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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-94-0220J-94-180 3/15/94 RESOLUTION NO. 9 4- 220 A RESOLUTION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COMMISSION ACCEPT, THE VIRRICK GYM AT DINNER KEY STUDY (MARCH, 1994), ATTACHED HERETO AS "ATTACHMENT 'A'" AND MADE A PART HEREOF, WHICH PROPOSES REUSE OF THE VIRRICK GYM, AND THE ADJACENT HANGARS, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MERRILL STEVENS DRY DOCK AND THE IMMEDIATE SURROUNDING OPEN SPACE. WHEREAS, the former U.S. Coast Guard and Pan American Hangars have been historically designated and the Virrick Gym is subject to certain deed restrictions and is itself of potential historic significance; and WHEREAS, pursuant to City Commission direction at its meeting of October 14, 1993 (M-93-560), the Planning, Building and Zoning Department was instructed to conduct a planning study of the Virriok Gym and the immediate surrounding area in order to receive input necessary for certain approvals from appropriate federal and state agencies; and WHEREAS, the City of Miami sponsored a publicly noticed all -day charrette at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club on January 22, 1994, the focus of which was (1) the adaptive reuse of Virriok Gym, (2) the potential redevelopment of the Virriok Gym site, (3) the potential reuse of the two hangars (FKA Merrill Stevens Boatyard), and (4) planning for the immediate vicinity bounded by Aviation Avenue, South Bayshore Drive, Pan American Drive and the Biscayne Bay; and A 7 A CNN,, VI ITF4 T (5) wr COMMISSION SmIrmG OF MAR 2 k M4 AiADkfm No. 94- 220 WHEREAS, nine teams of interested participants discussed the site, proposed solutions and revised proposals in an open forum; and WHEREAS, subsequently, the conclusions of that oharrette were summarized and presented as the Virrick Gym at Dinner Key Study (hereinafter the "Study"), attached hereto as "Attachment 'A"' and made a part hereof, at a publicly noticed hearing on February 18, 1994 in the City Commission Chambers located at City Hall at Dinner Key; and WHEREAS, on March 8, 1994, the Study was presented to the Waterfront Advisory Board; and WHEREAS, on March 15, 1994, the Study was presented to the Historic and Environmental Preservation Board; and WHEREAS, on March 16, 1994, the Planning Advisory Board pursuant to Resolution PAB 18-94, and by a vote of eight to zero (8-0), recommended that the City Commission approve in principle the study and direct staff to implement the goals and objectives as set forth herein; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA: Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Resolution are hereby adopted by reference thereto and incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this Section. Section 2. The City Commission hereby accepts, the Virrick Gym at Dinner Key Study (March 1994), attached hereto as "Attachment 'A' " and made a part hereof, which proposes reuse of -2- 94- 220 the Virrick Gym, and the adjacent hangars, formerly known as Merrill Stevens Dry Dock, and the immediate surrounding open spade. Seotion 3. This Resolution shall beoome effeotive immediately upon its adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 24th day of March 1994. AT T T• STE EN P. CLATd, MAYOR ' s M TY HIRAI CITY CLERK PREPARED AND APPROVED BY: LINDA KELLY KEA SON ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS: A.' QUT IN J NE , I I I CITY ATTO LKK/pb/bs /M4188 94_ 220 m6m Virrick Gym at Dinner Key Study City of Miami Planning, Building and Zoning Department March, 1994 circa 1934 r� 94- 220 THE VIRRICK GYM AT DINNER KEY STUDY Proposed Reuse of the Virrick Gym, and the Adjacent Hangars (Formerly known as Merrill Stevens Dry Dock and immediately surrounding open space) Prepared by the City of Miami Planning, Building and Zoning Department March 1994 O4_ 220 History of the Site The U.S. Coast Guard Air Station at Dinner Key (Virrick Gym): Based on the historic research conducted at the National Archives and U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station at Dinner Key (Virrick Gym) is believed to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. This property possesses national significance for its role in the history of Coast Guard aviation. In 1915, the Coast Guard conceived the idea of using aircraft for search and rescue missions. An act of Congress in 1916 authorized the establishment of ten Coast Guard air stations along the coasts of the United States, but no funds were appropriated. Although the Coast Guard did establish early air stations in the 1920's on properties borrowed from the U.S. Navy, the Coast Guard expended no funds for construction. It was not until the early 1930's that funding was made available for the construction of an air station, with South Florida being the preferred location. Because of the amount of•air traffic in the area, the Coast Guard viewed Miami as "the logical place for this first air life- saving station" and began the search for a suitable location. With no funds available for the purchase of land and only limited funds available for the construction of a hangar, the Coast Guard approached the City of Miami and Pan American Airways for assistance. Pan American Airlines had recently established a seaplane base at Dinner Key and had sublet the northeastern section of the property to the City of Miami and Dade County for the construction of either a municipal airport or park. Recognizing the benefit to the area that a Coast Guard air station could provide, the City and County, in turn, agreed to lease its property on Dinner Key to the Coast Guard. In June, 1932, the Coast Guard Air Station at Dinner Key was commissioned, and the construction of the seaplane hangar was completed. The station was expanded in 1938, when the property across the street was acquired as a location for a barracks building. The office annex was added in 1942. During its years of operation, the Dinner Key air station evolved into the busiest air -sea -rescue station in the world. After the unit moved to the Opa Locka airport, its present location, in 1965, the property was declared to be surplus and was acquired by the City of Miami in 1972. - Deed restrictions on the property require that the property: (1) would be used for the public purposes for which it was conveyed; 2 U- 220 A. TERMWAI, BUILDWG(ML W CITY HALO B. HANGAR (GRAVE KEY MARIW • C. HANGAR (GROVE KEY MARWA) D. HANGAR (MERRIL EVENS DRY DOCK COJ •E• MACHINE SHOP (MERRIL STEVENS DRY DOCK Co.) A. CHART HOWE RESTAURANT G. SCOTTY'S LANDING H' L41 COAST OJAR;O HANGAR(EUZABET•H VERRICK GYM) S-TUDY AREA J. N v� VIRRICK GYM AT DINNER KEY STUDY C 0� m.r 4- 22 H Q co Lu V m (2) would, within six months of the date of deed conveyance, erect and maintain a permanent sign or marker near the point of principal access to the conveyed area indicating that the property is a park or recreation area and was acquired from the Federal Government for use by the general public; (3) would not be sold, leased, assigned, or otherwise disposed of except to another eligible governmental agency that the Secretary of the Interior agrees in writing can assure the continued use and maintenance of the property for public park or public recreational purposes subject to the same terms and conditions in their original instrument of conveyance (this was not, however, to preclude the City from providing related recreational facilities and services compatible with the approved application, through concession agreements entered into with third parties, provided prior concurrence to such agreements is obtained in writing from the Secretary of the Interior); (4) the City would make biennial reports to the Secretary of the Interior setting forth the use being made of the property; and (5) that the property would revert to the Federal Government should the government determine it necessary for the national defense. Pan American Seaplane Base and Terminal Building (formerly, Merrill Stevens Boatyard): The hangar and machine shop which comprise the former Merrill Stevens Boatyard are included within the boundaries of the local historic site designation for the Pan American Seaplane Base and Terminal Building. This property is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in the history of modern air transportation. The Dinner Key base was the nation's busiest commercial seaplane terminal during the 1930s. Often described as the "Air Gateway Between the Americas," the base linked the United States with Latin America by way of air transportation, opening up major trade and passenger routes. Dinner Key, a small island in Biscayne Bay, was joined to the mainland during World War I to provide a training ground for the U.S. Navy. In 1930, Dinner Key was selected by the newly - formed Pan American Airways System as the base for its inter - American operations. The lack of land -based facilities for 14 1 9A- 220 3 planes in Latin America forced Pan American to utilize flying boats and amphibious aircraft for its operations. The facilities at Dinner Key were the first constructed exclusively for commercial passenger seaplane service and served as a model for those that followed in Rio de Janeiro, New York, and San Francisco. The site plan for the seaplane base developed by Pan American was designed for both the aerial and land view. The plan called for the construction of a "V" shaped line of hangars to be used for machine shops, maintenance, operation, and storage. A terminal building was planned for the apex of the "V," at the end of a long driveway, thus forming a shape reminiscent of an airplane. The U.S. Coast Guard followed the site plan developed by Pan American when constructing its own hangar on the adjacent property. During the mid 1930s and early 1940s, approximately 50,000 passengers per year flowed through the Dinner Key terminal. In addition, the terminal averaged more than 30,0.00 visitors per month, with as many as 100,000 in the winter months. A third hangar and machine shop (the former Merrill Stevens Boatyard) were added during this period to house some of the larger planes that were being employed. The appearance of landing fields in Latin America during World War II decreased the need for seaplanes, and on August 9, 1945, Pan American's last flight to Dinner Key took place. Dinner Key was purchased by the City of Miami the following year. �M_ 22015 4 m Previous Planning Studies of the Site The "Dinner Key Master Plan - 1972" (prepared by Russell - Melton Associates, Architects, Planners, Consultants) recommended the increase of recreational uses of the Dinner key area both landside and waterside. The plan proposed to arrive at this goal through wholesale demolition of most of the existing 'Structures and the radical alteration of the existing shoreline. The marina was to be enlarged to a capacity of 1,000 slips. The Spoil Islands bulkheaded on the marina side and connected to the mainland by means of bridges thereby increasing the dock access area and the amount of shoreline available to the public. On the land side the removal of the existing Dinner Key Convention Center would create a large open park (Center Park) which would provide a single open space system from Peacock Park to Miami City Hall. Pan American Drive was to be removed with two parking structures placed directly in front of Miami City Hall. The present perspective to Miami City Hall would have been blocked. Although the City Hall building would have been retained for public use under this plan, most other remaining uses within the study area, except the yacht club, were to be altered by demolition and/or relocation to new facilities. Although not expressed as a specific goal or objective the preservation of view corridors from north -south streets abutting Bayshore Drive allowing visual access to the waterfront was emphasized. Another goal was to create a continuous accessible shoreline. The goal was ambitious since it would force the removal and/or relocation of existing viable uses (i.e., private boat storage and repair.) The also proposed a number of goals for the surrounding area areas. Some of these goals are worth noting even though in many cases land value, access and development pressures have, to some extent, predetermined development patterns. These goals and plan actions included: (1) to connect residential areas'with water's edge activities; (2) to maintain Bayshore Drive as a two-lane (single lane in each direction); (3) to avoid the creation of a highrise wall at the west side of Bayshore Drive; (4) to maintain the north end of the project as a single family residential zone; and (5) to create a plan for Coconut Grove. The Planning Department's 111974 Planning Study for Coconut Grove" made several recommendations affecting the Dinner Key 5 ;J4_ 220 Study area including: (1) the creation of an environmental scenic corridor along Bayshore Drive; (2) the creation of a pedestrian and bicycle path along Bayshore Drive; (3) the establishment of "park and recreation" as the land use for City -owned waterfront property; (4) the preservation of Miami City Hall as a historic landmark; and (5) the upgrading of 27th Avenue. All of these recommendations was later implemented. The 111983 Dinner Key Marina - Conceptual Master Plan" (prepared by Greenleaf and Telesca) recommended both landside and waterside improvements at Dinner Key. On the waterside it proposed the removal of the existing docks with 325 spaces and its replacement with a new configuration of piers having a total of 550 moorings. New pier construction was to have been of concrete and the slips would have had all the necessary conveniences such as running water, electricity and sewage connections. On the landside a number of definite actions were proposed. In general the recommendations were: (1) the construction of a principal landside amenity such as a waterfront promenade suited for several types of activities including landscaping and signage designed to enhance the area and traffic circulation and parking improvement with drop-off zones for each pier; (2) improvements at the Dinner Key launching site (existing trailer boat launching area near Bayshore Drive and the extension of S.W. 27th Avenue) including a dockmaster house, launching ramp, seawall renovation, dinghy dock, auxiliary trailer boat parking, 27th Avenue marina access and landscaping; (3) improvements to the Dinner Key Marina including project entrance, supplemental signage, Bayshore Drive landscape buffer, waterfront promenade, pier drop-off zones, dockmaster zone, Miami City Hall landscape and promenade; (4) new vacuum sanitary station at the feature area immediately south of City Hall; and (5) jitney service for six motorized carts to chauffeur people and equipment from parking to piers. The City of Miami's "1980 Coconut Grove Parking Study" suggested a number of recommendations to achieve better utilization of the existing parking supply. Several immediate low-cost capital improvement projects were recommended affecting the Dinner Key study site including: (1) the encouragement of peripheral offstreet parking lots for employees and other long- term uses; (2) an additional 100 parking spaces at the north side of the exhibition center, on the land previously occupied by the old World War II barracks, in order to balance the parking layout and provide additional parking suitable for long-term use fronting Bayshore Drive; and (3) a shuttle or tram service should be considered connecting the business district of Coconut Grove with the parking lots at Dinner Key. Other long-range planning options included a proposal for a one-story parking facility and a shuttle operation between Dinner Key and the Coconut Grove business center. °4- 220 17 6 The "Dinner Key Master Plan of 1984" (prepared by Bermello, Kurki, Vera, Inc.) concluded that the site should be advertised for public proposals to develop a marina, a full service boat yard, and supportive innovative services through a Unified Development Proposal. This approach recognized the need for maintaining full service marine facilities with better utilization of the land and water resources of Dinner Key, particularly in relation to the enhancement of public access to the waterfront, provision of usable open space and more effective joint utilization of support functions such as boat lifts and parking. The concept however, was contingent upon the assemblage of parcels including Monty Trainer's Restaurant (which has a leasehold arrangement with the City until the year 2035), Grove Key Marina (with a leasehold until 2012), the Chart House Restaurant (with a sub -leasehold until 2012), Merrill Stevens Dry Dock Boatyard (now managed by the City), Virrick Gym (including Shake -a -Leg presently on a month -to -month leasehold), and the City Hall building. A mutual agreement would be required to carry out the unified development concept so that any future lease negotiation of the entire tract could not occur prior to the expiration of the last leasehold. Specifically, the unified development concept would consist of the following marine -related facilities: (1) a full -service marina for boats under and over 28 feet; (2) a minimum of 125 boat slips (108 existing); (3) dry storage for a minimum of 470 boats (same as existing); (4) dock for water taxi and short-term slips. The UDP also included a specialty retail facility of approximately 130,000 square feet of marine -oriented specialty retail involving restaurants, a fish market, sporting goods, bait and tackle, marine furniture, marine clothing, arts and crafts, and similar uses. The gross area specified was based upon a year 2000 market absorption ratio projection. Additionally, the old Coast Guard Seaplane Hangar building and annex which presently houses the Virrick Gym in the hangar and the City of Miami Parks and Recreation Handicapped Division, Day Care, Cable and Parking Task Force offices at the annex were proposed to be converted into a 500-seat Performing Arts and Cultural Center. The annex was to be demolished, with the Parks and Recreation offices relocated to the Government Center. In its place a new entry plaza and pedestrian circulation link to the Dinner Key bay walk would be established. This open space would also enhance a vista of the bay from Bayshore Drive at this location. 