Zoo Master Plan.Pdf
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REQUEST FOR COMMISSION ACTION CITY OF INDEPENDENCE May 27, 2021 Department Administration Director Approval David Cowan AGENDA ITEM Consider awarding the Zoo Master Plan project to PGAV Architects. SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION City Staff recommends approval of PGAV Architects bid. BACKGROUND The Ralph Mitchell Zoo is currently in early stages of pursuing Association of Zoo and Aquariums accreditation, with the application date for submittal projected to occur in March of 2026. One of the AZA accreditation documents that is needed is a Zoo Master Plan, which serves as the cornerstone document that provides a roadmap for all changes to the zoo for the next twenty years. This document will discuss building needs, landscaping, the acquisition and deposition of animals, other secondary plan creation and implementation (such as educational and conservation plans) as well as personnel needs. This document is necessary to pursue accreditation and to further the mission of the zoo. PGAV Architects was one of two firms that submitted a proposal for the Zoo Master Plan for Ralph Mitchell Zoo. Based upon the proposal submitted, PGAV provides the best value for the Zoo Master Plan including site visits, exhibit planning, circulation diagrams, and avenues to improve revenues. SUGGESTED MOTION I move to approve PGAV Architects bid for a Zoo Master Plan for $74,250.00. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS 1. PGAV Architects 2. WDM Architects Qualifications for RALPH MITCHELL ZOO MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT APRIL 15, 2021 Re: Ralph Mitchell Zoo Master Plan PGAV is pleased to submit this proposal for master planning services to the Independence City Commission and the Ralph Mitchell Zoo. With our diverse experience in planning and design of zoological exhibits around the globe, we will leverage our first-rate team of strategy experts, master planners, exhibit designers, architects, and landscape architects to bring a proven process, and develop big ideas utilizing a strategy and vision that is tailored to fit the needs of the Ralph Mitchell Zoo. PGAV has completed strategic plans and master plans for institutions big and small, from Busch Gardens to the ten-acre Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Zoological parks around the Midwest are well represented in our portfolio, including the Kansas City Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, St. Louis Zoo, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Tulsa Zoo, and the San Antonio Zoo; making us uniquely qualified to prepare a sustainable plan, and position the Ralph Mitchell Zoo to continue its legacy as the “Jewel of Independence” well into the future. Understanding your history and the unique aspects of your zoo is our starting point! We will work with the Zoo Plan Master Board to understand the legacy assets of the Ralph Mitchell Zoo, your existing infrastructure, and the experiences your visitors value in order to develop new attractions that build upon what you currently have in cost effective ways. We believe the development of a quality master plan is the best way for a zoological park to maximize the value of its capital investments in ways that center upon a focused strategy and cumulative improvements which compliment one another to achieve higher goals. We also believe the foundational strategy of achieving AZA accreditation will benefit the zoo in the long run. It will position the Ralph Mitchell Zoo for proactive collaboration with peer institutions; special temporary exhibits and species loan programs; a focus upon educational experiences and interpretive messaging that will create a richer guest experience; and ultimately will expand the opportunities and accomplishments the Ralph Mitchell Zoo is able to achieve for its guests and the community. We are industry-leading experts in the creation of compelling storylines and sensory-rich, engaging environments. We strongly believe in rooting these unparalleled guest experiences in strategic thinking with attainable results. The following pages address our unique approach to master planning and how we envision collaborative efforts with the entire team. We truly believe that the best ideas come from a rich, equitable partnership with our clients. We also believe that zoos do not need to be large facilities to provide powerful experiences for their visitors. PGAV will perform most of the services via our own staff, including strategic planning, master planning, exhibit design, landscape design, cost estimating, and renderings. In addition, we will have the following sub-consultants: Confluence | Landscape & Environmental I will be your contact person for this project. I can be reached on my mobile phone number at 816-810-4197. We look forward to the next step of partnering with the City of Independence, Kansas, the Park and Zoo Department, and the Zoo Plan Master Board as you approach your centennial celebration in 2025. Our highest and best aspiration is to position the Ralph Mitchell Zoo for success as it enters its second century! Sincerely, Chris Davis, Vice-President PGAV Architects 1900 W. 47th Place, Suite 300 Westwood, KS 66205 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE 1 PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 5-10 2 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE TECHNICAL COMPETENCE 11-16 3 RELEVANT PROJECTS REFERENCES 17-26 4 PROJECT UNDERSTANDING 27-34 5 QUALITY ASSURANCE METHODS 35-36 6 PROPOSED SCHEDULE AND BUDGET 37-40 7 FEE PROPOSAL 41-42 Section 1 PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS PGAV Architects | Ralph Mitchell Zoo Master Plan 5 CHRIS DAVIS Project Manager, Point of Contact Chris’ interest in zoological projects stems from fond Kansas City Zoo – Kansas City, MO childhood memories visiting the Kansas City Zoo while 2020 Master Plan growing up. He now enjoys sharing those experiences Polar Bear Passage with his family. “As long time Friends of the Zoo members Elephant Expedition we thoroughly enjoy engaging with our two children, Stingray Bay Touch Tank who at ages 6 and 10 are active and energetic about New Front Entry & Guest Services experiencing the natural world through our trips to local, Deramus Education Pavilion regional and zoos across the continent.” Missouri River Otter Exhibit • Most frequently visited zoo as a family: Kansas City Zoo Tuxedo Grill Beastro Café • Favorite family weekend trips: Omaha Zoo & Zoo Gift Shop St. Louis Zoo Koala Flats • Furthest zoo visited as a family: Toronto Zoo African Sky Safari Chris’ other strong interest is in early childhood Sea Lion Exhibit Improvements education. “Watching our own children alongside visitors Red Panda Exhibit Improvements of all ages explore and engage through the experiential Wings of Wonder – IMAX theater conversion learning opportunities at zoological parks provides a Al Ain Wildlife Park, United Arab Emirates great level of satisfaction, knowing that our work helps Prince Solomon Science Oasis, Dubai, Saudi Arabia create strong family memories that go hand in hand with Imax Theater Concept Design meaningful educational experiences for young minds. Union Station, Kansas City, MO Chris has spent much of the previous ten years Level C Exhibit Gallery implementing transformative projects for the Kansas Sea World Ocean Explorer, San Diego, CA City Zoo and brings extensive experience ranging from the 2020 Master Plan, to premier animal exhibits, food Desert Falls Sports Resort, St. George, UT service amenities, educational and play spaces and rides. Concept Design and Master Planning “The Kansas City Zoo is such an important community Rilitto Park, Tucson, AZ asset, it has been a privilege to be able to put energy into Concept Design and Master Planning making the Zoo better and a more enjoyable experience for families in the region.” Chris received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture in 1991 from the University of Kansas. He is a LEED Accredited Professional and a member of the American Institute of Architects. An avid baseball fan, Chris also enjoys backpacking, hiking, cycling and essentially “any activity that gets me outdoors”. 6 MIKE SCHAADT Principal-In-Charge Mike is one of PGAV’s three principals, adept at leading Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City MO clients and project teams through the process of vision 2020 Master Plan casting, strategic thinking and discovery in a way that Polar Bear Passage makes projects better. His extensive work across the Elephant Expedition spectrum of PGAV’s portfolio provides clients with Stingray Bay Touch Tank insights and creative problem solving strategies that New Front Entry & Guest Services often bring unexpected solutions to a project’s most Deramus Education Pavilion challenging problems. Mike’s ability to guide and facilitate Missouri River Otter Exhibit stakeholder engagement in the planning process conveys Tuxedo Grill his thoughtfulness and interest in always putting the Beastro Café client first. Zoo Gift Shop Mike’s childhood experiences took him across the globe Koala Flats as his parents relocated to Africa and then later to Rome African Sky Safari in his adolescent years. This time in early childhood Sea Lion Exhibit Improvements was especially formative; when he was able to develop Red Panda Exhibit Improvements a relationship to the natural world through unique Wings of Wonder – IMAX theater conversion experiences during his elementary education. Wonders Of Wildlife Museum, Springfield MO As principal project advisor, Mike will provide executive Union Station, Kansas City MO leadership to the design team and supplement the team Master Plan with his sensibilities related to zoological projects. Level C Exhibit Gallery Mike brings extensive experience to this effort from Irish Museum his ten plus years working with the Kansas City Zoo Watkins Mill State Park Visitor Center, Kearney MO on some of their most important and transformative projects, including the development of their 2020 Master Plan. Mike’s leadership and thoughtfulness has made the Kansas City Zoo a better place. In addition, Mike has spent nearly two decades working in partnership with Kansas State University on projects in the City of Manhattan including projects with the College of Veterinary Medicine. Through this work, he has come to know the Manhattan community and has developed many successful relationships with local engineering partners. Mike received his Bachelor of Architecture in 1986 from the University of Kansas.