All posts in “News”

Pike Place Market Adopts Master Plan to Secure its Future as Seattle’s Iconic Landmark

May 21, 2024 / No Comments

This press release was originally issued by Pike Place Market.

 

Seattle, WA – Pike Place Market, the heartbeat of Seattle for over a century, has revealed an innovative Master Plan aimed at securing its future as the vibrant soul of the city. Developed in response to operational challenges and changing external forces, the Master Plan charts a course for the Market’s sustained success while honoring its rich heritage and authentic character.

 

The Market is faced with an exciting array of opportunities amidst its diverse challenges. From meeting operational demands to adapting to rapidly evolving external factors, such as changing consumer preferences and environmental concerns, there’s an abundance of potential for growth and revitalization. By embracing a Master Plan, the Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority (PDA) can address these challenges head-on and unlock the Market’s full potential for enduring prosperity. This plan is not just about overcoming obstacles; it’s about embracing our rich history and authentic identity while building a sustainable Market for the next 50 years.

 

Mary Bacarella, Executive Director of the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA), expressed her enthusiasm for the plan, stating, “The Pike Place Market Master Plan ensures the authentic preservation of our beloved Market while paving the way for a thriving future. This plan honors our historic purpose and commitment to the community.”

 

The Master Plan, spearheaded by the PDA Council, is endorsed by Devin McComb, Chair of the PDA Council, who remarked, “This plan offers a roadmap for the future of Pike Place Market. It encourages innovation, diversity, and inclusivity, ensuring that the Market remains a beacon of opportunity and connection for generations to come.”

 

Since 1907 Pike Place Market has embodied the essence of Seattle—a dynamic blend of culture, commerce, and community. Recognizing the Market’s vital role in the city’s fabric, the PDA Council initiated the Master Plan to address operational pressures and seize emerging opportunities. The PDA hired HR&A Advisors to guide the PDA through the Master Plan process, a consulting firm with significant experience developing Master Plans around the U.S. for entities similar in complexity to the Pike Place Market. HR&A assembled a project team consisting of BERK Consulting, Mithun, and MRA International.

 

The vision for Pike Place Market in the next 50 years is one of a supportive, diverse community and a thriving center of Pacific Northwest food, commerce, and culture. Grounded in its historic purpose, the Market will continue to serve as a community for gathering and entrepreneurship, while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

 

The Master Plan outlines three foundational goals:

    1. Ensure long-term financial sustainability
    2. Increase local patronage
    3. Advance a diverse, equitable, and inclusive Market

 

To achieve these goals, four key strategies have been devised:

    1. Pacific Northwest Food Life to Reattract Locals and Reenergize the Market’s Farmer Program: This strategy aims to embrace the essence of Pacific Northwest food culture to attract more local visitors and support farmers, ensuring financial sustainability while staying true to the Market’s historic purpose.
    2. Business Supports to Promote Local Entrepreneurship and Craftspeople: Focused on fostering a thriving ecosystem of local businesses, this strategy includes initiatives such as temporary spaces for small business incubation and technical assistance programs to support entrepreneurship and preserve the Market’s unique character.
    3. Sustainable Physical Investments to Maintain and Adapt the Market: This strategy prioritizes targeted capital investments in key areas of the Market, including Pike Place, First Avenue, and Western Avenue, to enhance accessibility, wayfinding, and environmental sustainability, ensuring a vibrant and resilient Market for generations to come.
    4. Partnerships to Amplify the Market as the Soul of Seattle: Recognizing the Market’s role as a provider of social services and a cultural landmark, this strategy focuses on strengthening partnerships and advocacy efforts to amplify the Market’s impact and ensure its continued relevance in the community.

 

The Master Plan reflects extensive community engagement, incorporating input from Market stakeholders, Market businesses and PDA staff. It remains flexible, allowing for regular revisiting and adjustment to meet evolving needs. Deeper engagement with the public and Market community is a priority that will continue through the Master Plan implementation to ensure inclusivity and accountability.

 

Partnerships are essential to the success of the Pike Place Market Master Plan. The Market invites stakeholders, organizations, and individuals to work together in shaping its future. Whether through advocacy or collaboration, all are welcome to engage with the Market on this transformative journey.

 

For more information on the Pike Place Market Master Plan and how to get involved, visit PikePlaceMarket.org/MasterPlan

 

About Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority PDA – Celebrating over 50 Years!
The nine-acre historic district is maintained and operated by the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA), a nonprofit public corporation created by the City of Seattle in 1973. The PDA supports the Market’s remarkable community by increasing farm and food retailing opportunities, supporting small and marginal businesses, and providing services for low-income individuals. In addition, PDA helps protect the essence of the Market by preserving, rehabilitating and maintaining the buildings within the Market. PikePlaceMarket.org

Economic Impact Study: A New Performing Arts Center Will Generate $150 Million in Annual Economic Impact

May 15, 2024 / No Comments

This press release was originally issued by the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation.

 

Sarasota, Florida – May 14, 2024 – Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation and the City of Sarasota are pleased to release an Economic Impact Study highlighting the profound contributions of a new performing arts center to Sarasota and all of Sarasota County. Prepared for the Foundation by HR&A Advisors, one of the leading real estate and economic development firms in the country, the study forecasts a significant boost to the Sarasota region’s economic landscape, projecting over $150 million in annual economic activity. This figure exceeds the current economic impact of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall by 30%, marking a substantial advancement for the city’s cultural and economic vitality. The study also estimates the creation of 1,200 permanent jobs and $300 million in tax revenues over 30 years, demonstrating a substantial return on investment.

 

“This Economic Impact Study showcases the incredible power of the arts and the opportunity for the Sarasota Performing Arts Center to serve as a critical economic driver of our vibrant community,” said Foundation CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko. “This study reaffirms what we know to be true in Sarasota – that the arts are not only part of our shared identity, fueling innovation and creativity, but also play an extraordinary role in our economic development.”

 

Key findings of the HR&A Advisors study include the following:

      • • Over $150 million in annual economic activity generated from operations, programming, visitation, and cultural tourism, with 358,000 annual visitors anticipated.
      • • Creation of 1,200 permanent jobs, contributing $52 million in annual wages.
      • • An injection of $562 million in spending countywide during the construction phase, including the creation of 3,200 temporary jobs and $162 million in temporary wages.

    “This study provides important information for the City Commission and Sarasota community,” said City Manager Marlon Brown. “It shows the Sarasota Performing Arts Center will be a significant economic driver from the very start of construction. The study underscores the value of this generational project and the 50-50 public-private partnership with Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation.”

     

    “Arts and culture have always had a critically important role in Sarasota’s economy and brand, helping to attract many thousands of visitors to the city every year,” said Alex Stokes, Principal at HR&A Advisors who led the study. “As an iconic new cultural anchor at the heart of the Bay Park, the Sarasota Performing Arts Center will ensure that Sarasota’s cultural economy continues to flourish for years to come, bringing new jobs, visitor spending, and tax dollars to the city and region.”

     

    For an executive summary of the Economic Impact Study, please click here.

     

    To request the full Economic Impact Study, please email info@performingartsfoundation.org.

     

    About Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation

    Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s mission is to create and sustain a vibrant performing arts center, advance education, and enrich communities by inspiring minds through the power of the arts. The Foundation has partnered with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall since 1987 to support arts education throughout our region, serving more than 35,000 students and their families annually with enriching arts-based education opportunities and professional development for more than 400 teachers across five counties.

     

    Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is leading the vision to build the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center as a public-private partnership with the city and in collaboration with the Bay Park Conservancy and Van Wezel Hall. For more information about Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, please visit: PerformingArtsFoundation.org.


    About the City of Sarasota

  • Distinguished by U.S. News and World Report as the No. 5 Best Place to Live in the U.S. and the top place in Florida, the City of Sarasota is a diverse and inclusive community located on Florida’sSuncoast with 56,000 year-round residents, several internationally recognized cultural arts venues, stunning sunsets along Lido Beach, and Major League spring training baseball with the Baltimore Orioles. Learn more about us at SarasotaFL.Gov

Mills Administration and MaineHousing Announce Launch of New Statewide Housing Data Portal

May 7, 2024 / No Comments

This press release was originally issued by the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.

 

Augusta, MAINE – The Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, the Department of Economic and Community Development, and MaineHousing today announced the launch of the State of Maine Housing Data Portal, a central repository of housing and community data to support planning and actions to address housing production needs across the state.

 

The online portal, now available at mainestatehousingdata.org, builds upon the State of Maine Housing Needs Production Study (PDF) released last year, which assessed the effects of historic housing underproduction in Maine, as well as estimated housing needs in the state going forward based on current demographic trends.

 

 

The portal compiles publicly available housing market, population, and economic data for Maine, such as housing supply, rental affordability, and homeownership access, as well as detailed demographic, income, and employment information. The data is sortable by state, county, and community, and is available for export and download.

 

Through the portal, Maine communities, housing organizations, and public can assess state regional, and local housing trends to maximize housing opportunities, inform housing discussions, set housing priorities, plans, and goals, and aid development of local ordinances.

 

“This new portal is an important resource for Maine communities to help inform and advance efforts to make housing more accessible and affordable across the state,” said Hannah Pingree, Director of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future. “Addressing Maine’s urgent need for more housing requires a strong partnership between state, regional, and local governments. By providing ready access to the latest housing data and trends to support thoughtful housing planning and actions for the future, this portal is an investment in that partnership.”

 

“We are excited to join with the administration to offer this new tool for planners, developers, and housing leaders across Maine,” said Dan Brennan, Director of MaineHousing. “For the first time they’ll have ready access to current, detailed data to help set local housing production priorities, establish goals, and track progress.”

 

“In order to continue Maine’s economic growth, we need to increase our workforce, and ensuring appropriate housing stock is key,” said Heather Johnson, Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development. “This dashboard will allow stakeholders at all levels of government to effectively address housing needs in all geographies and at many income levels.”

 

Since Governor Mills took office in 2019, the Mills Administration has allocated more than $285 million to support the construction of homes in Maine, an unprecedented level of investment that has resulted in more than 600 new homes so far, with more than 1,000 homes under construction, and more than 3,000 homes in the construction pipeline at MaineHousing – the largest number in the agency’s history.

 

The supplemental budget signed by Governor Mills on April 22 and approved by the Legislature included an additional $30 million to build more than 260 new homes in Maine, through $10 million to the Rural Affordable Rental Housing Program, $1o million to leverage Federal low-income housing tax credits, and $10 million for single-family home construction through the Affordable Homeownership Program.

 

The Study and the portal were prepared for GOPIF, DECD, and MaineHousing by national housing planning consultant HR&A Advisors, in consultation with housing stakeholders from across Maine and with authorization of the Legislature through LD 2003, landmark housing legislation signed into law by Governor Mills in 2022.

 

The State of Maine Housing Data Portal will be updated regularly. For questions about the Housing Data Portal or for guidance on its use, please contact the Maine Housing Opportunity Program at housing.decd@maine.gov.

Fixing zoning is not enough. We must proactively create affordable space for small businesses 

May 2, 2024 / No Comments

This op-ed was originally issued by Crain’s New York.

 

This spring, the City Council will vote on Mayor Eric Adams’ City of Yes for Economic Opportunity proposal – an important step for solving the myriad real estate challenges that small businesses face in a changing economy. It brings about long overdue changes to zoning created over 60 years ago by city planners who could not have conceived of how – and where – our city’s economy operates today.  As the Department of City Planning describes it, this proposal will “allow more types of businesses in more places” and remove barriers to growth.

 

It’s remarkable how outdated New York City’s zoning is. For example: Zoning dictates where haberdasheries (purveyors of men’s clothing) and millineries (women’s hat makers) can locate yet contains no mention of 3D printing.

 

Zoning also prescribes what types of stores can be located in destination commercial corridors or local retail streets. But technology has dramatically shifted how we shop, driving up brick-and-mortar retail vacancy in some neighborhoods. Prescriptive zoning makes it more difficult to adapt to a rapidly changing, unpredictable retail environment.

 

Zoning separates even relatively clean manufacturing uses from others, a vestige of a “smokestack economy.” Today, breweries, bespoke apparel manufacturers, and ceramics studios are not currently permitted on retail corridors, even though they depend on customer foot traffic.

 

Zoning in most manufacturing districts assumes all workers will drive to work, requiring so many parking spaces that it essentially makes constructing new buildings infeasible.

 

The City of Yes for Economic Opportunity proposal makes common sense changes to these outdated rules. It will allow more emerging uses like life science and urban agriculture, more types of businesses on commercial streets, and more multi-story loft buildings in manufacturing districts without onerous parking requirements near transit.

 

But the City needs to do more than update outdated regulations – it must proactively create affordable space for small businesses in a growing city with a finite amount of real estate.

 

Take one iconic neighborhood, Manhattan’s Chinatown. Chinatown has a unique historic significance to New York City and its identity is deeply tied to its legacy businesses, but those businesses face significant displacement pressures. In a study released by Welcome to Chinatown, a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting the neighborhood’s small businesses, between 2010 to 2019, rents increased by 39% and property taxes by 110% in Chinatown; in a survey, 60% of Chinatown businesses said rent costs were one of their top three challenges. While rent, labor, and supply costs are rising, many Chinatown businesses feel pressure to keep prices low: visitors expect Chinatown to be affordable, and many businesses also serve a low-income clientele.

 

To prevent displacement of businesses – and to reduce barriers to entry to new AAPI-owned businesses – the City must pilot bold strategies for creating affordable commercial space. This could include providing low-interest loans, tax credits, and/or capital to private or not-for-profit property owners who agree to limit rents. Vacant spaces could be repurposed as pop-up incubators that offer low-cost, short-term leases to allow new businesses to test the market. Larger spaces could become multi-tenant markets for both existing and new businesses – similar to the City-managed Essex Market on the Lower East Side, which has dedicated affordable space for legacy businesses. City-owned buildings could also be leveraged to offer affordable space.

 

City of Yes for Economic Opportunity is an important step towards updating archaic zoning to create greater flexibility for a changing economy, but it is just a first step. To become a national leader in promoting equitable entrepreneurship, the City should build on this momentum by piloting approaches to affordable space for small businesses, with a focus on communities of color such as Chinatown.

 

Sulin Carling is a Principal at HR&A Advisors, an economic development and public policy consulting company. As Senior Economic Development Planner at the Department of City Planning during the de Blasio administration, she developed zoning strategies that are being implemented in the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity proposal.

Reviving History, Building Futures: Forest Forward’s Restoration of the Historic Forest Theater

April 19, 2024 / No Comments

Image: Forest Forward

 

Forest Forward, a local nonprofit, recently commenced the renovation of the historic Forest Theater and mixed-use arts facility in South Dallas with a groundbreaking event attended by community members and leaders. Despite its historical importance dating back to 1949 and hosting renowned artists like Sidney Poitier and Tina Turner, the theater has faced chronic challenges and remained vacant since 2009.

 

As part of its Cultural Capital practice, HR&A Advisors helped translate Forest Forward’s vision for the theater into an economic, fiscal, and cultural impact study that was critical to garnering philanthropic and public capital resources and funding.

 

The renovation aims not only to restore the theater’s former glory but also to catalyze a broader revitalization effort in the South Dallas community. Plans include transforming the theater into a multifaceted arts center, establishing educational pathways with Dallas ISD, and developing mixed-income housing nearby.

 

Phase I of the project, funded at $75.215 million, encompasses the restoration of the Forest Theater and the addition of new facilities, including an arts education hub, performance hall, studio theater, and more. Completion is expected by December 2025. The initiative has garnered bipartisan support, with U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett and others commending its potential impact on economic development and education.

 

With construction slated for completion by December 2025, the Forest Theater project signifies a pivotal step towards economic development, arts education, and affordable housing in Sunny South Dallas, embodying Forest Forward’s vision for community transformation.

 

 

Related Articles

 

Historic Forest Theater in South Dallas To Begin Renovations, Dallas Observer

Forest Forward Breaks Ground on Historic Forest Theater in Sunny South Dallas, Arlington BubbleLife

New chapter opened, Dallas Business Journals

ULI Spring Meeting 2024 Happy Hour Recap

April 17, 2024 / No Comments

This year the Urban Land Institute’s Spring Meeting featured industry leaders discussing topics ranging from cultural eco-systems in New York to Equity by Design. HR&A Advisors was also honored to sponsor the Resilience Summit, ULI’s flagship climate adaptation event, where industry leaders convened to address climate challenges and opportunities. 

 

HR&A Advisors would like to extend a personal thank you for joining us last week for our Happy Hour with BerlinRosen to kick off the ULI Spring Meeting and Resilience Summit. It was fantastic to connect with colleagues and industry leaders.

 

Please enjoy these photos from the Happy Hour event, and we look forward to connecting again soon!  

 

 

 

Senior Advisor Derek Fleming joined Jason Rudman on More Elephant Podcast

April 15, 2024 / No Comments

Senior Advisor Derek Fleming joined Jason Rudman of More elephant Podcast to discuss being an urbanist, real estate development, and spearheading revitalization projects in diverse and economically challenged communities across the U.S.  

  

The conversation delves into Derek’s roots in Los Angeles and Oakland, showcasing how these experiences drive his mission to uplift marginalized communities through real estate. Derek shared reflections on the emergence of his practice Cultural Capital, how the work is shaping a more inclusive American experience, and how his revitalization efforts stand as a testament to the power of cultural representation. 

  

Moreover, Derek shares the importance of passion and authenticity in effecting change. Tap in to explore Derek’s role in shaping spaces of ‘belonging’ through real estate, including his contributions to Red Rooster, an iconic cultural landmark renowned for its aesthetic excellence and immersive experiences. 

 

Listen to the full podcast here.  

HR&A Advisors congratulates CEO Jeff Hébert on his appointment to the Climate Mayors Board

April 10, 2024 / No Comments

HR&A CEO Jeff Hébert has been appointed to Climate Mayors’ Board of Directors alongside Kizzy Charles-Guzman and Rachel Isacoff (an HR&A alumna). As Climate Mayors shared in a recent announcement, Jeff, Kizzy, and Rachel “will join Board Chair Matt Petersen and Board Members Katherine Gajewski, Kelly Shultz, and Laura Spanjian.”

 

HR&A Advisors congratulates Jeff and his fellow new Board Members on their appointments, and we look forward to their contributions to Climate Mayors’ mission to build political will for local, federal, and global climate action and collaboration amongst member mayors.

 

More about Climate Mayors

“Founded in 2014, Climate Mayors is a bipartisan, peer-to-peer network that has mobilized more than 750 U.S. mayors who demonstrate climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities. Representing 48 states and nearly 60 million Americans, the Climate Mayors coalition reflects U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress.

 

In addition to local climate leadership, Climate Mayors build political will for federal and global climate action. Hundreds of members have signed the Climate Mayors letters committing to the Paris Agreement and calling on Congress to invest in a green and equitable economic recovery.”

 

Learn more…

 

HR&A at 2024 Spring Meeting

April 5, 2024 / No Comments

 

 

HR&A is thrilled to connect with fellow urban enthusiasts, thought leaders, and change makers at the 2024 Urban Land Institute Spring in New York City.

 

Speaking events:

 

April 11, 1pm – 2pm EST | Partner Kate Collignon will be speaking as a panelist for a discussion on an “Equity by Design” framework that uncovers a community’s needs and aspirations—including underserved voices—and tying design solutions to what is heard.