94- 220 7 The Performing Arts and Cultural Center would work in conjunction with the Working Arts Center which was proposed by various community groups as an adaptive reuse possibility for the Naval Reserve Training Center across the street. The Working Arts Center would accommodate the physical requirements inherent in the training and development of human resources in the field of visual and fine arts. This facility would become a hub for musicians, dance groups, theater groups and artists. The renovation of the facility into a multipurpose cultural center would allow for the sharing of space and support facilities between the City of Miami recreational programs and other potential tenants such as local dance and children's theater groups. In additional to the proposed Performing Arts Center, an outdoor sloped lawn surface, with an amphitheater configuration, is to be developed on the waterside of the existing building. The idea was to complement the internal flexibility of the Performing Arts Center and create an outdoor activity compatible with the waterfront Bay Walk. Adjacent to the amphitheater on City property, part of which is presently being leased to Merrill Stevens, an open space plaza would be developed with food kiosk concessions and other informal activities to complement both the Performing Arts Center and people -oriented outdoor spaces which would form part of the interface between the new "Bayshore Promenade" and "Dinner Key Bay Walk". The plan recommended that the existing boat ramp adjacent to the Virrick Gym be converted into a boat dock pier to accommodate a taxi water taxi, an appropriate feature craft or simply temporary docking facilities which- were severely lacking throughout the Dinner Key basin. Because of its wide nature it would also serve to hold public gatherings and events and would form part of the complex created at the old Coast Guard Hangar and be visually and functionally linked to the outdoor amphitheater and Dinner Key Bay Walk. The study proposed an additional parking structure in the Dinner Key area, however; by Resolution 85-70, January 24, 1985, the City Commission amended the conclusions of the study to require that no parking structures be built in the Dinner Key area from Kennedy Park to Peacock Park either between South Bayshore Drive and the Coconut Grove Exhibition Center or directly on the waterfront east of Pan American Drive. The amended study indicated that provision of public parking for activities within Dinner Key should include joint public -private arrangements whereby private developers may gain development incentives for building excess parking spaces as a part of a development project and assuring the availability of said parking for public use, particularly on an evening and weekend basis. 94- 22019 8. 20 Subsequently three requests for proposal (RFP) were prepared and circulated for the former Merrill -Stevens site. Recently, the City Commission rejected a proposal, responding to the third RFP. U 0 220 The Existing Situation The subject of this study includes Merrill Stevens Dry Dock Boatyard (now managed by the City of Miami), Virrick Gym which houses the Shake -a -Leg Program (presently on a month -to -month leasehold with the City of Miami), and the Virrick Annex which houses the City of Miami Parks and Recreation Handicapped Division, Day Care, Cable Office and Parking Task Force. In June of 1993, the City Commission adopted a resolution authorizing the demolition of the Virrick Gym and Parks and Recreation Building (Resolution 93-374, June 29, 1993) because of damage suffered as a result of Hurricane Andrew. The Parks Department contemplated a plan which would provide a more open and accessible park with water resource -based and passive recreational amenities. However, the Federal Emergency Management Agency determined that the structure was considerably less than fifty percent destroyed and therefore would be eligible for federal disaster funds for rehabilitation costs not covered by the City's private insurer. It was subsequently, determined that the City's insurance reimbursement options would include the following: 1. Take the $898,000 and build another gym on another site. Any costs above the $898,000 would be borne by the City. 2. Take the $898,000 and repair the existing gym. The $898,000 is the final negotiated estimate of hurricane damage to the existing facility. The City can utilize the $898,000 to repair, but it will be adjusted to the actual dollars as repairs are completed. (For instance, if the storm repairs cost $600,000, we would rebate $298,000 to the insurance carrier. If, however, the actual storm damage repairs cost $1.2 million, the carrier would pay the full amount. The carrier is obligated to pre -storm conditions, not new or like -new. 3. Take the $898,000 and demolish the existing facility and build a new gym facility on the same site. Any costs above the $898,000 would be borne by the City. 4. Take a cash settlement instead of doing any repairs or construction based on a depreciated amount of approximately $810,000. Traffic Concerns 21 94- 220 10 F� Average Daily Trips (ADTs) on Bayshore Drive (in both directions) were 15,780 in 1991; peak hour counts were approximately ten percent of that figure or 1,578.) Similar information for Aviation and Pan American Drive is not presently available. Reliable parking counts at the site are not presently available. Eligibility and Requirements of Historic Designation The entire Dinner Key area is protected by different layers of federal and local historic designation (see map). The Pan American Seaplane Base and Terminal Building, including the Coconut Grove Convention Center, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the federal government's official list of properties worthy of preservation, in 1993. The Pan American Terminal Building was designated as a local historic site under the City of Miami's Historic Preservation Ordinance in 1983. This designation was expanded on November 16, 1993, to include the entire Pan American Seaplane Base and Terminal Building, excluding the Convention Center. The Virrick Gym is not locally designated, but appears to be eligible for listing in the National Register. The varying historic preservation requirements for these types of designation are as follows: National Register of Historic Places National Register listing imposes no requirements on a property unless the proposed action were to involve federal assistance, permitting, or licensing. Any actions affecting the Pan American Seaplane Base and Terminal Building would be subject to the provisions of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act only if there was some type of federal involvement (e.g., use of federal funds such as FEMA assistance; projects that require a permit or approval from any federal agency; etc.) Local Historic Site Designation Locally designated historic sites, such as the former Merrill Stevens Dry Docks, are subject to the provisions of Chapter 23.1 of the Miami City Code. With this local designation, exterior alterations, additions, and new construction are subject to the review and approval of the Historic and Environmental Preservation Board. Any proposed demolition would be subject to a possible six month delay. Any decision of the Historic and Environmental Preservation Board may be appealed to the City Commission. 11 j4- 220 �'M A.T DINNER .-KEY STUDY VIRRICK G Oil oil: Q NATIONAL REQS04, TER OF wSZURIC PLACES !:' • •:;;:: ® LOCAL HmrpRIC SITE DESI ,CNATION •:!�:=!!•• F EUGI8ILITY: NATIONAL REG15r DETERMWATION O r. • •�: � sr� ?� �F= •:FF� e i.yvi. �• !, �• # •� •fit .. ,.t�?• .s•: ,,.. • • •" A �i 4�• � o �', r�`:: • =r�jfs;MfFt� �if�s�st • Jj N °woe • FAV ; R. �•°° •°• • •••°• 00• s� • • ° r ! • • • • • •0 e • • • ° ••• ••••°e 00. e e • • • ° • • e • • ° • • • • •e • • • � e e • • • e o ° :0,••°::•• •• •e•e••' • G • • • •. • • e o•• A, '(ERMINAt• B =INWMUM! CITY Nt" g, ►iANGAR tatoVC KEY MAR" C. K4NGAR D, MNGM tUAM L 5TE DOCK CW g, MAC4t" SHOP WERRR• sTlVENS ORY DoCX CW. ►. owlr mm UAURANT C. s(apTiY + LANDING kIANGARETN VEitRtoC GYM)! K. ti s: cu�P CRO,4 CONVEMN � y O �MAcx r MARINA DoM�'' o P� P-L 220 Determination of Eligibility If the Virrick Gym is determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, any actions affecting the property would be subject to the requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. This requirement is triggered by the deed restriction on the property, which requires approval by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, of any proposed change in utilization. This federal historic preservation requirement stipulates that the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Tallahassee be given an opportunity to comment on any action that would affect the property. If the proposed action would have an adverse affect, the City would be required to consult with the SHPO and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, a federal agency, to seek agreement on ways to avoid or reduce the adverse effects. One possible compromise could involve the preservation of the hangar and the demolition of the Virrick Gym Annex, a structure that has little architectural value. The National Park Service must take all comments into consideration before approving or denying the City's proposal. 24 . 12 94- 220 Results of the Charrette Pursuant to City Commission direction at its meeting of October 14, 1993 (M-93-560), the Planning Department was instructed to conduct a planning study of the Virrick Gym and the immediately surrounding area. Public input was sought in order to receive necessary approvals from federal and state agencies due to historic designation of the hangars and deed restrictions on Virrick Gym site. The City sponsored an all -day publicly noticed charrette at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club on January 22nd, 1994. The conclusions of that charrette were presented at a publicly noticed meeting on February 15th at City Hall. Subsequently, the recommendations of the participants of the charrette are to be presented to and approved in concept by the Waterfront Advisory Board on March 8th and the Historic and Environmental Preservation Board on March 15th. The charrette focused on: (1) the adaptive reuse of Virrick Gym; (2) the potential redevelopment of the Virrick Gym site; (3) the potential reuse of the two hangars (FKA Merrill Stevens Boatyard); and (4) planning for the immediate vicinity bounded by Aviation Avenue, South Bayshore Drive, Pan American Drive and the Bay. Nine teams of interested participants discussed the site, proposed solutions and revised those proposals in an open forum. Their conclusions, attached herewith as Attachment A, provide the summary of that charrette anci a set of guidelines for the City Commission and City. Administration regarding the future development of the site. Subsequently, during the meeting of February 15th at City Hall, a proposal was put forward to utilize the Virrick Gym as a farmer's market; this proposal was rejected by the audience. 