Virginia Aquarium and Owls Creek Area Master Plan

43 Pages·2012·37.28 MB·English

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM & OWLS CREEK AREA
MASTER PLAN REPORT
*NOVEMBER 2011
*Adopted by reference as part of the Virginia Beach Comprehensive Plan December 6, 2011
Prepared For
“Conservation harmony
is a state of between men and land...Harmony with
land is like harmony with a friend; you cannot cherish his right hand and chop off his left...
organism ”
The land is one .
-Aldo Leopold,
A Sand County Almanac
Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Area Master Plan
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November 2011
Acknowledgements VIRGINIA AQUARIUM &
The City of Virginia Beach expresses thanks to the following
OWLS CREEK AREA
for their dedication, expertise and commitment to bring
the Aquarium & Owls Creek Master plan to life:
Prepared For
MASTER PLAN REPORT
The Citizens of Virginia Beach
The Virginia Beach City Council
The City of Virginia Beach Planning Commission
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation
Ned Williams - Chair, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Contents
Foundation
Brian Solis - Interim Co-Director, City of Virginia Beach Parks and
Executive Summary........................................................................................
Recreation Department 01
Master Plan...................................................................................................
Lynn Clements - Director, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center 03
Enlargement Plan \ Site Section-Elevation \ Architectural Sketch
Michelle Joyner - Executive Assistant, Virginia Aquarium & Marine
Virginia Aquarium & Research Area................................................
Science Center 04
Research Center at Owls Creek Point and Marshview Property......
Prepared For Prepared By 08
Entertainment and Education Center..............................................
12
Kona Gray - Principal-in-Charge / Project Manager, EDSA
Marina District.................................................................................
16
James Fruechtl - Planner, EDSA
Conceptual Architecture Images...................................................................
19
Andrew Ferrara - Planner, EDSA
Architectural Building Typologies..................................................................
20
Billy Almond - Local Landscape Architect, WPL
Design Guidelines.........................................................................................
21
Mike Fox - Local Landscape Architect, WPL
Environmental Stewardship Plan..................................................................
31
Bob Kerr - Environmental and Sustainability Consultant,
Land Use Distribution....................................................................................
32
Kerr Environmental Services Corporation
Land Use Development ................................................................................
33
Patrick Shearer - Environmental and Sustainability Consultant,
Economic Evaluation.....................................................................................
35
Kerr Environmental Services Corporation
Implementation and Phasing Plan................................................................
37
Peter Sollogub - Design Principal / Architect, C7A
Funding Implementation Plan......................................................................
38
Bill Mackey - Engineer, KHA Inc.
Dave France - Engineer, KHA Inc.
Thomas J. Martin - Project Economist, ConsultEcon, Inc.
James Stevens - Project Economist, ConsultEcon, Inc.
Rose Mann - Project Funding and Development Consultant,
Menditto Mann Associates
Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Area Master Plan
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November 2011
Executive Summary
Purpose of a Master Plan The Big Idea Realizing the Master Plan
Planning is crucial to effective management of any program. Owls Creek and the surrounding environment are the inspiration Once the plan is implemented, the Aquarium & Owls Creek area • Demonstrates a new planning approach that could be a
Good plans make the difference between cost-effective, proac- that has driven this plan from the beginning. Identified early in will be an area of “urban evolution,” serving as a cultural and “lighthouse” process for other localities to follow; includes
tive management and costly crisis management. Plans establish the process, the Creek has continued to reinforce our purpose. scientific hub for Virginia Beach; adding alternative energy jobs and a hand-off from the professional planners to an Organizing
focus and direction. They provide the framework for program The stories from the old-timers painted the picture that we could educational opportunities for students and scholars; increasing Committee, Leadership Committee, Executive Committee
implementation and a basis for consistent decision making. They all envision and allowed us to connect the assets of this area. The the exposure of Hampton Roads, and the Commonwealth of and Steering Committee for implementation until the Master
are tools for determining budgets and other support needs. input from the City of Virginia Beach Residents. We are thankful Virginia; attracting more grants and funding of all kinds and from Plan has actually become a reality.
