[animatedmartian]

Zoning mumbo jumbo details.

Summary of Planned Development (PD) Rezoning Submission

Reason for Rezoning: Although the existing B4 zoning permits stadiums and arenas as a conditional use, City Council conditioned its approval of the transfer of certain city-owned land in the Catalyst Development Area to the DDA upon the Developer pursuing an appropriate re-zoning for the Detroit Events Center (DEC). This rezoning will require City Council’s approval and afford Council further involvement in the progression of the development.

Rezoning the property to a PD classification meets this requirement and allows further input from city officials, residents and other interested parties. Additionally, building a world-class, “deconstructed” arena/events center surrounded by a concurrently constructed mixed-use neighborhood is best achieved through a specifically-tailored zoning scheme that allows for flexibility in certain zoning standards, particularly those relating to storefront elevations, signs, parking and the permitted mix of uses.

Project Overview: A mixed-use neighborhood anchored by an approximately 20,000-seat event center/arena that will be the new home to the Detroit Red Wings, as well as other entertainment, community and sporting events.

The DEC is a “deconstructed” arena where many of the elements of a professional sports arena are located in freestanding buildings with other retail and office uses, rather than being limited to the arena proper. The DEC is connected to these buildings at ground level by a glass-enclosed street and above by walkways.

Other uses within the DEC include offices and retail stores, including the Red Wings’ offices and team store, restaurants, apartments, townhouses, public outdoor gathering spaces, and an approximately 1,200-space parking structure.

The drawings and other documents submitted in support of this rezoning application provide additional information regarding the proposed uses, site design, building elevations, landscaping and signs.

Key Features

• Event Center / Arena Footprint: Approximately 785,000 square feet; 12.37 acres.
  
  
• Boundaries: Woodward Avenue on the east, Henry Street on the south, Clifford Street on the west, and Sproat Street on the north.
  
  
• Primary Entrances: Woodward Ave. / Sproat St. (northeast); Woodward Ave. / Henry St. (southeast); Henry St. (southwest).
  
  
• Permanent Street Vacations: A permanent vacation of Park Avenue between Henry and Sproat and Sibley Street between Clifford and Woodward Avenue will make way for pedestrian traffic and avoid creating an unfriendly, impenetrable superblock. These pedestrian ways also enhance pedestrian circulation and create desirable sight lines.
  
  
• Piazza: The central gathering space for pre-event concerts as well as smaller events and festivals. It will remain open to the public when there is not an event, and may be a ticketed venue for separately programmed events. An open pavement concept will be framed with trees at the east, west, and southern ends. Special features such as sculptural elements, light features and/or fountains will activate the space along with a temporary stage and projection screen to support programmed events.
  
  
• Furnishings: Moveable furnishings such as café tables and chairs will be used in sidewalk café zones and along the edges of the Piazza. Fixed benches will be incorporated in convenient locations along with bike racks for cyclists. Flagpoles will also be installed at the Woodward Ave. / Sproat St. entrance.
  
  
• Via: The glass enclosure that will connect the adjacent buildings to the event center/arena as part of the “deconstructed” design. This area will be generally open to the public during the hours of operation of the adjoining buildings; however access will be limited during events to event participants.
  
  
• Seating for Event Center / Arena: Approximately 20,000.
  
  
• Bowl of Arena / Event Center: The bottom elevation of the bowl is approximately 40 feet below grade; the bowl only rises about 75 feet above grade, the height of an eight story building.
  
  
• Practice Rink: It’s below-grade and approximately 37,300 square feet.
  
  
• Parking: One parking structure with approximately 1,200 parking spaces is being proposed. This new structure will be five stories above ground and one below.
  
  
• Transit: An M-1 RAIL Streetcar station is planned to be located at the northeast entrance. Taxis will be staged along Henry St. and Park Ave. Courtesy shuttles will be encouraged to stage along Clifford St.
  
  
• Residential: Approximately 184 units of residential with 16 planned townhouse units and 168 loft-style and apartment units.
  - 56 are efficiency units (lofts) of 690 sf each;
  - 20 are efficiency units (studios) of 475 sf each;
  - 8 are 1-bedroom units of 960 sf each;
  - 64 are 1-bedroom units of 710 sf each;
  - 20 are 2-bedroom units of 970 sf each;
  - 16 are townhouses of 1,365 sf each.
  
  
• Authorized & Prohibited Uses: The following are examples of the types of uses that will and will not be permitted within the DEC.
  
  -Authorized: Dry-cleaning establishment, brewpub, residential, hotel, exhibition hall, offices for professional or medical, health club, restaurant, retail, sports arena.
  
  -Unauthorized: Pawn shop, warehouse operations, businesses that involve firearms or hazardous materials, bail bondsman services, topless club, alcohol/drug rehabilitation clinics, psychic or tarot card reading businesses.

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...sses-around-it