25 4- 220 13 THE PLAN A. The Virrick Gym would be retained and restored as a sailing center, ideally as a facility shared by "Shake -A -Leg", a sailing program for the handicapped; the U.S. Olympic Sailing Team and the City of Miami Parks Department sailing program. Using recreational sailing as a common theme, a recreational program for the general public is also visualized including an exercise gym, health club and bike rentals. Shake -A -Leg has a small sailboat dock, also. Parking is available for handicapped and users. The office annex, which is contiguous on the north side of the Virrick Gym building proper is currently partially occupied by City of Miami offices. If Shake -A -Leg were to be allowed to follow through with their ambitious program for reusing the office annex as sailing team barracks, then the City offices (daycare, handicapped and cable) would have to be relocated to an unidentified location. Alternatively, during a long transition period, the use of the office annex could be divided between Shake -A -Leg and the City. B. The Hangar (formerly Merrill Stevens Drydock) would be retained and reused as a full service boatyard capable of servicing boats over 28 feet in length. This facility would be augmented by a repaired (or new) boat lift, and room for a forklift to maneuver. Increasingly stringent environmental regulations dictate that boat repair activity take place in a controlled (indoor) environment so that the outside apron is to be used by boats to be repaired or dry boat storage (28' + in length). Sufficient parking on the north side of the building would be available for workers, clients and marina users. C. The Machine Shop (formerly Merrill Stevens D dock is proposed as a Pan American Airways Coast Guard Air Marine Historical Museum (see letter of interest in Appendix C from the Historical Museum). This proposal should not be reviewed in isolation but rather in the context of Coconut Grove's other historic attractions such as the Barnacle, and City Hall and the Virrick Gym at Dinner Key. Visitor parking would be available to the north of the building.' Alternatively, if the Historical Museum proposal ultimately is not found to be acceptable to the City, this building would -be included in the Request for Proposals for the full service boatyard (see below). D. The Marina has previously been included with the full service boatyard. However, it seems that the marina could be 26 14 94- 220 YIRRICK GYM AT .DINNER KEY STUDY P`` i1 IMr RMiA Mr/#A A� MM1M�I 27 II11`1 1 � M • 4- 220 operated separately if a dedicated parking area for users were located on the bay side of the machine shop or in part of the open apron. The marina would include sixty-one (61) grandfathered slips, and perhaps 25 to 40 more new slips (which would have to be approved by Metro Dade County). Also included is a dockmaster's office, on -dock fuel facility (with onshore fuel storage tanks) and a marine art -in -public - places feature. The fuel facility is located to provide maneuverability for large boats; the continued use of the water area to the southeast as a "free" anchorage may interfere with this desired maneuverability of larger boats destined for the fuel facility or the boat lift. E. The Boat Launching Ramps need to be renovated to facilitate launching (and retrieving) boats. A vehicle -and -trailer parking area, for storage while a boat is in use, is located south of the Virrick Gym. F. The Sailing Dock is currently operated by Shake -A -Leg as part of their concession. The potential to expand the number of slips here is hampered by the need to provide an ample maneuvering area for the sailboats. However, the potential of expanding sailboat slips should continue to be explored. G. A Baywalk with pedestrian amenities is included, where appropriate. It is recognized that mangroves on the shore south of the parking area must be preserved. H. A New Green Space is located along the eastern edge of the parking area to provide a "see through" and separation. A hard court area is included. I. The Parking Area has been reconfigured. A meter, decal or other form of parking validation should be considered to assure that use of the parking area is for patrons of Dinner Key and not visitors and workers destined for office buildings on the north side of South Bayshore Drive. Attention also needs to be given to security needs of the parking area and the vehicle -and -trailer storage area. J. The South Bayshore Drive Pedestrian -and -Bicycle Path is retained. Landscaping in the form of an overhead canopy is suggested by adding a parallel row of royal poincianas with adequate spacing to allow for future growth. No understory landscaping is proposed, for safety and security reasons. Also to be incorporated is a stop for tram or shuttle service to accessory parking at the Coconut Grove Exhibition Center or village center, should this service ever be implemented. K. The triangular Open Space should only be altered by adding turf -block or similar "open cell" paving that would allow the 211' use of green ground cover while still providing for overflow 15 994- 220 parking at the Coconut Grove Exhibition center. Preservation of this green space calls into question continued use of this area by workers and patrons of establishments on the north side of South Bayshore Drive. °4- 220 29 16 THE NEXT STEPS The City should; 1. Forward this study to the appropriate federal and state agencies for review. 2. Immediately authorize sufficient repairs to the Virrick Gym to enclose it and protect it from the elements. 3. Prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Virrick Gym and Machine Shop, including boat launching ramp and sailing dock, to enable public interest non-profit groups to present proposals utilizing the recently enacted charter amendment. 4. Prepare a Request for Proposals for a full service boatyard utilizing the large hanger and marina. As a part of this RFP, an additional optional proposal could be considered, for the machine shop, as part of a full -service boatyard. 5. Seek a coastal management or open space grant to address the baywalk segment, preservation of mangroves, and the installation of the green space and hard court. 30 -i]d 17 ATTACHMENT A VIRRICK GYM CHARRETTE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE SITE �4- 220. 31 tia Virrick Gym/Merrill Stevens Charrette Goals and Objectives for the Site A majority of the audience agreed on the following general comments; other team comments apply to individual structures: 1. Make the conclusions of this charrette the foundation for all future requests for proposals for the site. 2. Use available FEMA or insurance funds immediately to prevent further damage to the structures. 3. Preserve all structures; no demolition of historic structures. 4. Area should be reserved for the marine community and water - dependent uses. 5. No hotels or residential units; no high -intensity "Bayside-type" tourist facility or more theaters which would contribute to traffic and congestion problems. 6. Revenues collected from the site should be reinvested there and not returned to the General Fund. 7. Emphasis on youth recreation, particularly marine -related recreation. 8. If adequate parking for resulting uses cannot be provided onsite as surface parking, investigate the possibility of a tram or shuttle to accessory parking at the Coconut Grove Exhibition Center or elsewhere. 9. Preserve the existing views of the bay. 10. Preserve the existing mangroves. 11. Landscaping should prevail continuously along South Bayshore Drive; a marine -oriented feature should be incorporated into the landscaping design. Other Team Comments: Virrick Gym: 1. Preserve the Virrick Gym as a multi -use community center which might include a water sports training center and sailing educational center by retaining or expanding the Shake -a -Leg facility, possibly in conjunction with the U.S. Olympic Training 32 Center. 2. Some indoor recreational facility such as a basketball court and/or boxing gym should be retained for indoor activity during inclement weather. Hangar: 1. Preserve the boatyard as a full -service boatyard including fueling, lift, drydock and storage facilities; if possible restore the marina to accommodate vessels up to fifty feet in length, both motor and sail. 2. Investigate the possibility of an offshore fueling station. 3. Rebuild the adjacent seawall. 4. Boatyard should be privately managed by a company with the expertise and resources to handle such an operation, not by the City of Miami. 5. The boatyard should accommodate as many boat slips as permissible to meet the existing need, make Dinner Key a facility at least equivalent to the Miami River's boatyard (the only other functioning boatyard in the area), and make use of an existing under-utilized, facility in an advantageous location. Machine Shop: 1. Preserve the building as a possible Pan Am and Coast Guard aviation/marine museum with retail components including marine accessories and other shops, a Coconut Grove historic market and/or farmers' market. 2. Do not locate commercial enterprises which would compete with existing business; retail should be complementary to the primary use of the property as a boatyard. Parking Area at Virrick: 1. Landscape the area for a park and a continuous lighted baywalk with lighted, low -intensity recreational facilities. 