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1 - Review of proposed flood marker in memory of Gilbert F. White, to be located on the north bank of the Boulder Creek in the Municipal Complex~ City of Boulder Planning and Development Services 1739 Broadway, third floor • FO Box 791 • Boulder, CO 80306 Re~ised Phone: 303-441-1880 • Fax: 303-441-3241 • Web: boulderplandevelop.net ~O~ ~ DOWNTOWN DESIGN ADVISORY BOARD APPLICATION Date of Application ~~~-6 I 20o g Address of Property for Review CC~JT2<~`~AR~L Applicant's Name ~~-~ ~~-(~~ `o cL Phone ~'~-~ -'S"~`~ - C'L6 a Address ~~b1~v2~~.,-. ~~2. ~on~~r.~~~- C~'~ ~iso~s~`~ Relationship to Project (e.g.: architect, contractor, etc.) (~poct~un~~'~ c~ sS F~~-~~~~c I"~~NC~c.-..s~ Owner's Name and Address C.cY or ~~. .~~`~o~,c~ Phone ~'~'y`+~ - 33~~C \~1-Z 1~Cl~~~o~ca~1 Project Description ~R~J~.~~ ~~POS~Y ~S~'0.a~~~o`,p . Lot Size Proposed Additional Bidg. Sq. Ft. Total Existing Bldg. Sq Ft Proposed Bldg. Height Existing Bldg Height Submissioa Reauirements The Downtown Design Advisory Board generally meets on the second Wednesday of every montN. The deadline for submitting your application is two weeks before this meeting, which means the last Wednesday of the month. You need to come in person to the Planning Deparhnent, 1739 Broadway, third floor, and submit plans to a Project Specialist by 4 p.m. Please see the attached "Submission Requirements" sheet for guidance on what we need. What to Brine to Your Review At the time of the meeting, please bring at least one set of rendered drawings and materiai samples. Committee Comments about the Proposal: For submittal questions or project-content questions, please contact Brian Holmes at (303) 441- 3212 or holmesblc~bouldercolorado.¢ov. For administiative questions about DDAB, please contact Diane Lopez at (303) 441-3136 or Iopezd(c~,Lbouldercolorado.gov. You can visit our Web site at: www.boulderplandevelop.net and click on Boards• then Downtown Desien. City of Boulder Planning and Development Services 1739 Broadway, third floor • PO Box 791 • Boulder, CO 80306 Phone: 303-441-1880 • Fax: 303-441-3241 • Web: bouldecplandevelop.net DDAB Application Submission Requirements (Excerpt from the Downtown Design Guidelines) Application requirements for design review will vary depending upon the complexity and scale of the project to be reviewed, and the specific requirements of the reviewing body. In general, the applicant should provide the appropriate architectural drawings, sketches, and photographs of existing buildings and their sites to allow the review+ng body to fully enderstaud the nature and scope of the exterior changes aad any significant design issues. For DDAB, ten (10) copies of all relevant information listed below must be submitted to a project specialist in the Planning and Development Services Center no later than 4 p.m. on the last Wednesday of the month, two weeks prior to the DDAB meeting. (Please DO NOT send a courier; a representative from your organization needs to bring the plans to the project specialist in person so the specialist can check that submission requirements have been met, which prevents problems with the applicotion.J Applications should be well organized and contain sufficient information to allow reviewers to fully understand the proposed building design or alteration, including relevant urban design information such as how the project fits within its sunrounding context, and how it relates to adjacent buildings and properties. At a minimum, DDAB applications shoakl ieclade the following information: • A map illustrating the location of the project within the context of the downtown as well as photographs of the project site and the sunrounding area. r'1PP o~~ Wit- pcacc o~ 'Paoposn ~ . • A site plan in a clear graphic style should be presented in the context of the city blocks surrounding the project. Site boundaries and dimensions should be clearly marked and special issues such as floodplain, shadows, ?and restrictions and the existing site conditions need to be highlighted. \ ~a Q(yOQ aS~ L • All relevant floor plans, building sections, and xterior elevations should be illustrated at a scale sufficient to fully understand