creek Greenway.
Comiskey Park
Audubon School
Heritage Trail
Upper Bee Branch
Jefferson J.H. School
Fulton School
Creating a Direct Connection
between the Upper & Lower
Existing Culverts
Become Bike Trail
Lower Bee Branch
Solar Field
Chaplain Schmitt Island Intermodal Center
Millwork District
Crescent Health
Blum Site
Prescott School
Dream Center
River Trail to AY McDonald Park
Fountain of
Youth
Blum Site Location
How We Got Here
•Location for a maintenance facility, storm shelter, and public restrooms
•Needed more green space -so we looked at the West Blum Site
•EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grants for existing site –capping contaminated soil
•Condition assessment of structures on site –Look at saving the building on
the West side along Elm St. and redeveloping for future use
•Community engagement (required for grant): What type of activities and
equipment does the public want to see in the future recreational space?
Inclusive Community:
Areas of Oppor tunity
2018 GDDC Community Perceptions Survey
•37% disagreed with the statement that they feel safe in the Downtown
•25% disagreed with the statement that they feel safe in the Northend
•36% said race relations is the biggest challenge facing the community as a whole
•33% disagreed with the statement, “Race relations in Dubuque are good.”
•19% disagreed with statement, “Dubuque is a welcoming community to people of different backgrounds.”
•81% of those saying a lack of services is a big or moderate problem in their part of the community come from
the Northend or “another part” of the community
•43% of those saying crime is a big or moderate problem in their part of the community come from the
Northend and Downtown
BLUM SITE
Concentrated Areas
of Poverty by Block Group
Areas of Oppor tunity
BLUM SITE
“You can’t simply arrest your way
out of crime. It takes partnerships
and long term problem solving to
eliminate the underlying causes of
crime.” Mark Dalsing, Chief of Police
Teen Arrests
January 2016 –November 2018
Areas of Oppor tunity
Location Challenge of Leisure Services Office
BLUM SITE
LEISURE SERVICES OFFICES
BUS STOP: 1046
BUS STOP: 4032
.46 miles .01 miles
(100 feet)
Some men see things as they are,
and ask why. I dream of things that
never were, and ask why not.
-Robert Kennedy
““
Port of Dubuque
$400 million
Millwork District
$132 million
Bee Branch Creek Greenway $232 million
OUR BHAG
Creating an Equitable
Community of Choice
Big Hairy Audacious Goal
Our BHAG -Big Hairy Audacious Goal
PASSION
BEST AT
EQUITY &
INCLUSION
Transform the
Blum site into a…
COMMUNITY
CENTER & PARK
ACCESSIBLE AND
WELCOMING PLACE
with all kinds of services and programs --for and with --all kinds of people.
Imagine an…
Community Outreach
•2017 City Expo: Dot Exercise •Online Forms: Almost 600 responses
from Sept. –Dec. 2017
Community Outreach
Caring for our vibrant historic
neighborhoods and businesses.
PRIORITY 2
Identification and pursuit of the redevelopment, reuse and
repurposing of commercial and/or industrial assets with the
greatest opportunity for a “transformative” effect.
Identify key commercial or industrial properties whose
redevelopment, reuse or repurposing would have the
greatest positive economic, environmental and cultural
impact for the community or neighborhood.
SOCIAL + CULTURAL VIBRANCY is closely linked to our individual,
community, and economic well -being. To enhance this vibrancy,
residents suggested:
•Enhance event access and participant diversity
•Improve perceptions of community safety
•Promote healthy lifestyles
•Increase eco-education programming, particularly for children
Community Outreach
Community Outreach
SOCIAL + CULTURAL VIBRANCY
Public recreation investments are a prime means for building
inclusion through programming, community activity, and space.
Construction of a community center with indoor aquatics,
and renovation and re-programming of park spaces, both
were cited throughout the public engagement process as
badly needed, and a means to enhance equity and
connections among Dubuque residents.
Use recreation investments
as equity enhancers.
Playground and park enhancements,
as well as lighting, can be targeted for
updates that create safe, accessible
spaces attracting people from well
beyond the immediate neighborhood.
Keeping an “equity eye” in the siting,
planning and design of these
investments will benefit Dubuque.
Community Outreach
SOCIAL + CULTURAL VIBRANCY
Initiate a feasibility evaluation for a
Community Center, potentially including
indoor recreation and indoor/outdoor
aquatic facilities, with an eye towards
creating a multi -generational and central
community gathering place that
supports health, wellness, and social
interaction among residents.
Resident Quote:
“Dubuque needs a better Community
Center/Leisure Services. Our Leisure Services
Department does well with what they have
but their facilities are limited. In my vision
of Dubuque we would have a Community
Center with classes for children, youth, and
adults…..like gymnastics, tumbling, pottery,
exercise classes, conversational language
classes…. Other communities where I have
lived have these kinds of activities for
people of all ages. Our Leisure Services have
some of this but the lack of facilities I am
sure make this very hard to make work.”
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recreation
Why turn this junk yard into a community treasure?
Bring People Together •Families
•Kids
•Retirees
•Millennials
•Young Professionals
“We know each day is an opportunity
for us to bring people from varied
backgrounds together into one space
to share, learn and celebrate each
other”Jacqueline Hunter, MFC Director
Quality of Life •Fishing
•Exercise
•A Place to Gather
•Healthy Foods
•Art & Science
•Youth & Adult Programs
To bring people together and break
down barriers you have to:
•Serve people where they are
•Become a member of the neighborhood
•Create comfortable spaces to gather, relax, and learn
•Offer opportunities and programming for people to get to
know their neighbors and fellow community members
Remove Barriers
Multi-modal Accessibility
•Walking
•Biking
•Public Transit
•Vehicles
Location Potential
Location
CONNECTIVITY
5,100
Residential address within
½ mile
of the
Bee Branch
Creek Greenway
BLUM SITE
•Nationally: 1/27,000 residents
•Mid-West: 1/21,000 residents
•National average for square footage is 11,000
2018 NRPA Study -Recreation Centers
Existing Indoor Programming Space
•Comiskey Building (BB)1,624
•Free Pre-school & Community Meetings
•Allison Henderson –Upper 1,080
•Youth Enrichment (18 mo. to 5 years)
•Allison Henderson –Lower 900
•Arts (dance, music, art, etc.)
•Resource Room (Prescott) (BB)500
•MFC (Multi-Purpose Room) (BB)800
Total Indoor Space 4,904 square feet
•100% ADA Accessible
Location Potential
•Space for large community meetings
•Easy parking
•A social gathering place for people of all ages
and backgrounds
•One-stop shop for City services:
•Sign up for recreation programs
•Pay utility bills and parking tickets
•Connect residents to resources
Opportunities for Partnerships
AND MORE!
A Gateway to Dubuque •Highly visible location that is welcoming
for both residents and visitors
The Vision:
A Community Center and Park with
Equitable Access & Opportunities
E. 15th St.
E. 16th St.Elm St.Sycamore St.
OUTDOOR SPACE
RECREATIONAL & EDUCATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES
EXAMPLE
E. 16 th St.
E. 15th St.
Outdoor Programs
Connecting kids with natureOutdoor sports and activities
Nature treasure hunt, nature exploration, planting flowers, growing food
Natural Playscape with Climbing Opportunities
EXAMPLE
Bike & Scooter Playground
EXAMPLE
Outdoor Exercise Equipment
Gateway to Dubuque
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
Gathering Space
ADA Kayak and
Canoe Launch
ADA Complaint Dock
EXAMPLE
Basketball Courts
EXAMPLE
Outdoor Seating
EXAMPLE
VISION FOR
THE INTERIOR
EXAMPLE
Floor Plan 1st Floor
Maintenance Facility
Public Restrooms
(Exterior Access)
Elm St.
Railroad Tracks/Lower Bee Branch
16th St.15th St.
Maintenance Facility
•Equipment to service the Bee Branch Creek
Greenway and other City parks/properties
•Trucks, boat, gators, etc.
•Garage space, storage, shop area, wash bay,
workroom
•Office space for parks staff
Leisure Services
Floor Plan 1st Floor
Reception Meeting Cafe Elm St.
Railroad Tracks/Lower Bee Branch
16th St.15th St.
Reception/Meeting Cafe •Multiple seating areas to
bring people together
EXAMPLE
SSB
EXAMPLE
SSB
Floor Plan 1st Floor
1st Floor Offices Elm St.
Railroad Tracks/Lower Bee Branch
16th St.15th St.
SSB
Floor Plan 2nd Floor
2nd Floor Offices
Flexible
Conference
Room
Railroad Tracks/Lower Bee Branch
16th St.15th St.
Elm St.
SSB
Office Space
Flexible Conference Room
A flexible conference room available for:
City meetings, community partner meetings, visiting with residents about community resources
Floor Plan 3rd Floor
Large
Program
Space
Studio/
Classroom
Space
Balcony
16th St.15th St.