2. Any parking should be landscaped surface parking which is monitored for security. Area between South Bayshore and hangars: 1. Area should be retained as landscaped surface parking. 2. Any other use for the area should include lighted, low - intensity recreational facilities such as basketball or volley ball courts. 20 33 94- 220 OJ4- 220 Pj4- 220 35 ATTACHMENT B EXISTING LAND USE, ZONING, AERIALS AND SITE LOCATION 37 n4- 220 MEDIUM DENSITY NK m TPMEDIUM H DENSITY MULTI FAMILY 1�W MEDIUM m DENSITY MULTI FAMILY I \N OFFICE wQ` MAJOR PUBLIC FACIL17 OFFICE ,o y RECREATION �\M V DUPLEX SINGLE RESIDENTIAL p� FAMILY A \ v\\� RESIDENTIAL OFFICE yy \\� RECREATION -: RECREATION 1 \ 39 CONSERVATION D 4 - 220 >��� a i A. TERMINAL BUILOWG(M4 CJTY HALO 8. HANGAR (GROVE KEY MARINA) Q HANGAR (GROVE KEY MARWA) D, HANGAR (MERRIL STEVENS DRY DOCK COJ •E' MACHWE SHOP (MERRIL STEVENS DRY DOCK CO.) F. CHART HOUSE RESTAURANT C' SOOTry S LANDWO H' " COAST GUARD HANGAR(EL12A8E7�1 VERRICK GYM) ;Q STUDY AREA VIRRICK GYM AT GINNER KEY STUDY ATTACHMENT C CORRESPONDANCE 94- 22o 47 MR. HISTORICAL %sso(:i.%,ri6N or 5t)I:THF.RN F'LOR19 February 8, 1994 Chairman of the Board George R. Harper First Vice Chairperson Mr. Cesar Odio, City Manager Ronni W. Bermont City of Miami Second Vice Chairperson City Hall John C.Harrison, Jr. 3500 Pan American Drive Secretary Coconut Grove, Florida 33133 Fernando Garcia-Clwcon Dear Mr. Odio: Treasurer Robert B. Battle Following the public charette sponsored by the City of Past Chairperson Miami planning department on January 22, the museum Raul L.Rodrlguez received several calls from individuals who had Trustees participated. It was 'reported to the museum that many Wayman Adkins of the 7 independent groups who participated believed Harris R. Teo A.Babun,Jr. Teo A. Babun, Jr. the interpretation of the historic significance of the p 9 Anthony Barthelemy,Ph.D. site/area should be part of any future use. The word Francisco Blanco Stuart Block museum, I understand, was used over and over. Miguel A. Bretos, Ph.D. lgnaciocarrera-Justiz Please accept this correspondence as a letter expressing Marianne Devine Steven Goldberg our interest in pursuing discussion with the Cityof Matthew 0. Gorson Miami concerning the feasibility of a historic museum. Priscilla M. Greenfield We believe the site and area are rich in interpretative Jorge .Gross David Harper David possibilities including, but not limited to, the period William Ho prior to and including World War I, the developments of ThorntonHoelle the -Pan Am Base and its significance in regard to Keith Jennings Susan Johnson international travel, operations during World War II Mary Lesko including the Miami Shipyard testing facility at the Michael Lewis current Monty Trainer site, Coast Guard aviation Mary Stuart Mank Lvnn A. Monast g in the important sea rescue activities culminating im air P / Charles P. Munroe work, the maritime history role of the waterfront, and Anna Price.Ph.D. many other fascinating stories of Coconut Grove's past. Janice C. Prvor Michael B. smith We hold d significant image and artifactual materials that Alicia M.Tremois we believe would be important to developing such a Lourdesviciedo Judy Wiggins museum. In addition, we are ranked by the Florida Eric Williams Department of State as the number 1 museum of all large art, history, natural history, science and children's President Randy F. Nimnicht institutions in the state; that is important because it gives us the credibility and the contacts to attract Museum Director additional historic artifacts and collections that would 1. Andrew Brian be used in such an interpretation. Furthermore, as a The Historical Museum non-profit corporation, we have an excellent track Cultural Center t Flaggier Street 101 WesFl im west record in working with the local government (Metro -Dade Miamia33130.1538 3751492 County) in a contractual relationship ._ 2 FAX 0 49 (305) 375-1609 Accredited by the Amertcan Asiociat toll I would appreciate your including this letter of interest as an addendum to the report that will be published regarding the aforementioned charette, and would appreciate your designating individuals on your staff with whom we might discuss such an undertaking in order to better understand any parameters that will be important to the City of Miami. Respectfully, 'g"e" '� A*"� Randy F. Nimnicht President RFN/ f gb CC: WILLY GORT ARVA PARKS SERGIO RODRIGUEZ 50 94- 220 ATTACHMENT D CHMMTTE ATTENDANCE �4- 22051 VIRRICK GYM CHARRETTE r r. 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I 32 CCuYk M(Ctn'li , �lct. 53185 " t�uha�m,�� �l � '� Rile. �.ecl�lS �r �o�► �e �tl� KRgers 3 56 94- 220 Y' 176 4 c..-,--��' }� � iv 4 l I , (a <<�x�� �d e� C C� ,J.�� �i� � G G •� � `� W*C- 2Y CC7 331 �,30 1�6-001 AOAC O 3 31 la`111� aLA4.1y AJ 26 761 6orz> r-4o" CevM 6PA*,w (s6/,22rr �.-.-0V-r lel(l 0 - 7 7 r� r►►'7 ' LA- LA6 ryo 73 �too11 /��9 4_ 220 R7 6d x aoria,., 4(oo.--tto • �;.-✓mot/ % ,p Ge'o C,� � ,. Lv �.o u.- 0,��s Asq,4- Yo 58 4- 220 ATTACHMENT E CHARRETTE TEAM NOTES I P ,j4- 22 TEAM 1 John Brennan, Team Captain Virrick Gym - do not demolish Virrick Gym - Virrick could house community groups, school for boat repair, sailing &/or Shake -a -leg. Should not have City offices - Inside Virrick there could be a marine museum and Pan Am museum either together or separate - recommend moving public boat ramp and putting in docks - the space. in front of the Boatyard and outside the fence should be -parking for Virrick Machine shop & large hangar - Boatyard should be full service including fuel and lift - redo seawall - Utilize hangar space for display of boats for yacht brokerage - group did not have time to address the full interior of the hangars - recommend the Marine Trust run the boatyard and maybe Virrick too 94- 22061 TEAM 2 Mike Cannon, Team Captain General Comments - preserve all superstructures if structurally sound - recommend City contact other cities with marinas and look at the benefits and assets which complement redevelopment - have marine oriented landscaping along S Bayshore - provide lighted walkway along baywalk - Do not want hotels or residential units (condo, apts) Hotels should stay on other side of Bayshore Drive Virrick Gym Recommended uses: a) Shake -a -leg b) museum (all types, maritime & aviation) c) senior programs d) youth programs including social clubs which could be operated under the Parks Dept e) office for Police Marine Patrol & US Customs f) site could act as a police substation Machine shop & large hangar - restore marina to accommodate vessels up to 500, both motor & sail - full service, with assisted & self service travel lift - boat repairs should take place in large hangar there should be no large parking areas, instead create large green areas - needed parking could be accommodated next to Convention Center, low level parking structure - provide tram service along Bayshore - restore existing hangars, replace sheeting, recapture ambiance - do not locate commercial enterprises which would compete with existing business; provide complimentary uses such as an expanded ships store, mini -supermarket - boatyard should be privately managed by a financially qualified team - investigate possibility of providing off -shore fueling like that done in Vancouver - accommodate as many slips as possible; this could be phased Thelma Altschuler Bay should be visible to the extent possible 62 94- 220 TEAM 3 Sandy Friedman, Team Captain Virrick Gym - Virrick should stay and be improved - look at closing in the space between the annex and the hangar by building a wall; this would increase space available and allow expansion of existing programs - recommend youth programs; possibly hockey on skates - integrate museum into Virrick site - museum could have a plane both in front of Virrick & behind it. The plane in the rear could be placed as if simulating a plane ride. Maybe even go inside & see a movie to make you feel like you were there. Museum should be changing in orientation in order -to permit continued usage. Noted that Pan Am Foundation wanted 3,000 s.f. - Look at building the annex portion of Virrick up to the height of the gym - continue to use Virrick parking lot for parking - indicate crime is a problem in the parking area; parking area should be controlled but no meters - preserve mangroves - put basketball court inside gym - provide fenced in racks in gym for use by Shake -a -leg Machine shop & large hangar - provide open green areas in front of hangars - the machine shop building could be used for retail space - retain structure of machine shop but change entrance to face Virrick. Retail shops should be reasonably priced. Ex. Century City in San Francisco - The large hangar would be a first class boatyard facility targeting short term storage. Dry dock storage would be primarily for the purpose of repair - interior of hangar could store approx. 