the proposed design. Pcw~~ tea` • Provide exterior wall elevations in color showing material and color selections. N (t> Additional information that may be required for DDAB: The following additional information may be required if the proposal modifies the permitted "by-right" building height, or if the project is of significant complexity that the two dimensional drawings described above do not fully illustrate the design issues: • A simple mass model if the project is of significant size and complexity, showing the surrounding context. • Color perspective sketches illustrating the proposed project and its surroundings, from street level, to present the project from the pedestrian's viewpoint. • An analysis of the shadow impact of the proposed project is important, especially for projects on the south side of downtown streets. Visit our Web site at: www.boulderolandevelop.net; click on Boards then Downtown Design ~ - ~ .~t~ ~ ' 1~t` ,1 ~ as * u ~ 1 ,f+ - ' ~ ~ ~ '1~ ,-sue i • ` ' ~ . ~~M , ~ ~ ~ ~ ~t ' V ~ ~ ~ Fr1~ r~ 111„ ~.r ~ ' ' .r ~ Approved Flood Marker Site Location i, ~ A ' ' ~ , ~ Gilbert F. White Flood Marker Memorial Downtown Design Advisory Board Application Site Plan (March 25, 2008) Gilbert F. White Flood Marker Memorial Proposal In cooperation with City Council and the City Manager's Office, the Gilbert F. White Memorial Committee is proposing to establish a memorial marker to honor the late Dr. Gilbert Fowler White, Distinguished Professor Emeritus with the University of Colorado, internationally recognized geographer, former director of the Natural Hazards Center, and honored local citizen. The proposed memorial will be a sculptured flood marker for Boulder Creek to be placed in Central Park. The flood ~M1~~r marker will display the level of flood waters for historic ~ events, nationally established flood frequencies (such as the "100-year Hood"), extreme regional events, annual 8,,.~- conditions, and actual storm occurrences. ~~1~-` ' The memorial will serve to honor Dr. White by marking three essential themes that were central to his life: r • Education and Public Awareness • Floodplain Management and Environmental Science • The Quiet Contemplation of Nature and Inner Faith ~r. Given the values Gilbert exemplitied during his life, the committee agreed it was essential that his memorial - provide a practical and educational use. For these reasons, a memorial promoting flood hazard education ~ ~ " t y,.-~ and awareness in Boulder was determined to be most ~ ~ „ , appropriate. ~ - . ~ Background on Gilbert F. White Prior to his death in 2006, Dr. Gilbert F. White was Gustafson Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Geography at the University of Colorado and widely recognized as a leader in the world environmental movement. Because of his life-long interest in the problem of flooding, he was known as the "Father of Floodplain Management." Gilbert recognized that flexible human adaptation to flood hazards, such as removing structures from floodways and opening up floodplains, was potentially a more effective approach to flood disaster reduction than rigid "structural'' solutions, such as constructing dams and levees. Gilbert held and demonstrated a profound Quaker faith. "I~he underlying notion that humans should live in harmony with their environment, coupled with a deep commitment to improving human welfare through social policy, guided his work. His career encompassed not only floods and other natural hazards, but water quality and resource management in developing countries, global environmental change, arid lands preservation, geographic education, and international cooperation regarding water resources in areas such as the Middle Fast and the Mekong and Nile river basins. Dr. White was highly regarded by all who knew him, not only because of his extraordinary work, but also because of his kindness, his respect for each individual he met, and his remarkable integrity. In the broadest sense, Gilbert promoted understanding of, respect for, and protection of the natural order, which includes inevitable extremes such as floods and other natural hazards. In a word, he championed stewardship-preserving nature and promoting