24.10.07 DDA Board Packet FINAL_____________________________________________________________________________________
MEETING AGENDAS AND PACKETS ARE FOUND AT: WWW.AVON.ORG
MEETING NOTICES ARE POSTED AT AVON TOWN HALL, AVON RECREATION CENTER, AVON ELEMENTARY AND AVON PUBLIC LIBRARY
IF YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION NEEDS, PLEASE, IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING,
CALL TOWN CLERK MIGUEL JAUREGUI CASANUEVA AT 970-748-4001 OR EMAIL MJAUREGUI@AVON.ORG WITH ANY SPECIAL REQUESTS.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING AGENDA
Monday, October 7, 2024
MEETING BEGINS AT 3:00 PM
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PUBLIC MEETING BEGINS AT 3:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3. DISCLOSURE OF ANY CONFLICTS OF INTEREST RELATED TO AGENDA ITEMS
4. PUBLIC COMMENT – COMMENTS ARE WELCOME ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE
FOLLOWING AGENDA Public comments are limited to three (3) minutes. The speaker may be given
one (1) additional minute subject to Board approval.
5. NEW BUSINESS
5.1. Work Session: Complete draft of Sun Rd Redevelopment Plan (Community Development
Director Matt Pielsticker and Town Manager Eric Heil)
6. MINUTES
6.1. Approval of September 16, 2024 Downtown Development Authority Meeting Minutes (Chief
Administrative Officer Ineke de Jong)
7. ADJOURN
Public Comments: Avon DDA agendas shall include a general item labeled “Public Comment” near the
beginning of all Board meetings. Members of the public who wish to provide comments to the Board greater
than three minutes are encouraged to schedule time in advance on the agenda and to provide written
comments and other appropriate materials to the Board in advance of the Board meeting. The Chairperson
shall permit public comments for any action item or work session item and may permit public comment for
any other agenda item, and may limit such public comment to three minutes per individual, which limitation
may be waived or increased by a majority of the quorum present. Article VI. Public Comments, Avon
Downtown Development Authority Simplified Rules of Order
(970) 748-4004 eric@avon.org
TO: Chairperson Tony Emrick and DDA Board Members
FROM: Eric Heil, Town Manager
RE: Sun Road Redevelopment Plan DRAFT
DATE: October 2, 2024
SUMMARY: A draft of the Sun Road Redevelopment Plan (“Sun Road Plan”) is presented to the Avon
Downtown Development Authority (“Avon DDA”). The draft Sun Road Plan incorporates direction from Avon
DDA and the Avon Planning and Zoning Commission. This report (1) highlights changes and additions of
concepts and designs principles in the Sun Road Plan compared to past discussions, (2) highlights policy
questions for input and direction, and (3) includes a recap of past direction and project goals.
(1) CHANGES AND ADDITIONS.
Regional Transit Center. The most significant change is the introduction of a regional transit center use in
the draft Sun Road Plan. Staff recently learned that the success of Bustang and Pegasus has resulted in a
near four-fold planned increase in trips by winter (i.e. 2-3 trips per day to 12-15 trips per day). We have
also learned that CORE Transit ridership has increased by 60% since formation and adoption of fare free
transit routes from Eagle to Vail.
Retention of US Post Office, Walgreens, FirstBank. The Sun Road Plan explicitly states and
recognizes the expectation that the US Post Office, Walgreens and FirstBank will be uses that continue in
this area with redevelopment.
Additional Neighborhood Commercial. The Sun Road Plan anticipates and encourages additional
neighborhood commercial such as casual dining, coffee shops, retail and personal services. The additional
neighborhood commercial is contemplated to serve a residential population with the Sun Road Plan
redevelopment, visitors and residents nearby the Sun Road Plan area, and transit riders who will come
through the regional transit center. The additional neighborhood commercial development is intended to
increase activation, enhance placemaking, and increase property tax and retail sales tax revenues that can
support redevelopment.
Design Standards. Design standards and expectations are defined in more detail with the intention to add
pictures and graphic designs to depict examples of acceptable design.
(2) POLICY QUESTIONS.
Redevelopment Goals.
1. Maximize full-time residential density,
2. mitigate relocation or displacement of existing uses,
3. incorporates high quality architectural design and high-quality urban design, and
4. establish a new Regional Transit Hub (Transit Oriented Development).
Are these appropriate high level goals for the Sun Road Plan area?
Page 2 of 4
PLAN OBJECTIVES: Plan Objectives are set forth as follows:
• Promote redevelopment to create a vibrant urban neighborhood.
• Maximize Community Housing and achieve or exceed a minimum of 50% of residential
development in the Sun Road Plan area as full-time, primary residential use.
• Incorporate safe and attractive pedestrian access throughout the neighborhood and
connecting to adjacent areas.
• Establish a new regional transit hub to replace Avon Station.
• Incorporate high quality urban design and sustainable development practices.
• Support public-private strategies to construct public parking.
• Include an attractive public plaza with public art that supports adjacent civic and commercial
uses.
• Include functional traffic design that maximizes efficiency for ingress and egress for the Plan
area
• Ensure infrastructure capacity will support new redevelopment.
• Identify options for financial support and partnerships to incentivize redevelopment,
including but not limited to use of the Avon URA Avon DDA and state and federal grants.
• Achieve all-electric, energy efficient design
• Explore feasibility of district heating utilizing Avon’s heat recovery system
Are these appropriate Plan objectives?
Comfort Inn Zoning. The current zoning for the Comfort Inn property is Residential High Density
Commercial (RH-C) which is labelled as a retired zoning district. The Sun Road Plan should identify the
proposed updated zoning for this parcel. Two options include Town Center zoning, which would be the
same as the U.S. Post Office, Walgreen’s and FirstBank lots and Mixed-Use Commercial zoning, which
has a 60’ building height rather than an 80’ building height but allows all the same uses as Town Center
zoning. I recommend the Mixed-Use Commercial zoning as more appropriate transition zoning from Town
Center to the Green Briar multi-family development to the west which is zoning Residential Low Density
with a 35’ building height.
What is appropriate future zoning for Comfort Inn property?
Concept Alternatives/Preferred Concept. Chapter 4 outlines three concept alternatives. The revision to
include a regional transit center lends itself to a stronger statement of the preferred concept alternative.
Should the Plan document include and depict the preferred concept?
Vacate Sun Road. The draft Sun Road Plan includes direction to vacate Sun Road and reallocate the .61
acres as follows:
(a) Widen sidewalk area along Avon Road to create an 8’ landscape bed for trees and shrubs to serve as
a buffer to Avon Road and create opportunity for wider sidewalk.
(b) Widen the right-of-way along West Beaver Creek Boulevard between Avon Road and existing Sun
Road intersection with West Beaver Creek Boulevard to allow for regional transit center.
Page 3 of 4
(c) Create a round-about or turn-around near the existing intersection of Sun Road with West Beaver
Creek Boulevard.
(d) Create a public plaza fronting on West Beaver Creek Boulevard that provides an area for increased
commercial frontage, pedestrian activation and place making.
Are these appropriate design goals for reallocation of Sun Road?
NEXT STEPS: Input from the Avon DDA Board would be incorporated into the Sun Road Plan and additional
graphics would be added to complete the draft document. Then public hearings would be scheduled by Avon
DDA and Avon PZC. Once both Avon DDA and Avon PZC take action to adopt or recommend adoption of the
plan then the Sun Road Plan will be presented to Avon Council at public hearing for adoption.
The following is reprinted from a past report:
(3) JOINT SESSION RECAP: At the April 22, 2024 joint work session, the PZC and DDA members all shared
their initial thoughts and opinions of the framework options presented. The following comments/questions
were expressed by DDA members:
Sun Road Comments
• “Full Redevelopment” option is preferred
• It is the most flexible option
• Pedestrian connectivity to West Town Center must be considered
• Design should reflect the site as a “gateway”
• Parking, housing, and commercial businesses are important considerations
East Town Center Comments
• Straight Main Street (traditional) is preferred development plan
• Pedestrian movements will be important
• Side streets might look like the Kirkland, WA example of “shared street” design
• “Growing pains” (displacement) will be important to address
General Comments
• Parking Study and Traffic Study should be considered as part of Implementation Plan & next steps
• Design parameters vs. reliance on current zoning (e.g. density limitations may be needed; code may
need to be updated)
• Zoning and potential re-zonings should be reviewed
PROJECT GOALS: At the outset of the project, Staff assembled the following master planning goals to guide the
project. The DDA should re-review these goals and determine if there are elements of the plans to focus on as
draft documents are developed for upcoming public hearings.
Primary Goals:
Page 4 of 4
1. Maximize the amount of Community Housing in both redevelopment sub-areas with a strong
goal that a minimum of 50% of residential development in these sub-areas are Community
Housing.
2. Describe and depict a road realignment for East Town Center that creates a “main street
boulevard” between Roundabout 4 and the Chapel Place road access to Village (at Avon)
Planning Area A, which includes bike lanes, on-street parking, general pedestrian sidewalks
that support street level restaurants and retail, convenient transit stops, attractive
landscaping and opportunities for public art, and which best serves the future traffic
demands generated by redevelopment of East Avon Town Center and by full build-out of the
Village (at Avon) Planning Areas A, B, C, D, E, and F.
3. Determine the capacity, location and optimum traffic access for the Avon branch of the
United States Post Office, which may include one centralized facility or potential branch
facilities.
4. Recognize the potential impacts of redevelopment on existing businesses, including but not
limited to displacement, disruption and relocation of business operations, and identify
strategies to minimize negative impacts to existing Avon businesses who may be affected
by redevelopment.
Secondary Goals:
5. Analyze existing zoning and identify any changes or improvements to existing zoning to
facilitate redevelopment.
6. Explore concepts to develop public parking structures to serve customers of commercial
uses within the sub-areas to reduce the parking burden of future commercial uses and to
provide more convenient parking opportunities for commercial patrons.
7. Identify options for financial support and partnerships to incentivize redevelopment,
including but not limited to the Avon DDA.
8. Develop clear graphics and metrics that articulate the vision for both subareas.
9. Emphasize safe pedestrian access to and through subareas.
10. Emphasize the integration of efficient and convenient transit to serve the subareas.
11. Articulate best urban design principles which incorporate ground level activation with
convenient and comfortable residential development above.
12. Integrate attractive public plaza or pocket park spaces which enhance the attractiveness
and livability of the sub-area where possible.
13. Encourage a mix of interesting secondary streets, alleys and pedestrian areas to
complement the main street boulevard for the East Town Center sub-area.
REQUESTED DIRECTION: Input from the Avon DDA is requested on the draft Sun Road Redevelopment Plan
document.
Thank you, Eric
ATTACHMENT: Sun Road Redevelopment Plan – 10.03.24 DRAFT
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 1 of 51
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 2 of 51
SUN ROAD REDEVELOPMENT SUB-AREA PLAN
DRAFT 10/3/2024
BLANK INSIDE COVER
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 3 of 51
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Town Council
Rich Carroll
Amy Phillips
Chico Thuon
Tamra Nottingham-Underwood
Lindsay Hardy
Russell Andrade
Ruthie Stanley
Planning + Zoning Commission
Olivia Cook
William Glaner
Brad Christianson
Kevin Hyatt
Thomas Schaefer
Anthony Sekinger
Downtown Development Authority
Marcus Lindholm
Rob Tartre
Councilor Rich Carroll
Tony Emrick, Elected Chairperson
William Glaner
Scott Tarbet
Wayne Hanson
Matthew Fitzgerald
Chris Neuswanger, Elected Secretary
Brandt Marott, Elected Vice-Chairperson
Gregg Cooper
Councilor Chico Thuon, Alternate
Town Manager / Community Development
Eric Heil
Matt Pielsticker, AICP
Jena Skinner, AICP
Max Morgan
Emily Block
Consultant Team
DTJ Design
JVA Engineering
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 4 of 51
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 2: EXISTING CONDITIONS
A. Land Use
B. Zoning
C. Water Accounting
D. Access / Circulation
E. Transit
F. Parking
G. Public Realm
H. Infrastructure
CHAPTER 3: STRATEGIC VISION
A. Planning Principles
B. Community Housing
C. Street System
D. Town Core Activation
E. Urban Design
F. Specialty Uses
G. Alignment with Existing Plans
CHAPTER 4: REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
A. Introduction
B. Redevelopment Concept Alternatives
C. Preferred Concept Plan
CHAPTER 5: IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
CHAPTER 6: DESIGN STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS
APPENDICES
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 5 of 51
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Sun Road Redevelopment Plan ("Sun Road Plan") is a sub-area plan that
establishes planning goals and investment strategies to promote redevelopment of an approximate 8-acre
area centrally located in the Town Core on the southwest corner of the I-70/Avon Road Interchange. The
Sun Road Plan area is substantially underdeveloped under the Town Center zoning which allows high-
density mixed-use development. The central location, proximity to Harry A. Nottingham Park, and
convenient access to Avon Road and the I-70 interchange presents a unique opportunity for a high-quality
redevelopment project that incorporates residential density into the Town Core.
This Sun Road Plan document explains the planning process, existing conditions, the strategic vision, the
redevelopment opportunity, implementation process and design standards and expectations. The intent
of this Plan document is to create a well-defined policy document that provides direction for Council, Avon
Planning and Zoning Commission, Avon Downtown Development Authority and Town Staff in order to
promote consistency and alignment of efforts align and to implement the most efficient approach towards
supporting redevelopment. This Plan document also informs existing property owners and users, the
Avon community and potential investors of the background, details and potential that redevelopment of
the Sun Road Plan area offers. The overall combination of desired mixed-uses, required planning and
design, financing and coordination with existing users presents an unparalleled complexity in community
planning. However, successful redevelopment of the Sun Road Plan area and implementation of the
vision described in this Plan has the potential to create an unparalleled pedestrian and transit oriented
development that will positively contribute to the Town Core and Avon community for many generations.
SUN ROAD REDEVELOPMENT PLAN (“SUN ROAD PLAN”)
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 6 of 51
REDEVELOPMENT VISION: Avon envisions mixed-use
redevelopment with 70,000+ sq.ft. of ground floor commercial space
and approximately [150-300] deed restricted Community Housing units.
Buildings should be built adjacent to the sidewalk in a traditional
downtown mixed-use urban manner. Parking will be located behind the
buildings in an above grade parking structure or located below the
buildings. The Sun Road right-of-way is anticipated to be vacated and
the square footage of this area – 26,200 sq. ft, is expected to be
reallocated to additional right-of-way along Avon Road and West
Beaver Creek Boulevard and for a public plaza. A right-in, right-out
vehicle access to the project area is expected to remain in the
approximate location of the existing Sun Road/Avon Road intersection.
Redevelopment of the Sun Road Plan area is expected to
accommodate the existing businesses and public facilities, including
Walgreens, FirstBank and the U.S. Post Office. Other ground floor
neighborhood commercial businesses are appropriate. New development will incorporate best
sustainability practices, including all-electric construction and high energy efficiency.
Existing Town Center zoning
allows buildings up to 80 feet,
generous site coverage, zero
front yard setbacks and 7.5’
side yard setbacks between
buildings on different lots. The
Avon Development Code has a
Density Bonus process which
allows for increase in building
height, increase in density,
reduction of parking spaces
and reduction of setbacks for
projects that provide
Community Housing, public
amenities and economic value.
SAMPLE LAYOUT:
A sample / potential layout is
provided to the right for
illustration purposes. Actual
development design and layout will likely vary
DISPLACEMENT MITIGATION: Avon strongly desires to accommodate the interest of existing businesses
and public facilities to remain in the Sun Road Plan area. Avon will closely coordinate with existing property
owners and uses to determine appropriate plans for phasing, sequencing and redevelopment which can
mitigate or minimize the potential impacts resulting from redevelopment. This Sun Road Plan includes
strategies for Displacement Mitigation.
TOWN CENTER
The Town Center zone district is
Avon’s downtown core area that
provides a mix and dense grouping
of accommodations, restaurants,
commercial services, and civic
uses. The Town Center zone
district provides sites for high
density mixed-use developments
that can include a variety of uses
such as hotels, residential, retail,
and offices. This area has strong
pedestrian connections and
convenient access to local and
regional transit.
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 7 of 51
AVON INVESTMENT STRATEGY: The Sun Road
Plan is located within the Avon Urban Renewal
Authority (“Avon URA”), West Town Center
Investment Area, and the recently formed Avon
Downtown Development Authority (“Avon DDA”)
area. Both the Avon URA and Avon DDA have the
authority to collect the increment of new property
taxes from new development in these areas. The
amount of property tax increment revenues from new
construction is directly related to the value of the new
construction. Both the Avon URA and Avon DDA
may provide financial assistance for public utilities;
public plaza, courtyards and pocket parks;
Community Housing; and, potentially parking
structures.
The amount of financial contribution towards
Community Housing is determined on a case by case
basis, taking into consideration any limits or
restrictions on rent rates and appreciation on resale.
Avon’s goal is to achieve at least 50% of the
residential units subject to Community Housing deed
restrictions with a strong preference for a higher
percentage of Community Housing. Community
Housing development in Avon is eligible for waiver of
taxes and fees (including building permit fees).
RIGHT
Urban Renewal Authority Boundary
BELOW
Downtown Development Authority Boundary
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 8 of 51
Chapter 1:
INTRODUCTION
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 9 of 51
PURPOSE: This Sun Road Plan establishes a community based plan and vision for the redevelopment of
the Plan area which best supports Avon’s Comprehensive Plan goals, the Avon Community Housing Plan,
the West Town Center Investment Plan and the Avon Downtown Authority Development Plan. Existing
development in the Plan area is substantially underutilized compared to development allowed under the Town
Center zoning. Redevelopment of this area presents a unique opportunity to guide and support high density
development to achieve many community goals.
The Sun Road Plan envisions a mixed-use urban neighborhood that includes Community Housing and
neighborhood commercial amenities within easy walking distance to Avon’s civic, recreational, retail, and
entertainment uses. This Plan provides the vision and strategies for an economically viable and attractive
residential neighborhood. The Avon DDA Plan recognizes the connection between establishing a critical
mass of full-time residents with viability of ground floor commercial uses. Attractive neighborhood commercial
uses may include restaurants, coffee shops, banking, pharmacy, postal services, personal services and
convenience retail. The Plan also supports high quality public spaces that are integrated into the
development to achieve quality urban design and an attractive, pedestrian-safe environment.
The development of a high-density residential neighborhood in this area significantly advances Avon’s
climate action goals by providing severely needed workforce housing near the major job centers of Avon,
Beaver Creek and Vail. The pedestrian access to neighborhood commercial and easy access to fare free
transit is intended to support a lifestyle that is not dependent on daily single-occupancy vehicle use. New
construction is envisioned to utilize all economically viable techniques to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas
emissions, including all electric and high energy efficient construction. Redevelopment of this area also
presents an opportunity for a common heating district which may provide economic efficiencies as well as
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The Sun Road Plan will serve as the
primary guiding document for review and
support of any redevelopment proposals in
the Plan area by the Avon Town Council,
Avon Planning and Zoning Commission,
Avon Downtown Development Authority,
and Avon Staff.