105 boats - exterior drydock can be used for storage during hurricane - fix seawall - construct baywalk all the way from Virrick to drydock facility (if insurance permits such) - locate tables and chairs outside machine shop for picnic or relaxing - look at locating a restaurant or bait/dock shop on the peninsula near Charthouse - use footprint of marina and rebuild dock immediately - team's drawing depicted parking in front of Grove Key; this may already be controlled by Grove Key under their lease 63 94- 220 TEAM 4 Bill Harrington, Team Captain General Comments - all buildings should be retained and restored with historical elements - revenue generated from these sites should be put back into these sites and not to the general fund - recommend Shake -a -leg continue - recommend museum, amphibious aviation, include the Village of Coconut Grove in museum Virrick use for educational, recreational and cultural elements recognize parking and traffic problems recommend a traffic plan be performed, possibly under DOSP (Offstreet Parking) Virrick parking lot should be green space and park Machine shop & large hangar retain full service boatyard fuel dock is critical as part of boatyard boatyard should be primary revenue generator for entire site 94- 220 TEAM 5 Richard Heisenbottle, Team Captain General Comments - restore and maintain all structures - engineer on his team alleges buildings are built well and that many of the repairs are cosmetic. The buildings are on large matte foundation which provides stability - landscape everywhere; all around buildings - look at locating a tram stop at site Virrick - permit Shake -a -leg to use all of facility including training, maybe - provide Shake -a -leg an opportunity - maintain public boat ramp - activities will generate need for have dedicated parking Virrick for dorms and restore a watersports the building parking; each site should Virrick lot should become supervised recreation area Machine Shop - recommend Aviation museum to be operated by the Pan Am Historical Foundation - look into loans from the Air and Space Museum, So Florida Historical Museum, Pan Am Archives, U of M - maybe even restore aircraft on the site - provided example of Train Museum near Metro Zoo Large Hangar and most of waterfront area including waterfront area behind machine shop - provide fuel, 75 ton lift - target boats 30-501 with the average being 40' - offer professional services to compliment boatyard - seek experienced operator - full -service boatyard - provide snack bar at boatyard - provide managed on -grade parking in front of large hangar and in area near Bayshore in front of Grove Key;- no meters - new marina should have 100 or more slips; maintain and protect mangroves 6 94_ 220 645 TEAM 6 John Riordan, Team Captain General Comments do not want additional commercial boutiques or theaters restore all buildings Virrick Gym - Shake -a -leg should continue - day -time activities to be marine oriented - night time activities could accommodate Grove community, Coast Guard auxiliary, marine education programs - part of Virrick parking lot running along old Aviation Ave should be greened in order to separate activities at Monty's vs. activities at Virrick Large hangar provide full service boatyard with fuel to meet parking needs you could construct multi -level parking structure in front of hangars; it should be landscaped so it does not look like a parking lot (similar to that proposed in Dinner Key Master Plan) Machine Shop site for museum 94- 220 TEAM 7 Lolly Vieth, Team Captain Brian Bishop, Presenter General Comments - No Bayside type facility, no retail center due to traffic concerns - keep all buildings and restore them - maintain area for marine community, water dependent.uses - provide continuous baywalk Virrick rebuild front part for Shake -a -leg and adopt their proposal for expansion keep public boat ramp provide Pan Am, Coast Guard, Navy museum; paint a plane on each hangar door Large hangar - provide full service boatyard and marina - boatyard should have 100 or more wet slips, fuel, convenience store, travel lift - locate a marine type feature (ex. cannon, anchor) on the tip of the waterfront near Charthouse - want to see use of FEMA funds immediately to rebuild marina - use insurance money for gym and hangars Machine Shop provide marine accessory shops Virrick parking???? �31 94- 220 TEAM 8 Jim Wellington, Team Captain Randy, co -presenter General Comments restore all properties landscape all along S Bayshore provide continuous baywalk with picnic benches Virrick locate Police Marine Patrol, Customs, sailing program, Parks Dept Handicapped Div and women's defense program in annex Machine shop - put lighted basketball court in front of machine shop - locate air and sea museum in machine shop, Shake -a -leg - put floating docks behind hangar for the handicapped - could locate boatyard admin offices in machine shop - keep existing parking lots in front of hangars Large hangar - should have marine store, machine shop - like the loft and how it overlooks the rest of the hangar; could accommodate canvas shop - need travel lift and rack storage - provide showers, lockers, etc for liveaboards McKenzie Oerting of this group also suggested skylights in the hangars, keep hangar doors open in order to permit view to the bay �4- 220 f TEAM- 9 Mike Zidziunas, Team Captain Virrick provide joint sailing and youth education center locate both Shake -a -leg & US Olympic Training Center in building expand sailing programs Machine Shop site for Grove Historic Market; include Pan Am, Grove Historic groups, kiosks, public access maybe permit historic activities such as Farmer's Market as possible revenue generator Large hangar full service boatyard; suggest incremental RFPs and recommend it begin immediately suggest RFP include requirement that successful proposer provide youth training in marine industry (trade education) add fuel dock with fuel access on one side and dockage for charter boats on the other General Comments Green everything remaining and add tennis &/or basketball courts provide dedicated parking for users of the site provide continuous baywalk along water important to develop youth programs in order to help f ight crime 4- 220 69 PLANNING FACT SHEET PZa 13 APPLICANT City of Miami Planning, Building & Zoning Department. APPLICATION DATE February 14, 1994 REQUEST/LOCATION Consideration of recommending approval, in principal, of the Virrick Gym at Dinner Key Study (March, 1994) which proposes reuse of the Virrick Gym, and the adjacent hangars, formerly known as Merrill Stevens Dry Dock and the immediately surrounding open space. LEGAL DESCRIPTION PETITION Consideration of recommending approval, in principle, of the Virrick Gym at Dinner Key Study..(March, 1994) which proposes reuse of the Virrick Gym, and the adjacent hangars, formerly known as Merrill Stevens Dry Dock and the immediately surrounding open space. PLANNING Acceptance of study for presentation to City Commission. RECOMMENDATION BACKGROUND AND Pursuant to City Commission direction at its meeting of 10/14/93 (M-93-560), the ANALYSIS Planning Dept. was instructed to conduct a planning study of the Virrick Gym and the immediately surrounding area. The two FKA Merrill Stevens Drydocks were subsequently included. Approvals are necessary from federal and state agencies due to the historic designation of the hangars and deed restrictions on the Virrick Gym site. Public input was sought: the City sponsored a meeting on December 21 and an all -day publicly noticed charrette at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club on Jan. 22. Nine teams ofinterested participants discussed the site, proposed solutions and revised those proposals in an open forum. The conclusions of that charrette were presented at a publicly noticed meeting on Feb. 15 at City Hall. Subsequently, the study is to be presented to and approved in concept by the Waterfront Advisory Board on March 8 and the Historic and Environmental Preservation Board on March 15. The study recommends: (1)the adaptive reuse of Virrick Gym as a sailing center; (2)the redevelopment of the marina; (3)the reuse of the two hangars (FKA Merrill Stevens Drydock including a full -service boatyard and museum); and (4)planning for the immediate vicinity bounded by Aviation Ave., S. Bayshore Dr., Pan American Dr. and the Bay. The study also provides a summary of the charrette and a set of conceptual guidelines for the City Commission and Administration regarding the future development of the site. PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD Approval with changes. CITY COMMISSION APPLICATION NUMBER 93-107 03/17/94 04- 220 Page 1 RESOLUTION PAB - 18-94 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE VIRRICK GYM DINNER KEY STUDY IN CONCEPT (MARCH, 1994) WHICH PROPOSES REUSE OF THE VIRRICK GYM, AND THE ADJACENT HANGARS, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MERRILL STEVENS DRY DOCK AND THE IMMEDIATELY SURROUNDING OPEN SPACE, AND FURTHERMORE DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO IMPLEMENT THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE CHARRETTE. HEARING DATE: MARCH 16, 1994 VOTE: eight (8) to zero ATTEST:! SERGIO RODRIGUEZ, DIRECTOR PLANNING, BUILDING AND ZONING 04- 220 t RESOLUTION NO. HEPB 94-6 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE VIRRICK GYf' AT DINNER KEY STUDY, DATED MARCH 1994, AND THE F:i.�DINGS OF THE VIRRICK GYM CHARRETTE AS SET FORTH IN THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES; APPLAUDING THE PLANS FOR THE ADAPTIVE REUSE OF THE THREE HISTORIC BUILDINGS; AND ENCOURAGING THE CITY COMMISSION TO IMMEDIATELY INITIATE THE PROCESS TO IMPLEMENT THE STUDY AND REQUEST PROPOSALS FROM INTERESTED PARTIES FOR THE REUSE OF THE BUILDINGS. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 15th DAY OF MARCH, 1994. 61""Xe!oe;l PRESERVATION OFFICER CHAIRMAN pi 94- 220 The Waterfront Advisory Board on March 8, 1994, following input from the public, recommended modifications to the goals and objectives, by a unanimous vote 8-0. Waterfront Advisory Board Recommendations Goals and Objectives for the Virrick Gym/Merrill Stevens Site 1. Preserve all structures; no demolition of historic structures. 2. Area -should be reserved for the marine community and water - dependent uses. 3. No hotels or residential units; no high -intensity "Bayside- type" tourist facility or more theaters which would contribute to traffic and congestion problems. No parking structures or offsite parking for other businesses. 4. Revenues collected from the site should be reinvested there and not returned to the General Fund. 5. Emphasis on youth recreation, particularly marine -related recreation. 6. If adequate parking for resulting uses cannot be provided onsite as surface parking, investigate the possibility of a tram or shuttle to accessory parking at the Coconut Grove Exhibition Center. 7. Preserve the existing views of the bay. 8. Preserve the existing mangroves. 9. Landscaping should prevail continuously along South Bayshore Drive and Aviation Avenue; a marine -oriented feature should be incorporated into the landscaping design. 10. Make the conclusions of this charrette the foundation for all future requests for proposals for the site. 11. Use available FEMA or insurance funds immediately to prevent 3 further damage to the structures. f 12. Preserve the Virrick Gym as a multi -use community center •which might include a water sports training center and sailing educational center by retaining or expanding the Shake -a -Leg facility, possibly in conjunction with the U.S. Olympic Training Center. 13. Some indoor recreational facility such as a basketball court and/or boxing gym should be retained for indoor activity . 7 1 94- 220 8 14. Maintain boat ramp for use by public. 15. Reserve parking for boat trailers. Hangar: 1. Preserve the boatyard as a full -service boatyard including fueling, lift, drydock and storage facilities; restore the marina to accommodate vessels up to fifty feet in length, both motor and sail. Increase number of wet slips to 100 with 52 being built now with expansion capability. 2. Repair and rebuild the adjacent seawall. 3. Boatyard should be privately managed by a company with the expertise and resources to handle such an operation, not by the City of Miami. 4. The boatyard should accommodate as many boat slips as permissible and be a state of the art facility 5. Marine related auxiliary services should be located inside of hangar, i.e., machine shop, carpentry shop. Machine Shop: 1. The machine shop should not be relinquished for other uses and should be kept as a part of the boatyard. Parking Area at Virrick: 1. Landscape the area for a park and a continuous lighted baywalk with lighted, low -intensity recreational facilities. 2. Any parking should be landscaped surface parking which is monitored for security and should be designated only for users of the Virrick Gym, boat ramp or other on -site facility; said parking shall not be used as off -site business parking. Area between South Bayshore and hangars: 1. Area should be retained as landscaped surface parking. 2. Any other use for the area should include lighted, low - intensity recreational facilities such as basketball or volley ball courts. 94- 220 Cocoanut Grove Village Council VIA HAND DELIVERY TO: Honorable Stephen Clark Mayor, City of Miami 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, Fl. 33133 CC: All City Commissioners Dear Mayor Clark, Enclosed is a resolution passed by the Cocoanut Grove Village Council regarding the Virrick Gym Charrette. We look forward to your favorable consideration of our recommendations. Sincerely.-' Michael Y. Can Treasurer cc:Howard Weisberg, Chairman Submitted ii-1 to Teco,rd hi ite: iaai Cletk 94- 220 Submitted into ffi n- public record in connection with item z - ( 3 on _3 �?� _� -TvIcIft.Y. Hirai COCOANUT GROVE VILLAGE &0t-* A RESOLUTION OF THE COCOANUT GROVE VILLAGE COUNCIL, SPECIFICALLY ADOPTING AND RECOMMENDING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FINDINGS OF THE DINNER KEY VERRICK GYM CHARRETTE AS SET FORTH IN THE CITY OF MIAMI PLANNING, BUILDING, AND ZONING DEPARTMENT STUDY. WHEREAS, the Cocoanut Grove Village Council is the elected body the residents of Cocoanut Grove and acts in an advisory capacity to the City of Miami Commission on Cocoanut Grove issues; and WHEREAS, on January 22, 1994 an all -day city sponsored Charrette was conducted on the adaptive reuse of the Verrick Gym and immediate surrounding area; and WHEREAS, the Charrette was publicly noticed and attended by a broad spectrum of residents and business owners from throughout the City of Miami including members of the Cocoanut Grove Village Council; and WHEREAS, public meetings on February 15, 1994; before the Water front Board; before the Heritage Conservation Board on March 16, 1994 and the Planning Advisory Board on March 16, 1994, all resulted in recommendations to the City Commission to approve the broad based Charrette recommendations; and WHEREAS, the Cocoanut Grove Village Council has voted unanimously to urge the City Commission to approve the City of Miami: Planning, Building and Zoninq_Deuartment Studv and to direct the administration to adopt and implement its goals and objectives, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVES BY THE COCOANUT GROVE VILLAGE COUNCIL THAT: SECTION 1. The Cocoanut Grove Village Council hereby recommends to the City of Miami: Commission to adopt the findings contained within the City of Miami; Planning_ Building and Zoning Department Study with specific attention to: A. Results of the Charette (on page 13 of the study attached her to and made a part here of as Exhibit "A") B. The Plan (on pages 14-16 of the study, attached here to and made apart here of as Exhibit "B") �4- 220 C. The Next Steps (on page 17 of the study, attached here to and made apart here of as Exhibit "C") D. Goals and Objectives (on pages 19 and 20 of the study attached here to and made a part here of as Exhibit I'D") SECTION 2. the Cocoanut Grove Village Council recommends that the City of Miami Commission authorize the City Manager to advertise for professional services of qualified Marine, Architectural, Engineering and Environmental Planning firms to delineate and design the renovation and development concept consistent with the recommendations from the participants in the Charrette as summarized in the City of Miami Planning, Building and Zoning Department Study. SECTION 3. The Cocoanut Grove Village Council recommends that the City Commission direct that the design concept should be developed prior to the City Managers preparation of an RFP (request for proposals) in order to avoid a skewed or single developer design concept that may not necessarily be consistent with the results of the Charrette. PASSED AND ADOPTED this March 22, 1994 by Cocoanut Grove Village Council, Inc. by U�s�" WARD WEISBERG, CHAIRMAN ATTEST: NEIL SHIVES, SECRETARY ELECTED COUNCIL MEMBERS MICHAEL CANNON DAVID GELL ROBERT GILMORE MICHAEL GOLDSTEIN LEE MARKS JOYCE NELSON LYN PARKS MELANIE THOMAS CARL PRIME JIHAD RASHID NEIL SHIVER TED STAHL KEN TOBIN LAURA VIETH DENISE WALLACE HOWARD WEISBERG Submitted into the public record in connection with item Z - 13 on 3 Q Matty Hirai City Clerk A- 220 EXHIBIT "A" Results of the Charretta Pursuant to City Commission direction at its meeting of October 14, 1993 (M-93-560), the Planning Department was instructed to conduct a planning study of the Virrick Gym and the immediately surrounding area. Public input was sought in order to receive necessary approvals from federal and state agencies due to historic designation of the hangars and deed restrictions on Virrick Gym site. The City sponsored an all -day publicly noticed charrette at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club on January 22nd, 1994. The conclusions of that charrette were presented at a publicly noticed meeting on February 15th, at City Hall. Subsequently, the recommendations of the participants of the charrette are to be presented to and approved in concept by the 'Waterfront Advisory Board on March 8th and the Historic and Environmental Preservation Board on March 15th. The charrette focused on: (1) the adaptive reuse of Virrick Gym; (2) the potential redevelopment of the Virrick Gym site; (3) the potential reuse of the two hangars (FKA Merrill Stevens Boatyard); and (4) planning for the immediate vicinity bounded by Aviation Avenue, South Bayshore Drive, Pan American Drive and the Bay. Nine teams of interested participants discussed the site, proposed solutions and revised those proposals in an open forum. Their conclusions, attached herewith as Attachment A, provide the summary of that charrette and a. set of guidelines for .the City Commission and City. Administration regarding the future development of the site. Subsequently, during the meeting of February 15th at City Hall, a proposal was put forward to utilize the Virrick Gym as a farmer's market; this proposal was rejected by the audience. Submitted into the public record in connection with item P2 - 1 3 on 3 � 4 McAt-y Hirai City Clerk 94- 220 13 Submitted into the pub? 