sustainable use and husbandry of the natural resources of the earth. To learn more about Gilbert F. White, visit www.colorado.edu/hazards/gt<~'. Basis for Flood Marker Memorial Flood education and awareness was an integral part of Gilbert White's life work and played a major role in his professional contributions and community service in Boulder. A flood marker offers a fitting memorial that recognizes Gilbert's commitment to floodplain management, education, environmental science and public service. There are currently no flood markers of past or future floods anywhere in Boulder, even though the city has been designated the highest risk for flood damage in Colorado. A flood marker provides a historical record and visual gage of flood water depths. It is a vivid and constant reminder of the powerful forces of nature and rushing waters. An observer may compare the potential depth of flood waters reflected by the marker with respect to their own stature and gain a greater understanding of the hazard that exists. In addition to providing a practical reference and awareness of flood water depths, a flood marker offers a strong physical presence and identifiable feature. When coupled with the background of nature and the artistry of human impression, a flood marker may also offer an _ _ aesthetic and community enhancement that defines public art and expression. A flood marker in Grand Forks, North r Dakota serves as an example of this multiple benefit. . l ~ 'r' 'f ~•f~r ~ ~ ~4/~ ~ RtMI'1 ~ :Lkt• ~ I • i~f 1 . 1 (i, ~ ~ f _ .r A flood marker in Grand Forks, NU, offers a practical and artistic measure of rising flood waters along the Red River The flood marker is intended to convey the following messages to the community: • Be aware of and educated about flooding. • Recognize, acknowledge and understand the hazards and risks of flooding. • Realize the immense beauty and extreme danger of one of the community's most valuable natural resources, Boulder Creek. Page ? Of 12 Gilbert F. White Flood Marker Memorial / Flood Marker Design By necessity, a Hood marker needs to be located in or close to the source of flooding to fulfill its purpose as a measure of flood depths and hazard awareness. The Gilbert F. White Flood Marker Memorial is proposed to be located in the heart of the Boulder Creek floodplain, in or adjacent to the creek, to achieve its multi-purpose objective for promoting public education and awareness, floodplain management and quiet contemplation. The flood marker must be functional. It should be located in a highly visible location where the measurement of flood depths can be observed and understood by the community. The design should be visually inviting to promote public awareness and artistic value. And, the design must honor the legacy of Gilbert White and his contributions to society ; sgTomv5°„ and the public good. F'°°d I•c"~~~ The flood marker must also be durable. It must resist the impact of flood waters, erosion and debris loading while performing its intended i function. As a community art sculpture, it must be able to withstand - vandalism and discourage climbing to avoid concerns about creating an "attractive nuisance" to the public. soove ~ Flood I,c"cl - The Gilbert F. White Flood Marker Memorial is desi ned b ' - g Y ~ ~ Mary White, eco-artist and Gilbert's daughter, and ` ~ Christian Muller, Stone artist, City contractor, and designer of asaiio'oYe,~r~~ the Boulder Dushanbe Sister-City Plaza. `°FI°odLe"~' - S •`.a.~` Recycled transparent jade float glass will comprise the upper section of ` the marker. [t was selected because it reflects light and movement, like ~ - . water. Glass is actually a liquid, and it conveys the beautiful and • dangerous qualities of water. Facetted sides will sparkle and attract the x eye, drawing public attention. The glass will be stacked and glued during ~ assembly. The glass layers will be ground and polished, removing sharp ' edges, to prevent injuries and discourage climbing. Separate metal plates will be intermixed with the glass spire to mark _ different flood levels of interest. Chosen levels include the 1894 flood (reflecting a 100-year flood), the projected 500-year flood, and aflood -~a„k_}„ comparable