Redevelopment in the Virginia Aquarium and Owls Creek Area is for their contribution as this is truly a citizen’s master plan. The a variety of sources; creating a year round tourist destination for • Stakeholders joined a Steering Committee (55 members) in
inevitable. It is imperative that the City be armed with a master Creek is the heart of the master plan. Essentially the master plan Hampton Roads; supporting the convention center’s group sales order to implement the Plan, not just create it, via a planning
plan that will guide City Council and City Staff in a responsible area is the watershed of Owls Creek and all the surrounding trade; and serving as an economic engine for the region and process used by Exxon-Mobil executives for the six focus
redevelopment direction. Also, the community members have properties that influence its environment. The area will state. Specific innovative outcomes include: areas.
spoken as seen in three Public Workshops and numerous stake- • Extends and builds upon an existing Oceanfront Resort Area
encourage development that shares common themes with the
holder meetings. So, it is essential for the City to abide by a plan Virginia Aquarium and that benefits the community both socially • Funded by a public/private partnership between a non-profit Strategic Action Plan, as a natural extension of the resort
that will create the best value of the land while improving the and economically. The Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Area will foundation for a city-owned and operated public aquarium destination, yet a green transition to the rest of the City that
environment and sense of community for those living and work- consist of multiple venues all with a common purpose related to and a city department of parks and recreation. The City of is the most populous in Virginia.
ing in the Virginia Aquarium and Owls Creek Area, City of Virginia marine and inshore environment education and entertainment. Virginia Beach’s Open Space Preservation fund has already • Encourages public, philanthropic and commercial investment
Beach at large and the Greater Hampton Roads region. grown the City’s parkland by 40% in just 10 short years of the in the future of Virginia Beach.
The Master Plan was a 10 month, multi-step process generated City’s 50-year history. • Included in the planning team was a development specialist
It is also the primary goal of a master plan to spark growth and with the input of residents, stakeholders, City of Virginia • Creates a central urban waterfront park for residents and who inspired Aquarium Foundation members to institute
encourage the developers to take an investment risk in an area Beach and the Virginia Aquarium. The conceived Master Plan tourists alike, unlike any other local amenity. fundraising programs that will garner investor participation.
on the verge of redeveloping. It is very encouraging to have
is intended to encourage development or redevelopment of • Immerses people into the marine environment for a
recent investments in Ocean Breeze and this will encourage
regional significance by preserving existing community and memorable experience that inspires environmental action.
other developers to follow suit. In return the developer needs
heritage, protecting the natural environment, facilitating a mix of
a guarantee that the adjacent properties will emerge only to
land uses, encouraging transportation connectivity, enhancing
raise the value of their property as growth continues. Without
the character, providing incentives for quality development
the adoption of a Master Plan both the City and the private
and giving definition to the Aquarium & Owls Creek Area. The
developers have no assurance of how the City or the properties
benefit of the study translated into short and long term goals
within the area will materialize. Often, communities and private
for implementation. This master plan is intended to be a “living
developments never reach their true potential without a master
document” that is flexible to changes in the economy, new
plan. Fortunately, the City of Virginia Beach is aware of these
opportunities and cutting edge technology.
strategies and the outcome from the Virginia Beach Convention
Center only validates the efforts of the City. With clear goals and
This Master Plan focuses on sustaining the strong vision for the
a shared vision of how the Virginia Aquarium and Owls Creek
area to be implemented in phases that will encourage momentum
Area should develop, the end result is more likely to benefit all
and leverage future opportunities. This report offers economically
parties, the community members, the City officials, and the pri-
viable solutions to be implemented and enumerated as to
vate developers. These three entities have the power to shape
how they contribute to the Virginia Beach destination tourism
development and with a Smart Growth, Environmentally Based,
market and add benefits for the local population. We are very
Community and Conservation flexible master plan in hand, they
enthusiastic in regards to the future of the City of Virginia Beach
are more assured to create a destination that will serve the
and this amazing environment known as Owls Creek.
City of Virginia Beach Residents as a healthy community that is
economically and environmentally sustainable for future genera-
tions.
Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Area Master Plan
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November 2011
Executive Summary
Implementing the Master Plan Anticipated Master Plan Outcomes
The Virginia Aquarium and Owls Creek Area Master Plan has The RFP challenged the planners to “Create a place that is nation- 2 Get your house in order
identified several opportunities for physical enhancements, re- ally recognized as a center of excellence having to do with the Establish a quick fix program; simple solutions such as having
development opportunities and environmental programming coastal and marine environment, and which engages programs, flower boxes or welcome pots added to the fronts of municipal
that will benefit the City of Virginia Beach. facilities and relationships.” Our vision was to include parks with buildings, flags or banners hung, paint any signage or lighting a
active and passive recreational opportunities; preservation areas, uniform color that is easy to upkeep (black), make sure no street
The study has defined a twenty year master plan for the Virginia trails and outdoor exhibits which bring attention to the shoreline lights are burnt out. This is also known as the broken glass effect
Aquarium and Owls Creek Area connecting the site as it relates habitat and its changing environment; environmental conser- - clean environment leads to success. An organized maintenance
to the theme of marine science in Virginia Beach. The six main vation learning opportunities; overall pedestrian and multi-use program is key, give City staff ownership in different municipal
focus areas to be included are: Recreation, Research & Technol- connectivity throughout the study area; partnerships with higher properties. The “Keeper of the Creek or Park” program advertises
ogy, Education, Entertainment, Economic Development, and Ex- education; marine science research facilities; multi-generational which City worker oversees each property, instilling ownership.
hibits. The focus areas are listed in order of implementation to educational facilities and experiences; and an exhibit building to
allow the City to build momentum with projects that are within help annual Aquarium attendance grow from 650,000 to 1 mil- 3 Get in the win column
reach financially. These focus areas have been integrated into the lion. Also, as a tourist-based community, provide a several- day Complete small projects today, large projects tomorrow. It is
Master Plan to create a place that embodies the southern charm visit experience as well as extend the season for the 2.75 million important for the City to make immediate strides for the com-
of Virginia Beach and leaves a legacy of preservation that can be annual visitors. munity to recognize their commitment to redevelopment and
embraced by future generations. an improved quality of life. For example Owls Creek holds a
special place in most citizens’ hearts; clean-up and beautification
Due to the foresight of the City of Virginia Beach and The Vir- 5 Simple Rules to Success improvements should be implemented along the edge of the
ginia Aquarium Foundation this plan has the momentum to real- creek immediately. The City can also succeed by consistent com-
ize the opportunities prioritized within this task. It also assumes There are five important rules to the success of this master mitment to maintenance; maintenance is the City’s credibility. It
growth rates based on published information provided by the plan that will be key in realizing that the Virginia Aquarium is imperative that the City lead by example, whatever regulations
City of Virginia Beach. The Master Plan is meant to be flexible and Owls Creek Area truly is revitalized for the City of Virginia the City wishes to hold private developers to, the City must make
and agile towards adjustment based on market conditions and/ Beach. These five rules can be applied in any City or program the commitment that they are serious about adhering to those
or development opportunities. The economic analysis here in that wishes to improve the quality of life for its citizens by get- requirements as well.
will also give a guide the feasibility of projects and subsequent ting improvement projects “in the ground”. We have set up a
refinements will be necessary based on changing market condi- summary for each rule based on our observations throughout 4 Focus your work
tions. There are four committees that are tasked with keeping this study which apply specifically to the City of Virginia Beach. Find an organizing principal to implementing the program. The
the focus on the end product. These committees are known as Creek – the creek is the life line of the area. Fragmented work
the implementers. They are the executive, organizing, leader- 1 Use your assets makes little progress; citizens want to see visible successes.
ship, and steering committees. The streets, parks, civic buildings, community members, devel- Setting capital improvement projects on a schedule that can fol-
opers - all communities have these assets so use them to your low the efforts around the creek may help with managing timing
The four Development Areas are as follows: (1) The Marina Fish- advantage. Improve the streets to be a place where the com- of improvements. Incremental phasing can follow the creek as
ing Center, (2) Research Center at Owls Creek Point and Marsh- munity members spend their time and money. Reevaluate the well. All of the development areas around the creek should sup-
view Property, (3) The Entertainment and Education Area, and parks and green spaces of the city; provide diversity in size and port the environmental focus of the master plan. Work with the
(4) The Virginia Aquarium and Research Area. All of the develop- activities that can exist within each. Civic buildings and public book end theory in mind, invest in anchors and fill in the middle.
ment areas will have “build-out” timelines that anticipate dura- spaces should be anchors of the community. They should be the
tions including; Phase I (1 - 5 year), Phase II (5 - 10 year) and buildings that set the precedence in architecture and mainte- 5 Institutionalize it
Phase III (10 - 25 year) for implementation. Overall area improve- nance. The community members and developers that live and Create a Virginia Aquarium and Owls Creek Area environmentally
ments include signage and identification, marketing, branding, invest within the City have a voice and should be an integral friendly design checklist – a quick an easy tool to making sure
development and ongoing funding strategies that will benefit the part of the planning process. Listening and working together to developments coming on line and existing properties are abid-
entire area. ensure all parties will benefit in some manner from decisions ing by the guiding principles of the environmental based master
made is essential. plan. Empower the Virginia Aquarium and Owls Creek Area
Steering Committee to oversee immediate follow through on all
necessary steps for the master plan to be adopted as a compre-
hensive plan amendment and forward in the future as the group
that will ensure the plan is implemented to its full potential.
Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Area Master Plan
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Master Plan
The Master Plan incorporates comments received through the LEGEND
planning process while promoting environmental stewardship,
LAKE
education, and progressive planning. The majority of the HOLLY
1 OWLS CREEK
forested areas on the government property, throughout the AT ATLANTIC
Marshview Property, and on the point at the end of Owls Creek 2 EXISTING VIRGINIA AQUARIUM BUILDING NORFOLK AVE. LA OCEAN
Lane were preserved and all development on these properties 3 PROPOSED VIRGINIA AQUARIUM EXHIBIT BUILDING 28 21 21 28 NTIC
was kept to the bare minimum. Nearly all of the development 4 WET-LAB RESEARCH / OFFICE / PARKING STRUCTURE 26 AV
in the plan is located on currently developed properties, which E
in turn have the maximum visibility, accessible routes, and 5 SKY LIFT / PARK PRESERVE 17 PAC .
existing infrastructure. Connectivity throughout the area is 6 COASTAL SCIENCE PAVILION WITH EXPANSION 18 16 IFIC
also improved via pedestrian connections, water taxi stops, 7 RETAIL / RESTAURANTS 16 18 AV
E
trail networks, and bike routes. This connectivity through .
8 AMUSEMENT / WATER PARK 26
various means of transportation will help reduce environmental
impact by reducing the need for vehicular transportation. 9 EXISTING SEATACK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL APZ2 26 22
Compatible land uses were also chosen and incorporated the 10 AQUARIUM ADVENTURE PARK / ENTERTAINMENT 19 27 28
comments of existing land owners that chose to participate. 11 GOVERNMENT PRESERVE 17 27
The plan maintains all existing residential areas while promoting RUDEE
12 EXISTING WATCHABLE WILDLIFE EASEMENT INLET
acceptable development as permitted by the adjacent Naval Air
13 ACCESS ROAD
Station Oceana.
14 CITY DREDGE OPERATIONS 16 16 MARINA DISTRICT
20
15 MARINE ANIMAL CARE CENTER (MACC)
LAKE
16 EXISTING RESIDENTIAL D. WESLEY
R 1
17 EXISTING RECREATIONAL PARK CK 23 RESEARCH CENTER AT
E
18 PROPOSED RECREATIONAL PARK DN OWLS CREEK POINT AND
R 26 MARSHVIEW PARK
19 CITY NATURE PRESERVE (MARSHVIEW PARK) BI 14 26
H
20 COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH FACILITY UT 15 24 CROATAN
O
21 EXISTING COMMERCIAL APZ1 S 16 11 27 3 BEACH
22 ENHANCED RESORT TOURISM / MIXED USE / MARINA 12 2 4
13
23 PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL
24 BOAT RAMP 26
LAKE
25 GREEN ENERGY RESEARCH FACILITY 5 D. CHRISTINE
V
26 PARKING BL
10 TH
27 WATER TAXI STOP 26 OO VIRGINIA AQUARIUM AND
28 GATEWAY 27 L B RESEARCH AREA
A
R
6 E
N
E
7 G CAMP
8
26 PENDLETON
9 26
7
SOUTH BIRDNECK RD.