STUDY AREA: The Sun Road Plan area
consists of approximately 8-acres located
in the Town Core on the southwest corner
of the I-70/Avon Road Interchange. The
study area is comprised of four separate
private parcels. The Sun Road Sub Area
currently provides lodging, commercial
retail (banking, drug store and the US Post
Office).
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 10 of 51
Existing uses adjacent to the Study Area include lodging, residential and a variety of commercial uses. Civic
uses include the Avon Town Hall, Avon Recreation Center and Avon Library.
ADJACENT DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL: The Sun Road Area is substantially underdeveloped and
without major redevelopment since the Sheraton Mountain Vista development across from the USPS circa
2002. Sheraton Mountain Vista is a time-share hotel with a limited number of small employee housing units.
The third lot (Lot 3) was not developed and was sold to a hotel developer in 2022. Avon approved a hotel
project on Lot 3 in 2023. This 72,422+ sq. ft hotel is slated to have 158 rooms.
Also nearby is the Avon Center. This mixed-use structure is one of Avon’s oldest buildings. Much like the
Sheraton Mountain Vista, the “final” phase of this development was never constructed, and this area/lot is
currently being entitled by a local developer for residential purposes, with the potential for short-term rental
opportunities. Lodging and residential development across the street from the Sun Road Plan area is
expected to increase demand for potential neighborhood commercial and personal services.
Avon
Center
Sheraton
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 11 of 51
KEY STAKEHOLDERS: Key stakeholders include the property owners and the existing businesses, Avon,
the Avon URA (Town Council) the Avon Downtown Development Authority (an independent body appointed
by Council), and the greater community in general – especially those within walking distance.
Very prominent to this endeavor is the Avon Downtown Development Authority (“Avon DDA”): The Avon
DDA was formally established in 2023. The goal of the Avon DDA is to promote high-quality in-fill
development and redevelopment with the Avon DDA plan area to increase Community Housing and support
successful ground level retail and commercial development. The Avon DDA includes East Town Center,
West Town Center, Nottingham Station, and the valley floor from Post Boulevard to City Market, Walmart,
Home Depot, Traer Creek Plaza, and the Village (at Avon) Planning Area J on north side of the I-70/Post
Boulevard interchange.
SUN ROAD PLAN AREA: The
Sun Road Plan area consists
of four individual properties
with different owners:
1. The Comfort Inn
2. The United States Postal
Service
3. Walgreen’s Pharmacy
4. FirstBank
Parcel Land Use Description Zoning Parcel Area
1 Accommodations Comfort Inn RH-C Residential High
Density Commercial
(Retired)
2.78 acres
2 Public/Civic US Post Office TC - Town Center 2.56 acres
3 Commercial /
Retail
Walgreen’s TC - Town Center 1.08 acres
4 Commercial /
Service
First Bank TC - Town Center 1.71 acres
8.14 acres
Table __ : Existing Parcel Area
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 12 of 51
PROCESS: The Sun Road Plan was prepared over the course of fourteen
months with participation by the Avon DDA, Planning and Zoning Commission,
Town Council, and the Public (November 2023-January 2024). The Sun Road
Plan incorporates important goals and strategies from the Avon
Comprehensive Plan, Avon Community Housing Plan, Avon Transportation
Plan, West Town Center Investment Plan, Avon Downtown Development
Authority Plan and Eagle County Climate Action Plan. Particular attention was
given to the West Town Center Investment Plan to retain and incorporate
vision, goals, strategies and design principles which are still relevant to the Sun
Road Plan area.
The Sun Road Plan was reviewed by the Avon DDA and Avon PZC. The Avon
DDA held public hearings on _________ and _________ and provided a
recommendation to the Council to adopt this Plan. The Avon PZC held public
hearings on _______ and ______ and provided a recommendation to the
Council to adopt this Plan.
The guidance in this Sun Road Plan is intended to articulate the goals and
vision of the Avon community while acknowledging the importance of
collaboration with private developers. Any prospective development in the Sun
Road Plan area will require subdivision and development plan review under
the Avon Development Code, analysis of potential tax increment revenues,
review of financial investment and commitments by Avon, project review by the
Avon Downtown Development Authority in addition to review by the Avon Town
Council.
REDEVELOPMENT GOALS: The Redevelopment Goals of the Sun Road Plan are
to promote redevelopment of this area into a high density, mixed-use development
which (1) maximizes full-time residential density, (2) mitigates relocation or
displacement of existing uses, (3) incorporates high quality architectural design and
high-quality urban design, and (4) establishes a new Regional Transit Hub (Transit
Oriented Development). The recommendations, strategies, policies, and programs
within this Plan provide direction for redeveloping the Sun Road area. There are no
residential units currently within the Sun Road Plan area. New residents will support
neighborhood businesses which will create activation, vibrancy and identity for the
neighborhood. Additional commercial uses will also add amenities for residents and
visitors.
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 13 of 51
PLAN OBJECTIVES: Plan Objectives are set forth as follows:
• Promote redevelopment to create a vibrant urban neighborhood.
• Maximize Community Housing and achieve or exceed a minimum of 50% of residential
development in the Sun Road Plan area as full-time, primary residential use.
• Incorporate safe and attractive pedestrian access throughout the neighborhood and connecting
to adjacent areas.
• Establish a new regional transit hub to replace Avon Station.
• Incorporate high quality urban design and sustainable development practices.
• Support public-private strategies to construct public parking.
• Include an attractive public plaza with public art that supports adjacent civic and commercial
uses.
• Include functional traffic design that maximizes efficiency for ingress and egress
• Ensure infrastructure capacity will support new redevelopment.
• Identify options for financial support and partnerships to incentivize redevelopment, including
but not limited to use of the Avon URA Avon DDA and state and federal grants.
• Achieve all-electric, energy efficient design
• Explore feasibility of district heating utilizing Avon’s heat recovery system
ROLE OF THE SUN ROAD PLAN: This Plan provides a guide for Avon, property owners, developers and
investors when designing and evaluating redevelopment projects. Avon recognizes that actual
development design will likely result in different configurations and will require extensive coordination with
existing uses in the Plan area. Development will likely occur in phases, including Plan adoption; land
assemblage, acquisition, and/or partnerships with existing property owners; conceptual designs; updates
to Capital Improvement Plans and financial strategies; updates to the Avon Development Code; soliciting
developers and investors to implement redevelopment; facilitating design review and entitlement process.
The Plan also addresses mitigation of relocation and displacement of current uses to implement the
redevelopment of the Plan area. This Plan should be used to strongly promote the desires uses, urban
design and architecture while recognizing flexibility in layout and phasing to coordinate with existing uses
and investment parameters.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: Consensus was established for a full-time resident neighborhood in the
heart of Avon within easy walking distance to civic, recreational, retail, and entertainment. The Plan
identifies community benefits that would be realized with development, including Community Housing,
pedestrian activation and placing making, establishment of a new regional transit facility, and establishing
successfully ground level commercial uses. This Plan recognizes that flexibility in the mix of uses and
design may be required for financial viability.
Land Use Metric Existing Concept
Residential Units 0 180-300
Accommodations Rooms 150 250
Commercial Sq. Ft 62,000 62,000-70,000
Parking Spaces 373 600+
Civic Plaza Acres 0 0.2
Fig __: Table __: Estimated Development Program - Disclaimer: The Land use tabulations are intended as estimated land use
targets and serve as a conceptual framework only. The estimated targets will vary as future development proposals are considered.
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 14 of 51
SCALE + MASSING EXAMPLES
Figs. __ Conceptual Development Massing + Scale Disclaimer: Massing diagrams depict a conceptual framework only and do
not represent a proposed development plan.
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 15 of 51
DESIGN PRIORITIES: A series of guiding principles were developed to evaluate concepts for the Sun Road
Plan. The guiding principles evolved into a series of Design Priorities as the project advanced. For example,
developing a mixed income Community Housing strategy and ensuring equitable development that minimizes
small business displacement in the Sub Area was deemed an important overarching principle.
The following six Design Priorities drive the concepts, goals, objectives and design standards for this Sun
Road Plan:
1. Community Housing
a. Increase opportunities for full-time residential occupancy in the Town Core
b. Provide housing types appropriate for urban core environment
c. Strive to maximize rent-capped and price-capped deed restricted units that will remain affordable
over time
2. Pedestrian Experience
a. Improve attractiveness, functionality and safety of pedestrian routes within the Plan area
b. Maintain pedestrian connections to adjacent areas
c. Incorporate a regional transit hub into the Plan area
d. Integrate a public plaza and public art to enhance pedestrian experience and support activation
and place making
3. Economic Development
a. Support redevelopment that enhances vitality of existing uses
b. Mitigate displacement of existing uses
c. Add neighborhood commercial uses that appropriately serve existing and planned residents and
visitors in and near the Plan area
4. Avon Authenticity
a. Retain existing businesses
b. Provide opportunities for new unique neighborhood businesses
c. Promote placing making that enhances investment interest and patronage of businesses
5. Public Space
a. Create an attractive public plaza that integrates with ground floor neighborhood businesses and
provides an inviting informal space for residents, visitors and regional transit users
b. Incorporate public art into the public plaza to enhance the interest and attractiveness of this
space
c. Situate the public plaza for high visibility, maximum solar access, and easy pedestrian access
d. Integrate the public plaza into the building form design to provide relief and interest to a wall of
buildings fronting the sidewalk
6. Urban Form
a. Maximize or more fully-utilize the development potential permitted under existing zoning
b. Situate buildings with ground floor commercial to front onto the adjacent sidewalks
c. Incorporate quality architecture and design, with particular attention the buildings fronting Avon
Road, West Beaver Creek Boulevard and the public plaza
d. Support ground level neighborhood commercial uses that are accessible to the public, such as
coffee shops, restaurants, bakeries
e. Take advantage of existing views in all directions
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CHAPTER 2: EXISTING CONDITIONS
Chapter 2:
EXISTING
CONDITIONS
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EXISTING LAND USE: The Sun Road Plan area is comprised of four parcels on approximately eight (8)
acres. Current development includes (Comfort Inn, 146 rooms) United States Post Office (20,209 sq.ft.),
Walgreens (15,232 sq.ft.) and FirstBank (20,209 sq.ft.). There are no designated Town owned civic park
spaces or residential units within the defined study area.
CHAPTER 2: EXISTING CONDITIONS
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 18 of 51
Existing buildings are generally set-back form the street with parking lots in front, creating a suburban
development form.
Comfort Inn from W Beaver Creek Blvd.
Property Acreage
Lot Area
(Sq.Ft)
Building Size
(Sq. Ft) FAR
Comfort Inn 2.78 121,097 290,452 2.4
USPS 2.56 111,514 20,209 .2
Walgreens 1.084 47,219 15,232 .3
1st Bank 1.714 74,662 20,209 .3
Sun Rd ROW 0.61 26,203 N/A 0
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Avon Post Office from West Beaver Creek Boulevard
[NOTE: We will gather more photos and drone shots when leaves fall]
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Walgreens from the corner of Sun Road / Avon Road
Walgreens from Sun Road
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1stBank from Sun Road / Avon Road
1stBank from W Beaver Creek Blvd. 2024
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ZONING: Properties in the Plan area are currently zoned Town Center (TC) and Residential High Density
Commercial (RH-C, a retired district). Each district defines allowable uses, development standards, and
parking requirements zone, and with TC being the majority zone district, redevelopment will not need a
rezoning to accomplish a new mix of uses in this area, except for the Comfort Inn property. Recommended
zoning change is to Mixed-Use Commercial to allow transition from this urban core area to adjacent 3 story
multi-family structures. If there is a redevelopment opportunity to develop all the residential units as deed
restricted Community Housing units, then a Community Housing zone district (most likely, Community
Housing Mixed-Use or CHMU-1), would be in alignment with this change of use.
ZONE DISTRICTS
Town Center (TC) (USPS/bank/pharmacy): Purpose Statement: The TC district is intended to provide sites
for a variety of uses such as hotels, commercial establishments, offices, and some residential uses in a
predominately pedestrian environment. The Town Center should be distinguished from other areas in the
Town and serve as the focal point for social, business, and cultural activities. This district contains the highest
intensity of uses and should serve as the major transit destination as well as provide high levels of pedestrian
accessibility. The TC district implements the mixed-use classification of the Avon Future Land Use Plan.
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 23 of 51
Residential High Density Commercial (RH-C) RETIRED (Comfort Inn): This zone district is retired and
may not be utilized for redevelopment of this property.
Mixed-Use Commercial (MC) (recommended for Comfort Inn): Purpose Statement: The MC district is
established to group and link places used for working, shopping, educating and recreating with residential
uses, thereby creating a compact community form. This district allows commercial, office, civic, townhouse
and apartment uses and, along with Neighborhood Commercial, is the preferred district and development
type in Avon. The mostly vertical mix of uses will reduce vehicle trips, relieve traffic congestion and provide
an urbanized, pedestrian environment. MC implements the mixed-use land use classification of the Avon
Future Land Use Plan and should be located adjacent to the Town Center as a transitional district.
WATER ACCOUNTING: The Sun Road Plan area is underdeveloped compared to existing zoning. Comfort
Inn is the only property that fully utilizes the water allocated. Although there is an additional 159 SFE’s to
support new development, full redevelopment will require additional allocation of water rights. Water
conservation standards and regulations for both interior water use and outdoor irrigation are adopted in the
Avon Municipal Code.
This table represents the Single-Family Equivalent (SFE) allocated to each property compared to existing
development pattern:
Property
SFE Water
Allocation SFE Current Use SFE Remaining
Comfort Inn 59.3 59.3 0
USPS 79.6 2.6 77
Walgreen’s 36.8 5.8 31
1st Bank 56.8 5.8 51
TOTAL 232.5 73.5 159
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ACCESS + CIRCULATION: The existing street network in the Sun Road Plan area includes Sun Road,
West Beaver Creek Boulevard, and Avon Road. Sun Road is a fifty-foot wide right-of way curvilinear street
layout with six-foot-wide sidewalks separated by landscape areas (estimated area is 0.61 acres or 26,203
sf). Sun Road accommodates an estimated 1,300 ADT’s. There is no designated on-street parking on Sun
Road.
Fig ___ Existing Street Network TEMP IMAGE
1 – Town Hall 2 – Library/Rec Center 3 – Gondola to Beaver Creek Landing 4 – Transit Center
[NOTE: Area graphic to be revised to use satellite image and show ½ mile+ radius ]
2
1
3
4
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October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 25 of 51
TRANSIT: Avon Transit serves both residents and visitors. The Avon public transit system provides year
round fare-free bus around Avon and a season skier bus in the winter for direct access to Beaver Creek Ski
Resort. Avon also has a partnership arrangement to support seasonal gondola service which provides a
connection from the Westin public plaza to the Landing chairlift on the lower Bachelor Gulch side of Beaver
Creek Skit Resort. Avon’s Public Transit system provides four local routes that are a convenient way to
access local shops, restaurants, and attractions such as the Avon Recreational Center, Harry A. Nottingham
Park, or the public library, as well for skiers and employees going to Beaver Creek.
LOCAL TRANSIT
The Avon East--Red Line runs every 30-minutes between 6:30am to 10:00pm. The route services the
residential areas in east Avon along Hurd Lane and Hwy 6, including Traer Creek Plaza and Buffalo
Ridge Housing Complex.
The Avon West--Blue Line runs every 30-minutes between 6:28am to 10:00pm. The route services
the residential areas in west Avon along West Beaver Creek Boulevard and Hwy 6, including the Town
Core businesses and Traer Creek Plaza.
Figs. ___: Typical Seasonal Public Transit Routes
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REGIONAL TRANSIT
In the winter of 1987-88, Avon took over the operation of the regional bus service and continued operation
through intergovernmental agreements until April 2001, when ECO Transit officially assumed day-to-day
operations for regional bus service. In 1994 the funding partners decided to seek a dedicated funding
source (Eagle County transportation sales tax) for regional transportation. As the valley's population had
grown, the demands for transportation had also increased, and this translated into a larger financial
commitment from the funding partners. A ballot initiative for a dedicated funding source was approved
by the voters in November 1995. The Eagle County Regional Transportation Authority was made official
on January 1, 1996.
In November 2022, residents voted to improve the formation of a new regional transportation authority,
the Eagle Valley Transportation Authority (“EVTA”) which has since been rebranded as “Core Transit”.
Core Transit provides fare-free service to Avon, Edwards, Eagle, Minturn, Red Cliff, Vail, and Beaver
Creek.
PARKING: The Sun Road Sub Area includes a total of 373 surface parking spaces*. Each parcel includes
on-site surface parking and service access. Table XX summarizes the current parking requirements for the
Sun Road Sub Area based on the current Town of Avon Development Code.
*Off street parking only. Sun Road does not include on-street parking along West Beaver Creek
Use Category Use Type Parking Requirement
Residential
Dwelling, Multi-Family Studio: 1 per unit
1 BD: 1.5 per unit
1BD/DU > 2,500SF: 2 per unit
Guest Parking for Multi-
Family
Varies by # of units
Hospitality Accommodations 1 per unit
Commercial Uses General 4 per 1,000 sf.
Food + Beverage 1 per 60 sf.
Office 3 per 1,000 sf.
Table __ : Current Parking Requirements
Parcel Block Land Use Description Zoning Parking
Provided
1 A Hospitality Comfort Inn RH-C 147
2 A Commercial / Retail US Post Office TC 78
3 A Commercial / Retail Walgreen’s TC 60
4 B Commercial / Retail First Bank TC 88
TOTAL 373
Table __ : Existing Parking by Parcel
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PUBLIC REALM + OPEN SPACE: There are no designated public-owned greenspace areas in the Sun
Road Sub Area today; however, this area is within a 5 minute walk to Harry A. Nottingham Park, Avon’s
largest regional park. Private parcels include landscape buffer areas along Avon Road, Sun Road, West
Beaver Creek Boulevard. The existing landscape is comprised of mature vegetation. The adjacent West
Beaver Creek Boulevard was rebuilt in 2018 and updated the streetscape with design with tree-lined streets
and limited on-street parking.
INFRASTRUCTURE: This narrative provides information on the existing infrastructure within the plan
boundaries and addresses known existing domestic water and sanitary sewer mains. The Sun Road area
includes the area north of West Beaver Creek Boulevard adjacent to Sun Road. The East Avon area includes
the area east of Avon Road, south of I-70, west of Chapel Alley and north of the railroad tracks. The narrative
is based on available recent site information (previously completed site survey) and preliminary based on as-
built information received from the Town of Avon.
Domestic Water. In the Sun Road area, a 12” DIP domestic water main runs south of West Beaver Creek
Boulevard from the west end of the study area past the intersection of Sun Road. The water main then cuts
across West Beaver Creek Boulevard to the north side across Avon Road. There is an 8” DIP water loop that
goes north into Sun Road at intersection and cuts back south to return to 12” DIP main in West Beaver Creek
Boulevard. The 12” main then connects to a 12” DIP main running north to south in East Avon Road. The
domestic water described continues across Avon Road along the north side of East Beaver Creek Boulevard
to the Plaza Road intersection. Just past the Plaza Road intersection, the water main crosses East Beaver
Creek Boulevard the south side of the road and continues east in the roadway past the intersection with
Beaver Creek Place. the water main then turns southeast along the property line to Beaver Creek Place. The
water main then runs within the southern lane of Beaver Creek Place to the intersection of East Benchmark
Road. From a tee in Beaver Creek Place, a water main runs south in Chapel Place to the east end of the
study area. Another water main runs along the west edge of the study area in East Benchmark Road to Avon
Road.
Sanitary Sewer. In the Sun Road area, an 8” PVC sanitary sewer main runs north of West Beaver Creek
Boulevard from the west end of the study area passed intersection with Avon Road towards the east end of
the study area. Approximately 150’ from Avon Road the sanitary sewer main crosses West Beaver Creek
Boulevard, the 8” main runs along the south side of the road and then heads south along west shoulder of
Avon Road. There are five manholes along West Beaver Creek Boulevard. In the East Avon area, the sanitary
sewer continues across Avon Road in the north lane of East Beaver Creek Boulevard past Beaver Creek
Place. The as-builts past this point are incomplete, but JVA is assuming that the sewer main ends here.
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October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 28 of 51
Another main runs in the east lane of Beaver Creek Place and ties into the above-described sanitary sewer
main at the East Beaver Creek/Beaver Creek Place intersection. This branch of the main runs in the
east/north lane of Beaver Creek Place to eastern most north property line, approximately 225’ away from
East Beaver Creek Boulevard. Another sanitary sewer main runs along the west edge of the study area in
East Benchmark Road to Avon Road.
Fiber Optic. [insert description of existing fiber optic line and conduit]
Drainage. Drainage for this area has been addressed with previous approvals of existing developments.
Additional drainage improvements may be required depending upon site design.
[add graphic to show water, sewer, and fiber optic]
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[
Chapter 3:
STRATEGIC
VISION
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October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 30 of 51
INTRODUCTION: Redevelopment of the Avon Sun Road Plan area has the potential to provide uses desired
by the Avon community, significantly advance and enhance the character of Avon’s Town Core, establish a
true pedestrian and transit oriented mixed use development, increase the local economy, and implement
complex climate action strategies. The vision, goals, and objectives were developed and refined by the Avon
DDA and Staff, and further refined with the property owners, existing business owners and the Avon Planning
& Zoning Commission. The vision, goals, and objectives served as guideposts throughout the planning
process. Chapter 5. Implementation and Chapter 6. Design Standards and Expectations are intended
to achieve the vision, goals and objectives.
Avon recognizes the necessity to maximize development of new Community Housing in the Town Core to
promote sustainable and livable workforce housing while also supporting the success of local businesses
that are dependent on an available workforce and benefit from a full-time resident population. The Sun Road
Plan area has the potential to increase the volume of development significantly in the Town Core and achieve
urban floor area ratios of 3:1 and up to 5:1.
PLANNING PRINCIPLES: The following Planning Principles were used to create the vision for
redevelopment of the Sun Road Plan area.
Sustainable Design.
• Achieve a mixed-use pedestrian and transit-oriented development
• Require all-electric energy efficient building construction
• Incorporate convenient recycling and composting in the design
• Require the use of sustainable and environmentally appropriate building materials
Land Use
• Achieve a mix of uses that compliment and reinforce each other to create a neighborhood, including
Community Housing, neighborhood and regional commercial retail and personal services,
accommodations, regional transit center, and public civic spaces
Pedestrian Circulation.
• Ensure that pedestrians have safe, convenient and attractive access throughout the Plan area
• Apply pedestrian-first design strategies which prioritizes the pedestrian over vehicles
• Include pedestrian walkways and highly visible street crossings for convenient connection to adjacent
areas
• Incorporate wayfinding, landscaping, street furniture, and public art in pedestrian corridors
Vehicular Circulation.
• Preserve the existing Sun Road/Avon Road intersection as a right-in, right-out vehicle access to the
plan area
• Incorporate design and layout that is efficient for vehicles and transit with regard to turning movements
and access
CHAPTER 3: STRATEGIC VISION
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October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 31 of 51
Parking.
• Integrate a centralized shared-use parking structure and program to accommodate residents, visitors,
and businesses
Character.
• Require new development to incorporate mountain contemporary architecture that complements and
advances the emerging character in Town Center
• Recognize opportunities for architecture and building design to create a strong gateway first impression
on the north east corner with Avon Road and on the Avon Road/West Beaver Creek Boulevard Corner
• Ensure that ground-level commercial uses are visible, fit the area's character, and support a
pedestrian-friendly experience
• Maximize solar exposure
• Orient buildings and entries to front adjacent sidewalks and a public plaza
• Incorporate high-quality landscape areas are designed to enhance gateway entries in the Town Center
(Avon Road) and the Sun Road area
Views.
• Maintain critical views to and from the Sun Road area
• Provide visibility to orient people to their surroundings
COMMUNITY HOUSING: The Avon DDA and PZC assisted in developing guiding principles used to
evaluate design concepts for the Sun Road Sub Area. The guiding principles evolved into a series of Design
Priorities (see page XXX) as the planning effort advanced. For example, developing a mixed income
Community Housing strategy and ensuring equitable development that minimizes small business
displacement in the Plan area is an important principle.
Avon has a broadly stated goal to achieve at least 50% full-time residential occupancy in new residential
development. This goal is stated in the 2021 Avon Community Housing Plan and is supported by the Avon
DDA Plan. This is an important element for the Sun Road area, and for Avon as a whole. Some portion of
free market residential development will likely be necessary to support financial viability of a redevelopment
project that incorporates Community Housing.
LAND-USE MIX: The Sun Road Plan area future land uses will center on new multi-family Community
Housing that may include both standalone multi-family and upper-level housing units above ground level
commercial and civic uses. Ground level uses should incorporate the existing US Post Office, pharmacy and
bank uses that serve the community while providing opportunities for additional neighborhood commercial
uses such as coffee shop, restaurants, retail, personal services and regional transit center uses. Ideally, the
mix of increased full-time residential use with neighborhood commercial and civic uses will create a synergy
that enhances activation, vibrancy, and place making.
A larger regional transit center presents both complications and opportunities for redevelopment of the Sun
Road Plan area. A regional transit center will bring significant pedestrian traffic to this area will providing a
modern and more functional transit hub that can accommodate future growth of transit operations.
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October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 32 of 51
The Plan also recommends the redevelopment of the existing Comfort Inn site to accommodate an increase
in the number of hotel rooms and visitor amenities such as a bar and restaurant, and pool and gym facilities
– expected in newer hotels.
Fig. ___ Conceptual Land Use Diagram
IMPROVED STREET SYSTEM: The existing right in-right out of the Avon Road/Sun Road intersection
should remain for internal vehicle access. The secondary point of access into the redevelopment site would
be from West Beaver Creek Boulevard. This Plan anticipates that Sun Road would be vacated and the area
of the right-of-way would be reallocated to other uses that advance the Design Priorities. This Plan also
contemplates that a round-about may be appropriate near the intersection of Sun Road and West Beaver
Creek Boulevard to support bus movements associated with a regional transit center.
TOWN CORE ACTIVATION: The existing building development in the
plan area is set back from the sidewalk with the parking lots in front in a
low-density suburban development pattern. This results in a higher
frequency of vehicle use to access the businesses and a low level of
pedestrian access and activity. Increasing the overall density of
development, introducing full-time residential occupancy, adding the
pedestrian traffic associated with a regional transit center, and enhancing
pedestrian attractiveness on sidewalks and with a public plaza are all
expected to support significant activation and pedestrian use in the Plan
area. The Avon Municipal Code design standards and application of
Design Standards and Expectations in Chapter 6 will result in attractive
mixed-use project that is desirable as a location for neighborhood
businesses and increases interest in business investment in Avon’s core.
Future redevelopment should
consider the incorporation of
the following elements for
the Sun Road area:
• Architectural Form +
Design Principles
• Gateways + Entries
• Public Realm
• Streetscapes
• Wayfinding + Signage
• Lighting
• Public Art
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October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 33 of 51
BUILT FORM + URBAN DESIGN: Quality urban design for the Sun Road Plan area is appealing for residents to
frequent, live, and work in, while also supporting our mountain lifestyle in the heart of the valley.
PRESENT BUILDING USE + FORM
The Sun Road Sub Area is generally defined as a low-
density suburban form of development. The existing
parcel and block sizes are large with surface parking
fronting the building development area. Existing
structures are “underdeveloped” one-story commercial
retail (Walgreen’s, First Bank and US Post Office),
which do not maximize the existing potential of the
underlying zoning. The Comfort Inn, built in 1986, is a
4-story structure that accommodates 146 rooms. The
neighboring FirstBank building was built in 1987, and
the U.S. Post office is estimated to have been built in
1994. The Walgreen’s is the most recent structure built
in 2012, replacing what was once a Denny’s restaurant.
The most predominant feature of the Sun Road area is
the amount of surface parking, as seen in the image,
right. Designed for vehicles, not pedestrians, the Sun
Road area is primed for the introduction of uses like
residential 2nd+ floors with mixed uses serving the Sun
Road area on the lower levels.
The revitalized Sun Road area should accommodate a thoughtful variety of architectural forms and styles,
massing arrangements, and consider scale. New structures should be oriented to the south and west to
take advantage of the views, solar gain, and site aspect. Building entries should be highly visible and
building articulation and fenestration should support a highly transparent effect for ground level
commercial.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Hospitality - 150
Rooms
Commercial -
5.35 ac
Residential -
350-400 Units
Parking - 600+
Spots
Greenspace -
0.5 ac
Proposed Concepts
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 34 of 51
Fig.___ Building Program (by floor area and %)
The overall massing and scale, and orientation of proposed structures should enhance views on to the site
and beyond. Structures may range in height and include up to six or seven stories. Taller buildings should
front the I-70 corridor and Avon Road. Built massing should be enhanced at entries and at prominent corners
within this area.
SPECIALTY USES: The Sun Road
Plan area is centrally located in the
Town Core and occupies a prominent
corner on Avon Road. Recommended
commercial uses include the existing
U.S. Post Office, bank and pharmacy.
Additional commercial uses should
include uses that serve the
neighborhood and transit users, such
as café, coffee shop, restaurant,
bakery and personal services.
Boutique or specialty retail uses and
art galleries would also be
appropriate.
COORDINATION WITH EXISTING PLANS: The Sun Road Subarea Plan is a focused plan document for a
specific, defined area within Avon Comprehensive Plan that provides a higher level of detail specific to the
defined area than what is generally found in the Comprehensive Plan. Subarea Plans provide greater detail
and definition of existing conditions, community goals for development and redevelopment, desired design
elements, and strategies for implementation. Subarea plans are adopted as amendments to the Avon
Comprehensive Plan.
The following is a list of existing planning documents in Avon also guide development for the Sun Road area:
• 2024 Avon Comprehensive Plan
• 2023 Avon Downtown Development Plan
• 2021 Avon Community Housing Plan
• 2018 Multimodal Transportation and Parking Plan
• 2015 Avon Urban Renewal Plan for Town Center West Area
• 2015 Walkability Report
• 2009 H.A. Nottingham Park Master Plan
• 2009 Transportation Plan
• 2007 West Town Center Investment Plan
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October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 35 of 51
Chapter 4:
REDEVELOPMENT
OPPORTUNITY
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October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 36 of 51
INTRODUCTION: The Sun Road Plan area is significantly underdeveloped. Town Center zoning can
support a floor area ratio of 3.5 to 1 or higher. Redevelopment of the U.S. Post Office, Walgreens and
FirstBank parcels presents a unique opportunity for a mixed-use project that has excellent transit connection,
increases housing options and increase the year-round, full-time resident population in the Town Core,
increases neighborhood commercial that serves residents and visitors in the Town Core area as well as
transit users, increases economic growth, and creates a vibrant neighborhood that attracts more investment
interest in the Town Core 1.
The Sun Road Plan area future land uses will center on new multi-family Community Housing that will include
mixed-use buildings with upper-level residential above ground level commercial and may include stand-alone
residential buildings. Redevelopment will provide new ground level commercial spaces for existing users
and for additional commercial uses that will compliment and reinforce the functionality and vibrancy of this
area as an urban neighborhood. The Sun Road Plan supports redevelopment of the existing Comfort Inn
site to modernize this lodging and increase the number of hotel rooms.
Existing uses in the Sun Road Plan area are substantially set back off West Beaver Creek Boulevard offering
little to no visual indication of what is located within this area. Mature trees mask views to existing buildings.
The current uses are destination uses (bank/USPS/pharmacy). Much of the area is dominated by parking
lots, and little to no pedestrian traffic occurs in this area presently. Redevelopment has the potential to
implement a more traditional main street commercial mixed-use building form with buildings brought forward
to the sidewalk edge to enhance both visibility of businesses and pedestrian activation.
1 American Planning Association (National) MARCH 28, 2022, Blog EVERYDAY DESTINATIONS Supporting
Active Living Through Mixed-Use Developments, by Johamary Pena, AICP, Sagar Shah, PhD, AICP
CHAPTER 4: REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
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October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 37 of 51
PROPENSITY FOR DEVELOPMENT Step 1
Each of the four parcels in the Sun Road Sub Area were evaluated based on the likelihood of
redevelopment potential. The evaluation of the likelihood of redeveloping a parcel is included in the table
below. This criterion was used as a guide to inform the potential for individual parcel redevelopment.
Fig. ___Development Propensity Exhibit
The following Table contains summarized questions and comments collected from the Avon DDA during this planning
process. This collection of comments is useful for discussions regarding the potential for redevelopment for the Sun
Road Plan area. [NOTE: The evaluation review should be separated for each parcel rather than parcels bundled under
criteria]
ITEM CRITERION WEIGHT PARCELS
AFFECTED
CONSIDERATIONS
1 Current Development / Use High 2/3/4 Zoning supports the vertical heights
needed for this redevelopment project
and supports density and a mix of
integrated uses on parcels 2/3/4,
specifically.
Are the current uses
substantially below current
allowed zoning thresholds?
2 Residential/ Hospitality High 2/3/4
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October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 38 of 51
Does the property currently
provide residential housing
units or lodging units?
This gateway area of Avon is within a
short walk to transportation, restaurants,
and amenities. Adding residential to this
area of the Town Core is logical and
helps support redevelopment and new
commercial uses.
3 Density / Floor Area Ratio
(FAR)
High 2/3/4 The Sun Road area is underdeveloped.
This promotes significant redevelopment
– needed, for financially accommodating
redevelopment. Is the current use significantly
lower in FAR (lower the FAR =
higher propensity for
redevelopment)?
4 Land Ownership High 1/2/3/4 Having only four (4) owners involved in
an area of 8.14 ac makes partnerships
easier to manage when redeveloping.
Aside from the Comfort Inn (Parcel 1), all
of the existing businesses could be
shuffled around while redevelopment
occurs.
Is the property in single
ownership?
Are there current long-term
leases in place?
Are individual condominium
ownerships in place that may
make it difficult to create a
transactional opportunity?
5 Year Built Medium 1/2/4 Walgreens is the only establishment built
within the last many years, with owners
not being local.
Since Covid, the bank has reduced their
square footage needs as remote workers
are becoming more prevalent. However,
The U.S. Post Office, has seen an
increase in parcel delivery making them
an important hub, but, hard to find
workers with no housing.
Is the asset approaching its
end-of-life cycle in terms of
age? (1960-70, 1970-90, 1990-
2010, 2010-2023)
What is the current condition of
the asset?
Has any recent / significant
remodeling occurred in the last
10 years?
6 Parking Medium 1/2/3/4 All parcels control their own parking
currently. Separating parking from the
Comfort Inn may be challenging, should
parking become centralized.
Does the property currently
offer an on-site, shared parking
strategy, or is parking
controlled and operated by a
single entity?
Is the shared parking located in
proximity to other needs /uses?
7 Tax Revenue Medium/
High
1/3 Lots 2 and 4 do not generate sales tax.
Lot 1 generates Lodging Tax, and Lot 3
is the only commercial use generating
sales tax.
Does the current use represent
a net positive tax revenue for
the Town?
8 Environment High 1/2/3/4 None of these uses are embracing or
taking advantage of efficiencies. Is the existing building
optimizing its environmental
footprint (energy efficiency,
solar, views)?
Table ___Evaluation Criterion
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October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 39 of 51
CONCEPT ALTERNATIVES: Three high-level concepts were evaluated as part of the future Sun Road Sub Area.
The concepts considered existing conditions, project objectives, and potential redevelopment opportunities for further
exploration. The opportunities considered modifying existing land uses and mobility and access consistent with the
Sub Area’s intended vision and goal.
The three alternatives included:
Concept 1: Regional Transit Hub/Ground Level Commercial/Community Housing + Free Market
[Comfort Inn is not included in development plan]
Concept 2: Ground Level Commercial/Community Housing [Lot by Lot in Phases]
Concept 3: Full Sub-Area Redevelopment [with Comfort Inn] Ground Level Commercial/Community
Housing
CONCEPT 1: Multi-modal Park-n-Ride Structure
Description:
New 2-3 story parking structure to accommodate 500-550 parking spaces
Multi-modal function serving visitors
Access to transit and gondola
Sun Road right-of-way remains
Comfort Inn remains
Walgreens, FirstBank and U.S. Post Office site to be redeveloped to accommodate similar retail
uses
Fig ___: Sun Road – Concept 1 (Needs update)
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 40 of 51
CONCEPT 2:
Community Housing
Description:
• New community housing to
accommodate 190-220 units
• New shared use parking
structure to accommodate 200-
300 parking spaces
• Sun Road rights-of-way remains
• Comfort Inn remains
• FirstBank parcel remains, or is
modified to accommodate other
uses as a pharmacy retail-postal
outlet
*Image needs update
CONCEPT 3: Full Sub Area
Redevelopment
POLICY – RESIDENTIAL OR
LODGING FOR COMFORT INN?
Description:
• New community housing
accommodates 200-300 units
and residential amenities (pool /
club house)
• New shared-use parking
structure to accommodates 200-
300 parking spaces
• Sun Road rights-of-way is
eliminated
• Comfort Inn, Post Office,
Walgreens and FirstBank parcels
are redeveloped (land acquisition
/ land assemblage is pursued for
redevelopment
• New civic green space /
additional surface parking
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 41 of 51
STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, + OPPORTUNITIES
The analysis below represents each alternative and the Pros and Cons for each Concept under study.
Concept 1: Multi-modal Park-n-
Ride Structure
Concept 2: Community Housing Concept 3: Full Sub Area
Redevelopment
Pros
• Provides large supply of parking
spaces in one location
• Easily accommodates and
intercepts visitors off I-70
• New renovated ground level
commercial / retail
• Ability to move Avon Station to
this location to accommodate
expanded use
• Supports new Community
Housing opportunities
• Multi-family wrapped around
parking structure
• Resident amenities (pool / club
house, lawn area)
• Opportunity for strong retail
street edge on W. Beaver Creek
Boulevard
• Enhance pedestrian connections
• Improved walking paths to Main
Street Mall + beyond
• Sun Road infrastructure remains
• Opportunity for corner retail
(coffee shop, restaurant)
• Stronger Street edge along W.
Beaver Creek Boulevard
• Enhanced pedestrian
connections
• Walking paths to Main Street
Mall + beyond
• Comfort Inn redevelops to
maximize development yields
• New 6-7 story lodging (250 plus
rooms) Increase lodging
• Amenities (pool, restaurant,
small retail)
• Secured, shared parking spaces
in parking structure
Cons
• Location as a major public-
private funded parking
investment
• Large parking structure
footprint
• Consumes a significant portion
of the Sun Road Sub Area
• Limits potential to
accommodate Community
Housing
• Parking structure only, limited
surface parking
• No drive thru lanes
• Does not optimize
redevelopment opportunity
• Infrastructure cost to relocate
Sun Road utilities
• Land acquisition / land
assemblage
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 42 of 51
PREFERRED CONCEPT: [Add a description of the Preferred Concept here]
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 43 of 51
Chapter 5:
IMPLEMENTATION
STRATEGY
Chapter 5:
IMPLEMENTATION
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 44 of 51
This section serves as a delivery framework intended as a guide for future decision making and programming.
A. INTRODUCTION: The Sun Road Redevelopment sub-area parcels for U.S. Post Office, Walgreens
and First Bank are already zoned Town Center. Redevelopment could proceed without Town
incentives and facilitation. The Implementation Strategy in this Plan focuses on creating a high quality,
mixed-use development that includes a new regional transit center, ground level neighborhood
services and high density Community Housing development. This section outlines the steps,
challenges and Town’s role to coordinate, facilitate, incentivize and advance redevelopment in this
Plan area.
B. US POST OFFICE/WALGREENS/FIRSTBANK PARCELS: The primary parcels for redevelopment
planning are focused on the U.S. Post Office, Walgreens and FirstBank parcels because they are
currently under-developed and identified as having a high potential for redevelopment. These parcels
represent a unique opportunity to create a strong and attractive mixed-use development on a prominent
corner of Avon Road. Town’s initial role includes contacting each of the property owners and
establishing a working relationship for conceptual design, planning and coordination for
redevelopment.
C. COMFORT INN PARCEL: The Comfort Inn parcel is identified as having medium potential for
redevelopment. The current zoning is designated as a “retired” which means any redevelopment will
require a new zoning designation. The recommended new zoning is Mixed-Use Commercial in order
to serve as a transition from the Town Center zoning to the (medium/high?) Residential Zone District
to the west (Greenbriar). The Town will support and facilitate an application for rezoning of the Comfort
Inn Parcel when desired by the property owner.
D. REGIONAL TRANSIT CENTER: The planning, design and financing of a new regional transit center
is complex. This effort will require coordination with CORE Transit and CDOT; coordination with
existing uses (i.e. U.S. Post Office, Walgreens, and FirstBank); planning and design to integrate upper
floor offices, high density residential, a parking structure and a public plaza; pursuit of state and federal
grant funding; public financing by the Town of Avon, Avon Downtown Development Authority, and/or
Avon Housing Authority; and partnership with private developer. Planning for a new Transit Center
should include a “build-out” assessment of potential development and projected growth of transit
services for the next 50 years. Avon will take the lead on coordinating with CORE Transit and will offer
the take the lead on apply for grant applications to assist with design and programming costs.
E. PLANNING AND DESIGN FOR US POST OFFICE, WALGREENS, FIRSTBANK: Planning and
design of for the U.S. Post Office, Walgreens and FirstBank will require initial coordination and
assessment by each existing property to determine space needs and any specialized designs unique
to the use in a redevelopment design (e.g. loading for U.S. Post Office, drive-through for U.S. Post
Office, Walgreens, and FirstBank). Transition and displacement mitigation must also be considered
for any future redevelopment. Such mitigation may include temporary alternate locations and/or
phasing of development to create new commercial space before demolition of existing space.
F. CONCEPTUAL DESIGN: The Town will seek to conduct or facilitate initial conceptual designs which
will be primarily intended to advance conversations and planning, determine physical feasibility, and to
CHAPTER 5: IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 45 of 51
generate prospective layouts and square footage estimates of different uses to create a financial pro
forma for potential development projects. The conceptual design process should utilize a Request for
Proposal process that is defined and administered with inclusion of the existing property owners and
the Avon DDA. The conceptual design should consider traffic flow through the site from Avon Road to
the planned alignment and intersection for access to Lot B/Lot 3.
G. PARKING DISTRICT: Redevelopment of the plan area will require significant parking and a parking
structure. Conceptual design should recognize and seek to incorporate the designation of a parking
district as authorized in the Avon Development Code to reduce overall parking requirements and to
create a functional parking structure with safe pedestrian connections to ground floor uses.
H. DENSITY BONUS: The Avon Development Code allows for Density Bonuses for projects which
provide Community Housing, public spaces, and economic benefits. Density Bonuses may include
increased building height and reduced parking. The Sun Road Plan area may be suitable for increased
building heights due to the location on the north side of West Town Center. Any increase in building
heights should be used to create architectural interest and variation in building heights rather than
attempting to create a monotonous super block building on the site. Limited reduction of parking for
residential uses combined with access to car share programs should be considered.
I. FINANCIAL MODELLING: Town will retain third party consultants to assist with financial modelling of
potential development scenarios. Financial modelling will occur concurrently with development of
conceptual designs. Financial modelling will consider various mixes of deed restricted and free market
residential development, various mixes of resident occupied and price capped/rent capped deed
restrictions, tax revenues from different commercial, retail, residential and public uses, and potential
tax increment financing revenues as relates to the Avon URA and Avon DDA. The Avon Housing
Authority, or regional partnership of housing authorities, will be considered as a source of public
financing.
J. TRANSITION AND DISPLACEMENT MITIGATION: Concurrently with development of conceptual
designs, Town will work closely with existing property owners to identify feasible transition and
displacement mitigation. Transition and displacement mitigation may include assisting with off-site
temporary commercial space and/or phasing to develop new commercial space for move-in before
demolishing existing commercial space.
K. PARTNERSHIPS: Redevelopment of the Sun Road Sub-Area Plan area will require numerous
partnerships. Conceptual planning will require existing property owners to partner with the Town of
Avon, Avon Downtown Development Authority, Core Transit, and potential grant funding agencies.
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 46 of 51
Once a viable conceptual design is determined, then the Town would conduct a Request for Proposal
for Development Services to solicit an interested developer to further refine designs and ultimate
redevelop of the site.
IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE:
Adopt Sun Road Sub-Area Plan: Q1 – 2025
Scoping for Transit Center and Existing Users: Q1-Q2 2025
Apply for Grant Funding to Defray Conceptual Design Costs:
Q1 2025
Solicit Conceptual Design Services:
Q2 2025
Conceptual Design/Financial Modelling: Q3 2025 to Q3 2026
RFP for Developer Services:
Q4 2026 – Q1 2027
Construction Design with Development Partner:
Q2 2027 – Q1 2028
Commence Phase 1 Construction: Q2 2028
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 47 of 51
Chapter 6:
DESIGN
STANDARDS
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 48 of 51
This Chapter sets forth design standards and expectations for redevelopment of the Sun Road Plan Area
which will supplement the Design Standards set forth in Avon Municipal Code 7.28.090. The intent is to
provide clear guidance for desired design outcomes to maximize the efficiency of design and engineering
work.
Vacate Sun Road: Sun Road will be vacated as a public right-of-way. The .61 acre area (26,203 sq.ft.) of
Sun Road will be repurposed to increase the sidewalk right-of-way along Avon Road, provide additional
right-of-way as may be need along West Beaver Creek Boulevard to accommodate angle bus parking and
a round-about, and to provide public plaza area.
Sidewalks:
Avon Road - The sidewalk right-of-way along Avon Road shall be increased to a minimum of 16’ width to
allow a generous 8’ wide sidewalk in front of buildings and generous 8’ wide planting area for trees and
landscaping. Avon Road is a busy arterial. The additional landscaping will create a barrier between the
sidewalk and Avon Road to improve safety and enhance the pedestrian experience. Widening the sidewalk
right-of-way by 8’ is estimated to require 3,600 sq.ft. of additional area [estimated 450’ length].
[add photo depicting 8’ sidewalk with adjacent 8’ landscape area with trees and shrubs]
West Beaver Creek Boulevard - The sidewalk may need to be increased to accommodate both
pedestrian passage as well as boarding, deboarding and waiting for transit. There are currently 5 driveway
accesses from West Beaver Creek Boulevard. Redevelopment should reduce the total driveway accesses
to 2. Widening the right-of-way for angle transit stalls and wider sidewalk by 30’ is estimated to require
9,000 sq.ft. of additional area [estimated 300’ length].
Pedestrian Access: Pedestrian access should be prioritized over vehicles wherever possible. Pedestrian
access design should enhance way finding and provide attractive, comfortable and safe pedestrian routes.
In addition to pedestrian access along Avon Road and West Beaver Creek Boulevard, interior pedestrian
access should be functional, comfortable, safe and attractive. Public art should be integrated where
possible and appropriate to enhance the pedestrian experience, including statues and sculptures,
fountains, creative sidewalk designs, and murals for blank walls along pedestrian routes. Stairwells should
include windows for public visibility and should include interior finishing to provide an attractive experience.
Round-About: Conceptual designs will explore the placement of a round-about near the intersection of
Sun Road and West Beaver Creek Boulevard in appropriate alignment to serve the common driveway
access for Lot B and Lot 3 on the south side of West Beaver Creek Boulevard. Additional right-of-way for a
round-about is estimated to require 6,000 sq.ft.
Public Plaza: A public plaza adjacent to the West Beaver Creek Boulevard should be integrated into the
project. The size of the public plaza should be at least 7,600 square feet. The public plaza should be
located to provide attractive frontage for active retail uses, informal outdoor seating, landscaping and flower
planters, and public art and/or water fountain.
CHAPTER 6: DESIGN STANDARDS & EXPECTATIONS
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 49 of 51
[add photos of public plazas with adjacent ground level commercial]
Buildings: The following principles and standards shall apply to building form, design and architecture.
Relevant sections of 7.28.090 Design Standards in the Avon Development Code are cited, expanded and
further defined for development in this Sun-Road Plan area.