to the 1976 flood on the Big Thompson River. F'p"°"°" The base of the marker will be made of polished red granite. It will be five to seven feet tall without features that could provide hand or foot holds to discourage climbing or vandalism. Both the glass and the base will be coated in an anti-graffiti coating, to mitigate potential vandalism. The "artistic" nature of the sculptured marker may also reduce potential ~ c~e~k c iosed vandalism and climbing. Outdoor art appears to garner greater public `°-`"~`"g respect and is rarely a target for abuse. Original Marker Design Concept Page 3 of 12 Gilbert F. White Flood Marker Memorial / More flood levels that could be identified on the mazker include "Bank-Full" (when Boulder Creek would spill its banks), a projected 10-yeaz or 20-year flood, and the 1969 flood event. Additionally, a scaled gauge (measured in feet) could be inscribed on the side of the base to provide an incremental measure of creek levels and to allow observers to compare their own height with past and projected flood events. In general, design specifications for the flood marker memorial include the following elements: • The base will be a dynamic five to seven foot tall tapering stone pillaz of polished and twisted red granite with dimensions of approximately two feet on each face at ground level. This size is narrower than a large tree and smaller than the historic Broadway Bridge light standazds that have been preserved along the Boulder Creek trail in Central Park. The base will include structural design elements and an engineered drilled-pier foundation to be durable and resistant to flood damage and debris collection. • The upper marker will be a stacked transpazent jade float glass spire, 11 to 13 feet tall, made of recycled one-inch thick table-top glass. The stacked glass layers will be bonded with silicon-based epoxy glue (similaz to the safety glass composition of a windshield). This will offer adequate strength and flexibility to resist flood damages and structural failure. • An internal stainless steel column anchored to the drilled-pier foundation will be installed through the core of the stone base pillar and stacked glass spire. This column will be integral to the structure to provide additional structural strength and rigidity. • The entire marker will have polished smooth surfaces and anti-graffiti coatings to resist vandalism and climbing. • Low-powered internal LED lighting is included in the glass spire for evening viewing and reflection. Use of solar-based power is being evaluated as part of the 50 volt LED lighting element to eliminate ongoing electricity costs. To ensure that the memorial honors the legacy of Gilbert White, the design focused on his life- long values to be practical, useful, educational and quietly contemplative. A flood mazker is inherently practical and useful in educating the public about flooding and the hazard it represents. It provides a simple physical feature that is a constant reminder and real-time measure of the danger flooding can bring when waters rise. As an outdoor sculpture displaying public art, the marker will allow the public to embrace and contemplate the meaning of Boulder Creek and its natural beauty in the face of nature's power. The provision of quiet seating elements near the marker will offer a pleasant repose along the central stream of life that means so much to Boulder. Site Selection The Boulder Creek corridor has always been a cherished focal point of the city and also represents the greatest natural hazard to the community. A memorial to Gilbert White's legacy naturally leads to the creek and its geographic context. The Committee evaluated many possible sites along the creek between the Justice Center and 28th Street to propose an appropriate location. Selection criteria included: • A highly aesthetic site supporting the idea that the flood mazker memorial is a work of art. • A strong visual connection and affinity to Boulder Creek. • A place within the main flow path of flood waters and greatest risk. • A location visible and recognizable to the greatest number of people possible. Page 4 of 12 Gilbert F. White Flood Marker Memorial • A location conducive to quiet