Project Status, Funding Plan, and
Interpretive Exhibit Designs Shared at Public Meeting
| Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers Kicks Off the 5th PPSC Public Meeting |
The City of Colorado Springs and the design team for the Pikes Peak Summit Complex shared the project status, funding plans and the interpretive exhibit designs for the new Visitor Center during a public meeting June 1.
City of Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers kicked off the presentation at Ivywild School in which nearly 60 citizens participated.
Mayor Suthers focused on the momentum underway that is making the region more attractive to citizens and tourists. Some of the significant projects include the United States Olympic Museum and Hall of Fame, Legacy Loop Plaza and Trailhead, Phase 1 - Stormwater Drainage Improvements and 2C road repair work in which the city paved 230 lane miles and laid 183,000 tones of asphalt last year.
Visitors to the region have increased last year and in April collections through the City of Colorado Springs Lodgers, Automobile and Rental Tax went up by 40 percent compared to the year before. "All indications show a very healthy tourism industry," said Mayor Suthers. "The new Pikes Peak Summit Complex will add even more momentum to the robust tourism industry."
 Jeff Hovermale, U.S. Forest Service discussed the remaining work underway to complete the Environmental Assessment (EA) process for the new Pikes Peak Summit Complex. "It's a collective effort to care for Pikes Peak, which is a regional and national treasure," he said. "All the comments through the public process collectively have been incorporated and will be addressed in the overall EA. The public feedback is important to guiding the preferred alternative." Specifically, Hovermale said the U.S. Forest Service team has completed the study of the primary resource area which includes soil, water, air quality, plant and wildlife. The focus has now shifted to engage the heritage component (archaeology and cultural resources) with the help of the National Park Service and the State Preservation Office. "These organizations will focus on providing feedback to guide the visual qualities, interpretive elements, and the final draft design concepts resulting in strengthening the EA and draft decision. It will also contribute to a project that will achieve the communities expectation," said Hovermale. The tentative release date for the EA is early fall 2017.
Stuart Coppedge, principal with RTA Architects, gave the project overview, a presentation that has been shared at previous public meetings and other events throughout the community.
Laura MacDonald, Benefactor Group, fundraising consultant, presented the completed Capital Fundraising Campaign Feasibility Study for the project. The Benefactor Group conducted a feasibility study to help determine what role private philanthropy can play in complimenting the public funding model that will help make this vision of a new Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center a reality. Conversations included strengths and weaknesses of the project and the Mountain.
The Benefactor Group indicated they received the strongest response that they have every seen in this type of study due to the quality of the planning and the inclusiveness of the design process. "I think the public input process has been exceptional," said Laura MacDonald, Benefactor Group. "Rarely have we been involved in a project that so many people have had an opportunity, not only to comment, but in my experience to have those comments heard and incorporated into the design."
|
Interpretive Exhibits Unveiled at Public Meeting
Greg Matty, Senior Associate with Gallagher & Assoicates (G&A), presented the interpretive vision for the Pikes Peak Summit Complex at the June 1 public meeting. Designers from G&A have been busy this year creating interpretive displays to provide strong pre- and post-visit components to extend the experience and connection to the visitor center site. "Our goal," said Matty, "is to create an experience where visitors have a sense of access and ownership that fosters an appreciation for the Pikes Peak region."
A key objective of the educational displays is to assure that interpretation appears seamlessly within the landscape, as well as throughout the Visitor Center and the public spaces of the summit buildings. "The idea is that visitors should embark on a journey structured around the history, individuals and events that have shaped this landmark," said
Matty. "
Elements inside and out will seek to engage visitors of all ages and create opportunities to have fun while learning."
Each of the interpretive exhibits are being designed to provide visitors an educational experience of Pikes Peak whether they are inside or outside of the building. Visitors can explore the summit's outdoor interpretive features as well as stroll the ADA-accessible trails and enjoy the breath-taking vistas. On the roof terrace and inside the lobby, rail panels will provide educational information about the mountain's geology, history and current use.
|
|
Pikes Peak Summit Complex Fundraising
Details Presented at Public Meeting
The cost projection to build the new
Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center is estimated between $40 and $50 million, some of which has already been secured.
PPAM: $10 million
Bonding Potential: $15 million
Private Donations: $15 million+
Remaining: Approximately $10 million TBD
"Annual charitable giving patterns of residents of El Paso and Teller County is 3.5 percent of their adjusted gross income. This is 30% higher than the national average," said Laura MacDonald, Benefactor Group. "This is an extraordinary generous region."
The
p
rimary
re
commendation from Laura MacDonald, Benefactor Group, was to prepare for a campaign to secure at least $15 million in gifts and pledges to create a new Pikes Peak Summit Complex. Nick Miesen, interim campaign manag
er,
presented next steps
in the capital campaign.
Phase I - Campaign Preparation: focuses on staff and leader recruitment, establishes the campaign office and develops campaign materials.
Phase 2 - Early Campaign: focuses on securing leadership gifts of $100,000 - $3 million+, expanding the volunteer base and seeking national funding.
Phase 3 - Community-Wide Campaign: focuses on broad-based solicitations and explores partnerships for cause-related giving.
|
|
Pikes Peak - America's Mountain
is a new full-color mini coffee table book selling for $12.99 plus tax. The book is available at Pikes Peak Summit House, Glen Cove and Crystal Reservoir gift shops, or by calling the Aramark local office at 719-473-0208 to order. Proceeds go to building a new Summit House. Be among the first to proudly display this tribute to America's Mountain in your home or give as a gift to family and friends.
|
Click here to view Pikes Peak
Summit House Complex PSA.
|
|
June 1 Public Presentation
|
Follow the Project by signing-up for New Heights eNewsletter
Send an email to
and request to be added to the
e-newsletter distribution list.
|
|
Design Timeline
Phase 1 - Programming and Development of Design Concepts - Fall 2015
Phase 2 - Concept Review and Selection - January 2016
Phase 3 - Plan Development and Construction Documents - 2017
Phase 4 - Solicitation of Construction Management/General Contractor - Late Fall 2015 (GE Johnson selected)
Phase 5 - Off-site Fabrication - Early 2018/ On-site Construction Start - Mid-2018
|
Environmental Assessment Status
The City of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak - America's Mountain (PPAM), in partnership with Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) and U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (U.S. Army), selected a preferred design for the new Pikes Peak Summit Complex located in the Pike National Forest in El Paso County, Colorado. The U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service), Pikes Peak Ranger District, carrying forward the preferred design in the preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA) to consider and disclose the environmental effects of redesigning and constructing the Pikes Peak Summit Complex. The Forest Service anticipates the release of the EA and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) in early fall 2017 for public review and comment.
|
|
Fundraising Information:
Total cost of the project:
Between $45 and $50 Million
Who will head up the fundraising effort: Benefactor Group in coordination with the PPAM/City project team and the local Campaign Committee (Members not yet identified)
|
|
Examples of the Interpretive Exhibits
|
|