Mountain contemporary architecture shall be utilized with clean design lines, stone exterior materials for the
ground floor to create a base and pitched roof and roof overhangs to create a top.
[add photos of examples of contemporary mountain architecture – like Westin and Wyndham]
7.28.090(a)Purpose. (6) To encourage developments that relate to adjoining public streets,
open spaces, parks, trails and neighborhoods with building orientation and physical
connections that contribute to the surrounding network of streets and walkways;
Buildings should be built up to the sidewalk edge:
7.28.090(j) Mixed-Use and Nonresidential Design Standards.
(3) Site Layout and Design. Buildings shall be oriented to positively define and
frame adjacent public streets and/or public or common spaces, while promoting
the collective form of neighborhoods by:
(i) Building Orientation.
(A) Buildings shall reinforce the street edges and create pedestrian-scaled open
spaces. Buildings on corner lots should be designed to positively define and
frame the public area of both streets they front.
(B) Building fronts and entries shall be oriented toward streets or public plazas
and should be arranged to create courtyards and other human-scaled spaces
designed to maximize solar access and exposure.
(C) Ground floors of new buildings shall be at grade or elevated above grade.
Ground-floor residential uses should be raised above adjacent sidewalks. Under
no circumstances shall a building be sunken below grade.
[NOTE: property along Avon Road slopes down towards the south such that
[Add Photos of traditional main street orientation]
(4) Building Layout and Design (i) New development in Town Core shall
maintain a high interaction between pedestrians and the activities inside the
buildings at ground level. [in part]
[Add photos to depict majority glazing]
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 50 of 51
Buildings fronting on Avon Road, West Beaver Creek Boulevard and the public plaza should be retail
ready, generally meaning that the interior floor to ceiling height should be at least 12’ high and that the
space should follow design standards in Section 7.28.090(J)(vii).
7.28.090(J)(vii) Storefronts and Pedestrian Entrances.
(A) The first floor of all new buildings shall provide: a pedestrian-friendly
environment, with human-scale and natural building materials; extensive storefront
windows for display and views into the business; and access directly from adjacent
sidewalks.
(B) When transparency is in conflict with internal functions of the building, other
means shall be used to activate the street-facing facades, such as public art,
architectural ornamentation or details or color patterns.
(C) To encourage activity along the building frontage, entrances shall be located at
intervals of a maximum of thirty-two (32) feet.
(D) The primary access to retail spaces on Benchmark Road, Main Street and W.
Beaver Creek Boulevard shall be from the sidewalk.
(E) New buildings should relate to the public space through architectural frontages
that provide direct access into them and a transition between their private space and
public streetscape.
(1) New buildings shall be designed with frontages that activate the street by
providing direct access to ground-floor commercial spaces.
(2) To the maximum extent feasible, the principal building entrance shall face an
adjacent public street, public plaza or primary public walkway. In cases where the
principal entrance does not face the principal street, the entrance shall be connected
to the street and adjacent parking areas with a sidewalk.
(F) In order to ensure that building entrances are welcoming to pedestrians, easily
identifiable and accessible from streets and sidewalks, primary entries shall be
clearly visible from the street and accentuated from the overall building facade by:
(1) Differentiated roof, awning or portico;
(2) Covered walkways or arcades;
(3) Projecting or recessed entries from the surrounding building facade;
(4) Detailed doors and doorways with transoms, sidelights, trim details and/or
framing;
Sun Road Redevelopment Sub-Area Plan
October 3, 2024 DRAFT Page 51 of 51
(5) Windows within doorways equivalent in size to fifty percent (50%) of door
surface area; and
(6) Decorative nighttime lighting where appropriate.
(G) Secondary entrances shall have minor architectural detailing that adds visual
interest to that portion of the facade.
(H) Public doors and entryways shall be a combination of glass and metal or wood or
solid wood.
[add photos depicting traditional main street ground level retail store frontage]
[END OF DOCUMENT]
DDA MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
HYBRID MEETING, IN PERSON AND VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS
AVON DDA MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 PAGE 1 | 3
ROLL CALL
Present in Person: Chair Tony Emrick, Vice-Chair Brandt Marott and Board Members Bill Glaner and Rob Tartre.
Present Virtually: Board Members Gregg Cooper and Marcus Lindholm.
Absent: Board Members Scott Tarbet, Wayne Hanson, Chris Neuswanger and Matthew Fitzgerald and Councilor
Rich Carroll.
Staff: Town Manager Eric Heil, Chief Financial Officer Paul Redmond, Chief Administrative Officer Ineke de Jong
and General Government Fellow Arnell Wade. Town Clerk Miguel Jauregui (virtually).
The meeting was called to order at 3:05 p.m. DDA Board Chair Tony Emrick presided over the meeting.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Board Member Bill Glaner presented a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Board Member Rob Tartre
seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously with a 6-0 vote of those present.
3. DISCLOSURE OF ANY CONFLICTS OF INTEREST RELATED TO AGENDA ITEMS
Board Chair Emrick asked if there were any conflicts of interest, and none were disclosed.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comments were made in person nor virtually.
5. BUSINESS ITEMS
5.1 Resolution 24-01: Supporting Town of Avon Ballot Issue 2C - Use Tax on Construction Materials to
Fund Community Housing (CFO Paul Redmond)
Chief Financial Officer Paul Redmond presented Resolution 24-01. Under the Colorado Fair Campaign
Practices Act, the DDA Board is allowed to support a ballot issue via resolution.
Board member Brandt Marott expressed concerns with an additional 4% tax on construction projects. Staff
explained that it replaces a 4% sales tax so it’s not an additional tax and should not cost the developer any
more than it does now. The main difference is that Avon would be able to collect it completely & efficiently.
There was discussion to better understand how use tax applies to new projects versus small home
improvement projects, which are exempted.
Board member Bill Glaner moved to approve resolution 24-01: Supporting Town of Avon Ballot Issue 2C -
Use Tax on Construction Materials to Fund Community Housing. Board member Brandt Marott seconded
that motion. There was further discussion. Board Member Gregg Cooper presented his take on an “elevator
speech” that this proposal is “collecting a tax that is not being collected and using the use tax mechanism
to do so”. He feels the marketing is presenting this as an additional tax, not a replacement of a sales tax. It
is being viewed as a tax increase as it’s not properly understood. Town Manager Eric Heil explained there
is an issues committee that is supporting this ballot issue. The Town of Avon is not allowed to promote it
under the Fair Campaign Practices Act (FCPA). After this discussion, the motion passed 5 to 0. Board
Member Gregg Cooper abstained from the vote.
5.2 Work Session: Review of Community Arts Center Concept at 351 West Benchmark Road (Town Manager Eric Heil)
Town Manager Eric Heil delivered a presentation to review of Community Arts Center Concept at 351 West
Benchmark Road. He expressed that staff has been touring peer communities with art & culture centers to
DDA MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
HYBRID MEETING, IN PERSON AND VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS
AVON DDA MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 PAGE 2 | 3
see how they operate and what works and what doesn’t work.
Eric explained there is no shortage of ideas. At this point, we are running the concept by PZC and all citizen
committees and the Avon DDA Board to get input on the concept. We will have to do this in small steps and
probably use a phased approach as it could get very expensive to do everything all at once. The big ticket
items are the roof, the fire suppression, upgrading the water lines, adding in a small commercial kitchen,
adding an ADA bathroom and the landscaping on the exterior of the building. The Town has partnered with
the Vail Valley Art Guild and is providing rent subsidy for 3 years. That partnership would help with grants
and fundraising and hopefully create momentum to expand and eventually using part of this building when
the 3-year lease is up.
A summary of the feedback from the board members includes:
• The Art Guild seems to be busy on the pedestrian mall and there is a lot of activity.
• Adding coffee or sandwich offerings will make it even more attractive.
• This fits in and is a complimentary piece to the civic core of town including the rec center and Town
Hall municipal building.
• These are all the right things!
• Is the initial investment dependent on a business model of cashflow in the future? Is there a way
to make this an entity that is cash flow positive?
• Should the Town look for third party providers to come operate this?
• Very generally, this is an appropriate concept for the area and attracts the summer interest for
people to stop by and check it out.
• Having a financial plan will be important.
• The first step could be a feasibility study, more so than architectural design as nobody even knows
what it will take to make the building functional.
• Board member Gregg Cooper asked for the business plan to be the first step, before doing a
feasibility study or paying an architect.
Board Member Marcus Lindholm left the meeting at 4:07 p.m.
Staff explained that next steps are bringing an architect onboard and for staff to model the Performa of
cashflow payback.
There was a general direction of interest to explore it further. Staff suggested a motion to support exploring
the concept of a Community Art Facility at this location further and work with Board Chair Tony Emrick to
work on concepts and compare to how they fit the Avon DDA plan. How would this fit as an activity/amenity
in the Avon DDA Boundary. Board Chair Tony Emrick moved that motion as presented. Board member Bill
Glaner seconded that motion and it passed 5 to 0.
6. MINUTES
Board Member Gregg Cooper presented a motion to approve the Minutes from Avon DDA Board Meeting held
August 5, 2024. Board Member Rob Tarte seconded the motion. They were approved with a 5-0 vote.
7. ADJOURNMENT
DDA Board Chair Emrick adjourned the meeting at 4:23 p.m.
DDA MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
HYBRID MEETING, IN PERSON AND VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS
AVON DDA MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 PAGE 3 | 3
Respectfully submitted by:
Ineke de Jong
Chief Administrative Officer
These minutes are only a summary of the proceedings of the meeting. They are not intended to be comprehensive
or to include each statement, person speaking or to portray with complete accuracy. The most accurate records
of the meeting are the audio of the meeting, which is housed in the Town Clerk' s office.