Program / Studio Space
Youth Programs
Program / Studio Space
Connecting the Young and Old Dances, teens teach tech to seniors, a place for daily coffee and conversation
Program / Studio Space
Workshops and Learning Opportunities Space for smaller classes and group meetings
Program / Studio Space
Health and Fitness Programming
Floor Plan 4th Floor
Assembly Hall
4th Floor Balcony16thSt.15th St.
Assembly Hall
Programmable or Event Space
Leisure Services programs, City events, weddings, family reunions, birthday parties, corporate events, fundraisers, etc.
Views from building and balconies
Budget –East Blum
SITE FEATURES
Grading $ 10,750
Parking/Drives/Walks/Stairs/Walls/Canoe Ramp $ 512,000
Plantings $ 137,750
Site Amenities &Lighting $ 426,000
Playground/Climbing Feature $ 200,000
Bike/Scooter Playground $ 50,000
Large “DBQ”Play Element $ 70,000
Sub Total $ 1,406,500
SITE FEATURES
Grading $ 10,750
Parking/Drives/Walks/Stairs/Walls/Canoe Ramp $ 512,000
Plantings $ 137,750
Site Amenities &Lighting $ 426,000
Playground/Climbing Feature $ 200,000
Bike/Scooter Playground $ 50,000
Large “DBQ”Play Element $ 70,000
Sub Total $ 1,406,500
Budget –East Blum
BUILDING FEATURES
Picnic Shelter $ 142,000
Overlook Deck $ 165,000
FEMA Storm Shelter and Restrooms $ 525,000
Sub Total $ 832,000
Budget –Sycamore Triangle
SITE FEATURES
ADA Kayak Launch/Boat Ramp $ 235,000
Storage Building $ 85,000
Parking/Drives/Walks/Stairs/Walls $ 95,000
Sub Total $ 415,000
SITE FEATURES
ADA Kayak Launch/Boat Ramp $ 235,000
Storage Building $ 85,000
Parking/Drives/Walks/Stairs/Walls $ 95,000
Sub Total $ 415,000
Budget –West Blum
SITE FEATURES
Grading $ 4,500
Parking/Drives/Walks/Sidewalk/Walls/B -Ball Courts $ 1,076,750
Plantings $ 131,000
North Site –Hardscape Amenities & Lighting $ 294,500
South Site –Hardscape Amenities & Lighting $ 151,000
Sub Total $ 1,657,750
Budget –West Blum
BUILDING FEATURES
North Addition –Stairwell/Elevator/Storage/Mechanicals $ 1,560,000
East Addition –Porch Structure/Stairs/Restrooms $ 443,500
Flood Control Maintenance Building $ 883,250
Elm St. –Existing Building Core & Shell $ 2,592,000
Sub Total $ 5,478,750
Budget –Total Project Cost
East Blum –Site Features $ 1,406,500
East Blum –Building Features $ 832,000
Sycamore Triangle $ 415,000
West Blum –Site Features $ 1,657,750
West Blum –Building Features $ 5,478,750
Today’s Construction Cost Total $9,790,000
Contingency 20%$1,958,000
Total Construction Cost w/Contingency $11,748,000
Budget –Funding Shortfall
Total Construction Cost w/ Contingency $ 11,748,000
Grant Eligible Project Features -$ 1,296,000
Sponsorship/Donations -$ 1,250,000
Sub Total $ 9,202,000
Programmed Bee Branch Funding -$ 3,920,000
Needed Funding $ 5,282,000
EPA GRANT TO A BHAG
What’s the Plan?
•Be a Resilient and Connected Community
•Create An Equitable Community of Choice
•Be Part Of The Neighborhood
•Help People Feel Welcome
•Provide Comfortable Shared Spaces That Bring People Together
•Serve People Where They Are
What’s the Plan?
REACTIVE SYSTEMS AND REACTIVE
PROGRAMMING
PROACTIVE EQUITABLE COMMUNITY OF
CHOICE PROGRAMMING
Moving Forward
Right Direction?
Moving Forward
Budget?
•Time to Plan
FY24 = $220,000 for Preliminary Design
FY28 = $3,700,000 in stormwater funds
•Strategically phased construction
•Separate project into grant eligible parts
•Seek private donations to support the community
aspects of the project.
Moving Forward
•Timeline?
•Next Steps?
Questions?
CREATING AN EQUITABLE
COMMUNITY OF CHOICE