contemplation and passive enjoyment. • A site with space available for outdoor seating and educational features. • A space that can discourage vandalism and climbing abuse. I Following considerable evaluation, discussion and site visitation, the Committee arrived at a I preferred location in the vicinity of Broadway and Boulder Creek near the bridge. This location represents the first major transportation crossing and busy public center that will encounter flood waters as they surge from Boulder Canyon. A large population will be able to observe the flood marker at this site where almost 35,000 automobile trips on Broadway and 8,000 bicycle and pedestrian trips on the Boulder Creek trail pass daily. Making the marker visible to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike will serve to connect with the most residents and visitors possible. The Broadway/Boulder Creek junction is at the apex of flood waters spreading out into surrounding neighborhoods and businesses where the greatest potential for damage exists. This location is also in Central Park, a site already owned by the city of Boulder and accessible by the public. Three placement options in the park were identified that are within 75 feet of the bridge and creek trail. The three sites included: i , ' " A. The Water Site t ` B. The Creek Bank Site C. The Trail Site vw A. The Water Site , ~ _ The flood marker would be ,r ~ t- ` ` y placed in the creek immediately _ downstream of the historic - "Beasley Ditch'' diversion dam. ~ ~ , ~ ; 4 B. The Creek Bank Site The flood marker would be placed on the bank adjacent to j ~ the concrete wall on the eastern s ~ side of the creek downstream of ~ the check dam. ; i C. The Trail Site The flood marker would be placed adjacent to the Boulder 'S Creek trail north of the irrigation ditch headgates in line with the ~ new Broadway Bridge light ~ + _ _ _ standard and the preserved ~ 1 ~ bridge light standard placed in + the park. ~ Page 5 of 12 Gilbert F. White Flood Marker Memorial / p 4z~r - . Y~ . _ s . z~? - - ~ ~ r>~ - r. r...~ Site A: The Water Site ~ ~ y.,. W fire s k Site R: 'I'hc Crcek Bank Site i ~ .'..^'-A I ~ at " ',ry)~.~y wee - i ~ . _ 1.;~= ~ Site C': The Trail Site Approved Site The Committee presented the proposed site alternatives to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on August 27, 2007, ? .rte. I with a recommendation to ~ ~ v~'. approve the water site for ~ ~ f the Gilbert F. White Flood ~ - ~ Marker Memorial. Parks ~ _ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~r a and Recreation staff 4 a ry indicated safety and ~C .i~. ~ ; ry.__ maintenance concerns with ~ - ~ placing the marker in the r it water and preferred ~ , " placement on the bank or tr ~r~....-.... ~ ` other location farther away from the creek. The Parks ~ ~ ~ and Recreation Advisory ~ ~ ~ Board voted unanimously to ~ ~ 6~ "endorse the concept of - ~ ~ ~ • placing a memorial to honor ~ ~ ° a ~ Gilbert White on Park Land ~ n . e,h in or near Boulder Creek in ~ ` _ the Municipal Complex." , Page 6 Of 12 Gilbert F. White Flood Marker Memorial / i i I I i In order to satisfy Parks and Recreation concerns, the Committee is y recommending that the Gilbert F White Flood Marker Memorial be placed 1 on the east bank of Boulder Creek below the "Beasley Ditch" Diversion ' ~ ~ Dam. The flood marker will be placed immediately east of and adjacent to the concrete wall and will stand on normally dry land outside of lower stream r, flows. • The creek bank site offers a beautiful settin ~ rovidin excellent aesthetic g, p g value and backdrops. The marker will be reflective of the water and will be tall and majestic rising from the stream bank to an elevation above the ~ ~ Broadway bridge rail. Viewed from the bridge, the marker will be silhouetted against the darker trees and park setting to the east. ~ Interpretive and educational signage and passive seating will be provided in the foreground adjacent to the Boulder Creek path. Here the viewing location t + } Y may be shaded in the summer, sunny in winter, and relatively quiet, being below Broadway and graced with the sound of water flowing over the 1 s~ spillway and rocks. It is also a location that encourages relaxation and ~ a contemplation. The site will allow people to closely approach the marker, offering an educational opportunity to compare their own heights with i measured flood levels. The provision of a concrete turn-out along the path ~ _ will allow full accessibility to the interpretive signage and ahigh-vantage viewing point. Proposed site plans presented below include: • Extent of Work • Grading and Layout • Landscape Plan • Section Through Retained Area ~ Features of the site plan include interpretive signage consistent with existing ~ signage along the creek trail and a stone bench placed under the large tree just east of the marker's location. These features are identified below: _ _ • ~ y, - , Current Flood Marker Design Concept Page 7 of 12 Gilbert F. White Flood Marker Memorial / -v w vo 00 0 N ~ ~ t - - ~ 't Gilbert White Memorial `1ex~~ng Boulder Colorado ~nulu use brklg~ ~ 't Boulder Creek extent of work White Rock Oltch ` ~ exlsgng sign - existing conaete multi use oath Q _ ~ existing manhole , ' ~ - ~ ~ r~~ J r . 1 ~ ~ - ~ i ~ ~ - _ existing deciduous tree ~ ' ~ existing retaining wall o• ~ ~ ~ ~ existing interorotation sy ~ ~ ~ I ~ panel ? I ~ y I- - are+ of work - J ~ ~ ~ proposstl retaining ~ ~ „ ~ wah Interpretatlonpanels _ - ~ ~ ~ p and Informal seating, - - ~ memorial stone bench, v a ~ boulders and flood marker ~ By Ch.ts~n M~/e• ~ and x' tlltch rotum sllgnment rang:~c 2 Smith Goss ditch alignment f ~ m 3 Boulder Creek = - March 17 2008 scale -1"=10' - ~ D 5 1D 19 20 ]0 a~ ~ _ N _ - `'S Gilbert White Memorial Boulder, Colorado o---. _ _ grading and layout _ - r----~_-~' ~3 r KEY - `l.- - _ _ r~ _ 5. _ - i ~ ~ t TOW 53134.75 ~ 1 ~ Poht a! no :hand=_ 7 eodsdng arttacr - _ 1 , --5337-----_. ~ 533,.8 ~ - ~ March 17 2008 l scale - 1 "~5' _1.~~~.~ 33 -r-,, X ~A ~ 53?3,62t, 5333.8 ~ t-, J1 T04V 53?9,95 By LhAcNan Mu~ar ~ <r 35.-..._ ~ \ E;pW 5338?Dt 8'-~~ and Tams ~ tpW 5738,45 goer; s3?~.e 8'-0' ~ ~ , c 16'-0, I d ° r-0• (TYPE. ~ _ co ~~Ryy- r~ O ~ . ~ 1 ro vc 0 ~ t3oulderCreek ~ ~ Gilbert White Memorial White Rock Ditch f ~ ` Boulder, Colorado ` y dedication bould : exlsting manhole cover ~ ~ crusher fine terrac landscape plan ' ~ exlsting retalning walls - Interpretive sign pa~ / ~ ~ to match existing I ~ multi use concrete pad I _ l~~ ~ adjacent to exlsting ; - I stone blocks as retaining " / ultl use trail / f: i and seating elements March 17 2008 -flood marker footprint ~ Scale -1 "=5' -q ~ I ~ 0 4 10 15 I ~ i ~ bOUlders aS SeatlRg _ By Chd:+lan Minn. and i ~ 1 Z" conc. mow strip _ _ _ Tanu ik ~ 1 r+ ~ - ~ I - ~ i f crusher fine - - - - . - - 1 f or grass terrace Interpretive sign panel + 1 to match existing _ 7 c proposed wall ~ - o, butted to exlsting wall ~ stone bench ~ exten exlsting retalning wall with GFW Inscrlp4on existing int relive signage - ~ set on Boll surface ~ proposed tom h this ~ ~ + ~ ~ l . . ' ~ - ' Boulder Creek - ' >v va 0 -n N Gilbert White Memorial Boulder, Colorado 4" rise from crusher fines to;gip of rtx;k new molt! use semi drde path E"thick concrete I~'~, section through retained area with 2% fal finish Is flagstone brown with sandscape flnkh see plan for further detaN - ~i 16" (TYP) crusher tine Or grass ten'aCe A ~i 4" I ~ !bws Ynt~ {arger lawn area -see plan --~--_T_~~ 1~~.+• ~ but} or red sandstone blocks ~ ~t i 11 / existlng grade below new retaining wo"k i _ ~ / t i~ generally unaltered -continues to ~ ~ ~ I I F3oulderCreek ! ~ ~ ~ I I~ % ~ / 3} a0 1 p Yl 11''4 ~~i ~t~./~~ :?f ,C f J O exlsdng 6" multi use path 1 ~ / ~ ~ cornpacied aggregate base rf K ~ ~ ~ - i/ .~1 compacted gusher flies ~ ~ l r - _ _ prepared sub grede ~ -•ti-- K ~ - m ~ By Chrlcllan Mbar $ location of section 'nd r~.r,= a m - ~ _ ~ r~ ~2 ~ ~J' 1 ~ ~ March 17 2008 e~ 7 ~ 1 t r ~cale•it2".T e - D 1 2 7 Site Location Map P ~ ~ w N a _ ; N ~ ~iu~ ~ y + } ~ `t t~ t ~ 4~ ~ ~ ~y ~.~j ~ 1 ~ tilhJ ~ e Qa p ! I n ~ ~ a 4~ ti t .o d ~ ,~~s11 = ~ or ti ti C'~ ti cr ~ ~ ~ ~ f rSy • ~f ` ~ 7. .,c ~ ~ ~ - Proposed Flood Marker Memorial ~ c t J~.~.~-- ~ c. ~ f ~ s.~- -ter ~ i ~ 4 ~ ~f x o t ~ ~ ~ r i a ~ ~~O N~ ~r ~ io ~ ~ r ~~f~~~ ~ ~ r Q~~ ~r~ - a ~ Q I~•iap of the Doa~ntoccn H15tOlYC District. the Iron-Historic area. and the Interface area