0 150’ 750’ 1500’ 3000’ 9 ACRES
28 ENTERTAINMENT AND
EDUCATION CENTER
1”=1500’-0”
>75dB 70-75dB 65-70dB
Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Area Master Plan
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Enlargement Plan
Virginia Aquarium and Research Area LEGEND
The Aquarium area is planned to create expansion
AQUARIUM AREA (PROPOSED BUILDINGS: 211,000 sf)
opportunities focusing on environmental education,
1 AQUARIUM EXHIBIT BLDG. (2-3 LEVELS, 200,000 sf)
stewardship, and research. The Aquarium Exhibit Building
expansion to the north of the existing building provides 2 AQUARIUM ADDITION (1 LEVEL, 11,000 sf)
additional space for exhibits, banquet facilities, and meeting 3 EXISTING HARBOR SEAL AQUARIUM
rooms that would put Virginia Aquarium alongside the top 4 ARRIVAL COURT
tier aquariums in the world. The area between the existing
5 SERVICE AREA ACCESS
building and the new exhibit building would have a lawn
6 PLAZA, AMPHITHEATER & INTERACTIVE FOUNTAIN
and amphitheater looking out over Owls Creek serving as
a central space along the public waterside boardwalk. The 7 BOARDWALK PROMENADE OVER WATER
guest experience would begin to the south as they leave the 8 CONNECTION TO SKY-LIFT RIDE
parking garage and get a peek into the research side of the
9 EXISTING AQUARIUM BUILDING
21
aquarium and then cross General Booth along a skywalk. To 25
10 SERVICE YARD
the north, the new green research building would provide 22
11 SKY-WALK FROM PARKING & RESEARCH BUILDING
space for environmental and energy related research.
All buildings are sited to avoid saltwater marshes and to 23 24
provide water access if necessary. The boat ramp would RESEARCH AQUARIUM (PROPOSED BUILDINGS: 90,000 sf) 20
remain in its current prime location, serving the public, the
12 RESEARCH AQUARIUM BLDG. (2-3 LEVELS, 60,000 sf)
aquarium, and the green research building. The area to the
13 ARRIVAL COURT
north of the launch would have enhancements of a public 19
14 RESEARCH OFFICES WING (4 LEVELS, 30,000 sf)
open space and promenade. Residential lots to the north
D.
would be encouraged to keep a buffer from the waterfront 15 PARKING STRUCTURE (5 LEVELS, 1198 spaces) 18 H BLV
in order to preserve the shoreline views. 1167 SCEORNVNICEEC TYAINRGD ROAD TO CAMP PENDLETON 10 N ER AL B O O T
G E
D.
R
BOAT RAMP 1 ERS
18 EXISTING BOAT RAMP W/ DOCKS 6 UART
7 Q
D
19 EXISTING BOAT RAMP PARKING 5 HEA
20 BOARDWALK CONNECTION 2
3 4
11
GREEN RESEARCH BUILDING (PROPOSED: 80,000 sf)
21 GREEN RESEARCH BUILDING (2 LEVELS, 80,000 sf) 9
12
22 OVERLOOK DECK
23 ARRIVAL COURT
8 13 16
24 RESEARCH BUILDING PARKING (100 spaces)
25 GUEST COTTAGES (5 cabins) 14
17
15
0 30’ 150’ 300’ 600’ 9 ACRES
1”=300’-0”
Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Area Master Plan
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November 2011
Site Section / Elevation
Arrival Court & Skyway Connection
Elevated Dock w/ Water Taxi Stop Boardwalk Plaza Event Lawn with Interactive Fountain / Public Art Plaza Arrival Court
Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Area Master Plan
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November 2011
KEY MAP
Landscape Buffer with Sky Bridge behind Pathway General Booth Blvd. Aquarium Wet Lab Research Building and Parking Structure
Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Area Master Plan
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November 2011
Architectural Sketch
Proposed Aquarium
Exhibit Building
KEY MAP
Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Area Master Plan
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November 2011