'n"l EXHIBIT "B" record in connection with item 13 on Malty Hirai City Clark THE PLAN A. The Virrick Gym wou.".d be retained and restored as a sailing center, ideally as a facility shared by "Shake -A -Leg", a sailing program for the handicapped; the U.S. Olympic Sailing Team and the City of Miami Parks Department sailing program. Using recreational sailing as a common theme, a recreational program for the general public is also visualized including an exercise gym, health club and bike rentals. Shake -A -Leg has a small sailboat dock, also. Parking is available for handicapped and users. The office annex, which is contiguous on the north side of the Virrick Gym building proper is currently partially occupied by City of Miami offices. If Shake -A -Leg were to be allowed to follow through with their ambitious program for reusing the office annex as sailing team barracks, then the City offices (daycare, handicapped and cable) would have to be relocated to an unidentified location. Alternatively, during -a long transition period, the use of the office annex could be divided between Shake -A -Leg and the City. B. The Hangar (formerly Merrill. Stevens Drvdock) would be retained and reused as a full service boatyard capable of servicing boats over 28 feet in length. This facility would be augmented by a repaired (or new) boat lift, and room for a forklift to maneuver. Increasingly stringent environmental regulations dictate that boat repair activity take place in a controlled (indoor) environment so that the outside apron is to be used by boats to be repaired or dry boat storage (28' + in length). Sufficient parking on the north side of the building would be available for workers, clients and marina users. C. The Machine Shop (formerly Merrill Stevens D2Zydockl is proposed as a Pan American Airways Coast Guard/Air/Marine Historical Museum (see letter of interest in Appendix C from the Historical Museum). This proposal should not be reviewed in isolation but rather in the context of Coconut Grove's other historic attractions such as the Barnacle, and City Hall and the Virrick Gym at Dinner Key. Visitor parking would be available to the north of the building. ' Alternatively, if the Historical Museum proposal ultimately is not found to be acceptable to the City, this building would -be included in the Request for Proposals for the full service boatyard (see below). D. The Marina has previously been included with the full service boatyard. However, it seems that the marina could be 94- 220 14 SubmiVr: ,` 1 into the public record in connection with itemP2 -13 on ]batty Hirai City Clerk VIRRICK GYM AT DINNER KEY STUDY O'rt a wr Ar+At yaw M tow. yanwr�ar I I I I 94- 220 N .. Submitted into the p 'blic record in connection with item P7 - 13 on 3 I-A4 (— q.�` — Matty Hirai operated separately if a dedicategitiYaPA� area for users were located on the bay side of the machine shop or in part of the open apron. The marina would include sixty-one (61) grandfathered slips, and perhaps 25 to 40 more new slips (which would have to be approved by Metro Dade County). Also included is a dockmaster's office, on -dock fuel facility (with onshore fuel storage tanks) and a marine art -in -public - places feature. The fuel facility is located to provide maneuverability for large boats; the continued use of the water area to the southeast as a "free" anchorage may interfere with this desired maneuverability of larger boats destined for the fuel facility or the boat lift. E. The Boat Launching Ramps need to be renovated to facilitate launching (and retrieving) boats. A vehicle -and -trailer parking area, for storage while a boat is in use, is located south of the Virrick Gym. F. The Sailing Dock is currently operated by Shake -A -Leg as part of their concession. The potential to expand the number of slips here is hampered by the need to provide an ample maneuvering area for the sailboats., However, the potential of expanding sailboat slips should continue to be explored. G. A Baywalk with pedestrian amenities is included, where appropriate. It is recognized that mangroves on the shore south of the parking area must be preserved. H. A New Green Space is located along the eastern edge of the parking area to provide a "see through" and separation. A hard court area is included. I. The Parking Area has been reconfigured. A meter decal or other form of parking assure that use of the Key and not visitors buildings on the nor Attention also needs t parking area and the vel I validation should be considered to parking area is for patrons of Dinner and workers destined for office th side of South Bayshore Drive. :) be given to security needs of the 1cle-and-trailer storage area. J. The South Bayshore Drive Pedestrian -and -Bicycle Path is retained. Landscaping in the form of an overhead canopy is suggested by adding a parallel row of royal poincianas with adequate spacing to allow for future growth. No understory landscaping is proposed, for safety and security reasons. Also to be incorporated is a stop for tram or shuttle service to accessory parking at the Coconut Grove Exhibition Center or village center, should this service ever be implemented. K. The triangular Open Space turf -block or similar "open use of green ground cover should only be altered by adding cell" paving that would allow the while still providing for overflow 15 94- 220 parking at the Coconut Grove Exhibition center. Preservation of this green space calls into question continued use of this area by workers and patrons of establishments on the north side of South Bayshore Drive. Submitted into the pi.iblic record in connection with item PZ - is on _ I� 19 4 . Matty Hirai City Clerk 94- 220 16 EXHIBIT "C" THE NEXT STEPS The City should: 1. Forward this study to the appropriate federal and state agencies for review. 2. Immediately authorize sufficient repairs to the Virrick Gym to enclose it and protect it from the elements. 3. Prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Virrick Gym and Machine Shop, including boat launching ramp and sailing dock, to enable public interest non-profit groups to present proposals utilizing the recently enacted charter amendment. 4. Prepare a Request for Proposals for a full service boatyard utilizing the large hanger and marina. As -a part of this RFP, an additional optional proposal could be considered, for the machine shop, as part of a full -service boatyard. 5. Seek a coastal management or open space grant to address the baywalk segment, preservation ' of mangroves, and the installation of the green space and hard court. Submitted into the public record in connection with item PZ - 13 on 11--)0 Iq4__ City Clerk 94- 220 17 EXHIBIT "D" ATTACHMENT A VIRRICK GYM CHARRETTE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE SITE Submitted into the, public record in connection with item P;Z -13 on 31-xq 1G4 M C,AIA- " Hirai City Clerk 14 220 Submitted into 0---public record in cc;x+i.Zcc:tiori. with item P 2 - 13 on Hirai Ci; y Clerk Virrzch GyrnlMerrill Stevens Charrette Goals and Objectives for the Site A mg1ority of the audience agreed on the following general comments; other team comments apply to individual structures: 1. Mahe the conclusions of this charrette the foundation for all future requests for proposals for the site. 2. Use available FEMA or insurance funds immediately to prevent further damage to the structures. 3. Preserve all structures; no demolition of historic structures. 4. Area should be reserved for the marine community and water - dependent, us.es.,..,; ...,.:.. 5. No hotels or residential units; no high -intensity. "Bayside-type" tourist facility or more theaters which would contribute to traffic and congestion problems. 6. Revenues collected from the site should be reirivested there and not returned to the General Fund. 7. Emphasis on youth recreation, particularly marine -related recreation. 8. If adequate parking for resulting uses cannot be provided onsite as surface parking, investigate the possibility of a tram or shuttle to accessory parking at the Coconut Grove Exhibition Center or elsewhere. 9. Preserve the existing views of the bay. 10. Preserve the existing mangroves. 11. Landscaping should prevail -continuously along South Bayshore Drive; a marine -oriented feature should be incorporated into the landscaping design. Other Team Comments: Virrich Gym: 1. Preserve the Virrick Gym as a multi -use community center which might include a water sports training center and sailing educational center by retaining or expanding the Shake -a -Leg facility, possibly in conjunction with the U.S. Olympic Training Center. 94- 220 19 Submitted into the pu )lic N� record in connection item. Q 2 ' 13 on lK tty Hirai 2. Some indoor recreational facilityCsiitchClassrka basketball court and/or boxing gym should be retained for indoor activity during inclement weather. Hangar; Preserve the ; boatyard + : as a full -service boatyard including fueling, li fi,' drydock and •= storage • facilities; if - possible restore the marina to accommodate vessels up to, fifty feet in length, j both motor and sdil. 2. Investigate the .:possibility of an' ffshore','fueling station. 3. Rebuild the adjacent seawall. 4. Boatyard should •, be privately .managed by a company with the expertise and resources to handle such an operation, not by i the. City of Miami. 5. The boatyard should accommodate as many boat slips as j permissible to meet the existing need, make Dinner Key a facility at' least equivalent to the Miami River's boatyard (the only other functioning boatyard in_ the area), and make use of an existing under-utilized facility in an advantageous location. Machine Shop: 1. Preserve the building as a possible Pan Am and Coast Guard aviation/marine . - museum , with' retail components including marine accessories and other shops, a Coconut Grove historic market and/or farmers' market. 2. Do not locate commercial enterprises which would compete with existing business; retail should be complementary to the primary use of the property as a boatyard. Parking Area at Virrick: 1. Landscape the area for a park and a continuous lighted 'baywalk with lighted, low -intensity recreational facilities. 2. Any parking should be landscaped surface parking which is monitored for security. Area between South Bayshore and hangars: 1. Area should be retained as landscaped surface parking, 2. Any other use for the area should include lighted, low - intensity recreational facilities such as basketball or volley ball courts. 20 94- 220