Block 34 Task Force presentation to Stillwater City Council on Jan. 9, 2018

2. Outline
• Introductions & Overview – Jim Beckstrom
• Greenspace and Exterior Landscaping – Ariel Ross
• Aesthetics, Market Hall & Sculptural Elements – Vicky Berry
• Performance Stage & Cultural District Integration – Russ Teubner
• Energy Systems – Jim Beckstrom
• Funding – Kevin Fowler
• Costs and Implementation Recommendation – Jim Beckstrom

3. Task Force Charge per Resolution No. CC-2017-11
“Be it further resolved, the Task Force is specifically charged with development of an
implementation proposal for the Block 34 concept adopted by the Mayor and City
council on July 17, 2017. The Specific duties of the Task Force shall be as follows:
• Develop a final site plan consistent with the Block 34 conceptual plan adopted July
17, 2017
• Determine the cost of construction and improvements for the final site plan
• Promulgate recommendations regarding the financing of construction and
improvements for the final site plan
The Task Force shall have no other duties.”

4. The July 17, 2017 adopted Conceptual Plan
• Green Space / Landscaping
• Market Structure
• Hospitality
• Performance Stage
• Play/Gathering Space
• Public Restroom

5. Task Force Work/Process
• Ad Hoc Meetings – Twelve Meetings
• Started Sept. 23
• All Open Meetings
• All dates and agendas posted
• Public Comment Solicited in All Meetings
• Town Hall – November 8 – Stillwater Community Center ~ 80 attendees
• Resources
• Citizens of Stillwater
• Previous Studies/Plans/Designs
• Local and Regional Subject Matter Experts
• City Staff

6. Vision
Provide a public space that captures the cultural heart & soul of our
community & region while respecting our rugged spirit of inspiration &
inclusivity.
Mission
To recommend a plan of action to the City Council that results in
Block 34 being a community space that is functional, affordable, &
sustainable.
Values
Inspiration, innovation, inclusivity, social responsibility, fiscal
responsibility.

7. Goals for Block 34
• Improve Quality of Life in Stillwater
• Enhance Economic Development potential of Stillwater
• Form a Visual and functional Connection, a Link, between Main Street and Duck Street
• Instill in Citizens a Sense of Pride
• Foster Sustainability
• Ensure Accessibility for all Citizens
• Integrate and Balance Block 34 within the larger Downtown Context
• Create a strong Sense of Place, a “Living Room”
• Offer Flexibility for a wide variety of Events/Activities
• Use Block 34 to “connect the cultural dots” in the Downtown Area

8. Elements
• Green Space
• Market Hall
• Hospitality
• Food Vendors
• Performance Stage
• Natural Gas
• Wind
• Solar
• Water
• Ground Source Systems
Energy/Natural Resources

9. Major Components:
• Green Space
• Market Hall
• Hospitality
• Food Vendors
• Performance Stage

10. Comparison to Tulsa’s “Guthrie Green”
With far more space to utilize than
Guthrie Green, we can create a space
that generates even more activity.

11. Comparison to Tulsa’s “Guthrie Green”
“Right-Sized” greenspace.
With far more space to utilize
than Guthrie Green, we can
create a space that generates
even more activity.

12. Green Space
The green space will tie it all together, acting as a center for
radiating activity. Landscaping and gardens will be utilized
to create an inviting and educational space for the people of
Stillwater. A water, fire, and wind feature, as well as a
geothermal-well field beneath the green will emphasize the
energy-state of Oklahoma, sustainability, and an appreciation
for the arts.

13. Natural Play
Bringing in natural elements to the environment
which promote playfulness among both children
and adults while still adding to the aesthetic
qualities of the park.

14. Multiple levels of
aesthetic elements to
engage the community

15. Night time is as
important as Day time.

16. Market Hall
Large space with two wings with
two floors each, room for
kiosk/vendor space and
educational/cultural space, one or
two permanent restaurants,
restrooms, and lots of natural
light throughout.

17. Potential Floor Plans

18. Gateway attractions

19. Hospitality
Two permanent
restaurants will
serve the function
of hospitality.
One will be
tailored to families
and the other to
adults.

20. Food/Vendors
Both indoor market
and outdoor green
& parking spaces
will be utilized to
bring a variety of
vendors to Block 34.

21. Performance Stage
Bringing concerts,
outdoor movies, and
theater productions,
the performance
stage will activate
the space, bringing
visitors multiple
times a week.

22. Sculptural
Elements

23. Integrated Renewable/Natural Gas Energy System
• Educational
• Economical
• Blends form/function
• Ground source heat pump / HVAC
GSHP Well
Observation
Cellar with
Temp Gauges
Artistic
Sculpture/Fountains
Natural Gas & Water
Vertical
Wind
Turbines
Educational Displays of
System Performance
90oF In
80oF Out
Wind Turbine Performance Display
Solar Panels

24. GSHP well field under construction

25. Funding of the Project
• The committee evaluated
various avenues to obtain
funding for the project
• Likely sources of funding vary
by project element (e.g., Market
Hall vs. Performance Stage)
• Likely sources of funding also
vary by project phase
Operational Phase
Building Phase
Planning Phase

26. Funding of the Project
Likely sources of funding for Planning Phase:
• City of Stillwater
• Grants:
• Associated with place making and art initiatives
• Associated with smart energy initiatives

27. Funding of the Project
Likely sources of funding for Building Phase:
• TIF (ad valorum and/or sales tax)
• Grants:
• Associated with place making and art initiatives
• Associated with smart energy initiatives
• Funding accessible via Innovation Pointe
• Philanthropic sources
• Private Equity from individuals or organizations
• Traditional Debt (assoc. w/ revenue generating elements)

28. Funding of the Project
Likely sources of funding for Operational Phase:
• Income from lease/rental of Market Hall space
• Venue Rental
• Sales tax from on-block activities
• Visit Stillwater and others
• In Kind
• Grants and Philanthropy

29. Element
Order of Magnitude
Cost (Range)
Recommended
Planning
Funding/Finance
Alternatives
Recommended Building
Finance Alternatives
Recommended
Operational
Funding
Alternatives
Market Hall
Structure
$4 - $8 Million
City of Stillwater
SUA
Grants
Philanthropy
Philanthropy
Traditional Debt
Commercial
City of Stillwater
Philanthropy
Grants
Market Hall
Hospitality
Private Build Out Private Equity Commercial
Market Hall Energy/
HVAC System
$1 - $2 Million SUA
SUA
Performance Stage $0.5 – $2 Million
Philanthropy
Grants
City of Stillwater
Philanthropy
Grants
Landscaping /
Play Space
$0.5 - $1 Million Philanthropy
Other Support
Infrastructure
$0.5 - $1 Million
Philanthropy
City of Stillwater
SUA
Programming
City of Stillwater
Philanthropy
Grants

30. Implementation Recommendation (Our “Asks”)
• To approve and/or amend the Task Force’s work to date
• An expansion of the Task Force’s charge:
• To allow the current members to continue as a Task Force and propose implementation plan
• To fund the Task Force activities as appropriate
• To devote City staff to support Task Force efforts and explore future operational structures
• To propose and execute an RFQ/RFP process to select an architectural firm to take the
conceptual plan from design to construction documents
• To create a “pitch book” for the purpose of recruiting hospitality vendors and funding
partnerships
• To empower the Task Force to actively seek grant/other funding to facilitate the design phase
• To allow Task Force to form Working Teams as needs are identified
• To evaluate project management requirements and recommend resources as appropriate.

31. QUESTIONS
FOR TASK FORCE