 

 

 

April 11, 4 – 5pm EST | Partner Kate Wittels will be moderating a Panel with industry professionals, civic leaders, and other major stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities when creating a cultural eco-system that is more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable for all New Yorkers.

 

 

 

Connect with all of our HR&A attendees at the Fall meeting:

Mason Ailstock— Partner, Atlanta, University Development and Innovation Council

Amitabh Barthakur, AICP— Partner, Los Angeles, ULI Public/Private Partnership Council

Shuprotim Bhaumik  — Partner

Kate Collignon— Partner, San Francisco, ULI Public Development and Infrastructure Council

Cary Hirschstein  — Partner, New York

Eric Rothman— CEO, New York, ULI Public/Private Partnership Council

Kate Wittels  — Partner, New York

Stan Wall— Partner, Washington DC, ULI Transit Oriented Development Council

Joseph Cahoon— Senior Advisor, Small-Scale Development Council

Marilynn Davis— Senior Advisor, Atlanta, University Development and Innovation Council

Carl Weisbrod — Senior Advisor, New York, ULI Public/Private Partnership Council

Martha Welborne— Senior Advisor, Los Angeles, ULI Placemaking Council

Ada Peng – Director, Los Angeles, Affordable Housing Council

Ignacio Montojo— Principal, New York

Rachel Webster— Senior Analyst, New York

Thomas Jansen— Principal, New York, ULI Urban Revitalization Council

Alex Meeks —  Principal, Pathways to Inclusion honoree

Ejiro Ojeni — Senior Analyst, Pathways to Inclusion honoree

Francis Goyes Flor  — Senior Analyst, Pathways to Inclusion honoree

 

Revitalizing Downtown: Unlocking the Potential of Office-to-Residential Conversions in Atlanta

March 29, 2024 / No Comments

 

 

“If work-from-home is here to stay, we need to bring those homes into downtown and fill those buildings with residents,” — Alena Green, director of economic development for downtown civic organization Central Atlanta Progress (CAP). 

 

HR&A Advisors and architecture firm Lord Aeck Sargent analyzed downtown Atlanta’s infrastructure and regulatory environment to find barriers that could stall adaptive reuse. Our study, commissioned by CAP, sheds light on the feasibility of such conversions and identifies potential barriers to adaptive reuse. While the financial viability of office-to-residential conversions may pose challenges, strategic incentives could tip the scales in favor of revitalization efforts. The study underscores the importance of public-private partnerships and innovative incentive models to unlock the full potential of downtown’s dormant office spaces. 

 

Projects like the acquisition of the high-rise 2 Peachtree St, by the city last year, showcase the successful realization of these projects may require financial support from the public sector. During a Central Atlanta Progress community meeting, Senior Advisor Marilynn Davis unveiled preliminary findings from a study examining over 100 buildings in Downtown. The analysis revealed that office buildings must reach at least 70% vacancy before converting them to residential use becomes economically viable. Approximately 11 commercial properties meet or could meet this threshold within the next five years, constituting about 23% of all vacant office space in Downtown. 

 

 

“There’s a range of things that have to come together in a certain way, and there is potential Downtown for that to happen, but it’s not just one size fits all,” Davis said in Axios Atlanta. 

 

While potential exists for successful conversions in Downtown Atlanta, it requires a convergence of various factors. We look forward to exploring ways to make the conversion process as streamlined and economically viable as possible, with a focus on ensuring that Downtown Atlanta thrives in the years to come.  

 

As the conversation around the future of downtowns continues to make national headlines, HR&A is happy to build from our past work led by Partners like Jonathan Meyers, Kate Collignon, and Kate Wittels supporting the creation of office to residential conversion policies in Boston, New York, San Francisco, and Tulsa. 

 

 Related articles:  

Downtown Atlanta offices can be used for housing, study says, Axios Atlanta 

Turning offices into homes could help Atlanta, but no ‘silver bullet’, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 

Atlanta leaders identify 11 Downtown buildings for potential office-to-residential conversions, Atlanta Business Chronicle