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MAT-SU VALLEY SOUTH GATEWAY VISITOR CENTER Preliminary Feasibility Study June 2010 Agnew::Beck Consulting, LLC Wolf Architecture RECON, LLC ABSTRACT The Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau (Mat-Su CVB) has completed an initial feasibility study for a Mat-Su Valley South Gateway Visitor Center to be located along the Glenn or Parks Highways, in the general vicinity of the southern portion of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The goal of the Mat-Su Valley South Gateway Visitor Center is to create a lively, attractive, well- designed space where residents and visitors alike will learn about and directly experience the wealth of cultural, natural, recreational and business amenities in the Mat-Su Valley. The Visitor Center will welcome visitors to the Mat-Su Valley, provide interpretive information for travelers, and showcase the natural beauty of the area. The center will also be a destination in its own right, offering interesting activities and learning experiences. Part of the purpose of the Visitor Center is to promote tourism-related and recreation-related economic development, to share information about the region’s cultural history and natural attractions in an innovative and interesting way, and to foster stewardship of the Mat-Su Valley’s cultural and natural identity. Market analysis demonstrates that there is great potential to attract more in-state and out-of state visitors to the Mat-Su Valley and promote the area as a vacation destination, as well as allow improved outdoor access and provide increased educational and outdoor amenities for area residents. The feasibility study demonstrates that a Mat-Su Valley South Gateway Visitor Center is potentially sustainable, and it lays the groundwork for further planning and implementation of the project. The success of the project relies on strong partnerships with a variety of local and regional entities engaged in promoting and protecting the scenic qualities to be found in the Mat-Su Valley. Funding for the project was provided by a grant from the US National Scenic Byways program to research and develop a plan for a new Mat-Su Valley South Gateway Visitor Center, with matching funds contributed by the Mat-Su CVB. Mat-Su Valley South Gateway Visitor Center Preliminary Feasibility Study ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Mat-Su CVB Board of Directors recognized the need to relocate the existing Mat-Su Visitor Center in November of 2006 during discussion at the annual board planning retreat. A vision of a partnership-operated visitor center in a visible and accessible location was established. Through their continued action of developing a new Mat-Su South Gateway Visitor Center and making it a priority issue, the Mat-Su CVB Board of Directors has contributed notably to this project since 2007. Mat-Su CVB Board Members: Karen Harris Dan McDonough Cheryl Metiva Dee Dee Kay Steve Zadra Nicole Bendle Wes Tegeler Jason Votruba Craig Saunders Ruth Rosewarne Vern Halter Mike Hudson Kristi Schneider Crissy Butts Ron Wilson Many people contributed to the outcome of this plan through participation in the work sessions and individual meetings. We would like to thank these individuals and potential partners for their participation in this plan and will continue the dialogue in making this project a success. Joe Meehan Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game Wayne Biessel Alaska State Parks Claire Holland-LeClair Alaska State Parks Kris Abshire Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats Randi Perlman Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats Marion Elliott Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats Kevin Keeler Bureau of Land Management (Iditarod Trail) Miriam Valentine National Park Service Mat-Su Valley South Gateway Visitor Center Preliminary Feasibility Study Steve Halloran Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau Deb Call Knik Tribal Council Melissa Saunders Alaska Native Heritage Center Patricia Wade Chickaloon Village Traditional Council Jennifer Harrison Chickaloon Village Traditional Council Bruce Carr Alaska Railroad Corp. Marty Metiva Mat-Su RC&D A very special thank you to the Mat-Su Borough staff Dave Hanson and Linda Brenner for their time and effort, and to Assembly Member Cindy Bettine who sponsored a resolution to fund the matching grant for the project. Finally, thank you to the project team Agnew:Beck, Wolf Architecture and Recon, LLC for their enthusiasm and professional experience contributing to this project. Mat-Su Valley South Gateway Visitor Center Preliminary Feasibility Study TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract Acknowledgements Table of Contents Executive Summary ..........................................................................................................................................1 1. Project Background .................................................................................................................................1-1 Purpose of the Project...................................................................................................................1-1 Description of the Community and Region..............................................................................1-2 What’s there to do in the Mat-Su Valley? .................................................................................1-4 2. Market Research ......................................................................................................................................2-1 Introduction......................................................................................................................................2-1 Overview of Economic and Population Trends in the Mat-Su Borough ............................2-1 Tourism Industry Trends in Alaska and the Mat-Su Borough...............................................2-2 Who will use this facility?..............................................................................................................2-4 How will the facility be used?.......................................................................................................2-7 Additional User Types .................................................................................................................2-11 Potential Programming for the Center ....................................................................................2-14 3. Comparable Facilities ..............................................................................................................................3-1 Introduction......................................................................................................................................3-1 Lessons Learned..............................................................................................................................3-2 4. Program Facility Description .................................................................................................................4-1 Overview ..........................................................................................................................................4-1 Program Goals.................................................................................................................................4-1 Administration .................................................................................................................................4-2 Core Program Spaces ....................................................................................................................4-3 Variable Program Components ...................................................................................................4-4 Seasonal Use.....................................................................................................................................4-6 5. Facility Concepts ......................................................................................................................................5-1 Overview ..........................................................................................................................................5-1 Small Scheme....................................................................................................................................5-3 Medium Scheme ..............................................................................................................................5-4 Large Scheme...................................................................................................................................5-5 Bluff Site Concept ...........................................................................................................................5-6 Lake Site Concept...........................................................................................................................5-8 Mat-Su Valley South Gateway Visitor Center Preliminary Feasibility Study 6. Operations.................................................................................................................................................6-1 Summary of Operating Projections.............................................................................................6-1 Revenue Sources.............................................................................................................................6-3 Expenditures.....................................................................................................................................6-6 7. Capital Development...............................................................................................................................7-1