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HRA Work Session 2. 1. Meeting Date: 05/01/2012 By: Darren Lazan, Housing & Redevelopment Authority Information Title: Presentation regarding potential Athletic Facility in The COR Background: For the past several months, the Development team has been working with a group interested in building a multi - function athletic facility in The COR. Their focus is predominantly 'court sports' including basketball and volleyball, but they have expressed an interest in a collaboration with the YMCA to include aquatics, fitness, and community spaces that have been under past consideration for a Ramsey facility. The group has also had discussions with Anoka County and has been encouraged to make an application for their consideration as a county EDA collaboration on the project. The development team has met with this group on three occasions, including meetings with their architects and financial partners. They have developed some graphics and done some programming for this project to help size the facility. The group would like to meet with the HRA to present their concept and receive feedback. If the project receives favorable feedback from the HRA, they intend to pursue support from, and collaboration with potential users of the facility such as PACT, Legacy, YMCA, Athletic Associations, and others. Notification: Observations: This group has considered multiple locations for this project including Andover, where they currently have some operations ongoing. Their early concepts contained a variety of support services including restaurants, retail space, a hotel, etc.. After touring and considering The COR, they are attracted to the 'campus' concept that allows them to build only their facility and rely on (and support) these uses in the downtown area. This project has the potential to create tremendous recognition for The COR, as well as add traffic at key night and weekend timeframes. The site plan included was their first run at sizing the facility, and does not necessarily reflect the best layout and /or configuration for the facility. If the project proceeds, we will work with their design team to consider both modifications to this plan as well as alternative sites. Recommendation: The development team recommends the HRA consider the presentation and provide feedback and direction for this group to consider in their pursuit of this project. Funding Source: N/A Council Action: