CR 92-41 Childs Play Theater
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January 28, 1992
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council Report 92-41
CHILDS PLAY THEATER
Proposed Action.
Staff recommends adoption of the following motion:
the concept of an entertainment complex in downtown
which includes Childs Play Theater and direct staff
undertake the followinq:
Approve
Hopkins
to
o Work with potential developers and Childs Play
Theater
o Secure proposals for undertaking a feasibility and
market impact analysis of Childs Play
with approval of this action, staff will continue to work
with various appropriate groups to attempt to facilitate
this project.
Overview.
Childs Play Theater has been operating for a number of years
out of Eisenhower. Because this space no longer meets their
needs, they have approached the city concerning the
possibility of assisting them in finding a new location
somewhere within the city. Their preferred location is
downtown Hopkins.
At a recent workshop, the City council discussed this
project in detail including various site alternatives. One
of the concepts that was discussed in some detail included
an entertainment complex on the suburban Chevrolet site
which could include Childs Play Theater.
Although the City Council did not take any action at the
workshop session, there seemed to be support to have the
staff continue to work with Childs Play Theater, especially
as relates to the entertainment complex concept. Staff
stated that they would bring this item back to the HRA for
action on February 4.
Primary Issues to Consider.
o What are the specifics of the action requested?
o What are the implications of this action?
Supporting Information.
o Staf~ memorandum dated 1/9/92
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HRA Staff Report
Page 2
Planning & Economic Development Director
Analysis
Based on the action recommended, the HRA has the following
issues to consider:
o What are the specifics of the action requested?
Staff is asking that the City council take action
to indicate support for the concept concerning the
possibility of the development of an entertainment
complex within downtown Hopkins which could
include the Childs Play Theater. Specifically,
staff would be concentrating at this time on
locating such a project on the Suburban Chevrolet
site.
The following is a time schedule that has been developed by
staff which outlines how this project could proceed based on
construction on the Suburban Chevrolet site. This schedule
may be aggressive in some respects and will depend on the
specific timing of the relocation of the Suburban operation.
February
o Secure proposals for feasibility/impact study
o start of feasibility/impact study
o Refinement of development proposal
o Appraisal, survey and environmental study of site
March
o Completion of feasibility/impact study
o Review of development proposals
o Undertake RFP process if determined necessary
April
o Completion of appraisal, survey, environmental
study
o Initiation of negotiations with land owner
o Developer selection
o Preparation and execution of preliminary
development agreement
o Concept review of Zoning/planning Commission and
city council
o Meetings with surrounding property owners
o Submission of preliminary TIF application
HRA Staff Report
Page 3
May/June
o Execution of final development agreement
o Submission of final TIF application
o Execution of purchase option agreement with
landowner
o Public hearing on sale of land to developer
The number of firms that can complete a feasibility study
and market impact analysis for an arts related organization
such as Childs Play are very limited. Staff is presently
meeting with a couple of organizations that appear to have
the expertise to undertake such a study. Once proposals are
secured, staff will return to the City Council, hopefully in
either later February or early March for approval to proceed
with this study.
o What is the impact of the action being requested?
with the action as recommended, the City Council is
only approving the concept of the project as proposed.
The only major commitments at this time are as follows:
o Staff time allocated to continuing to work with
this project
o staff will be securing proposals for feasibility/
impact study of the Childs Play operation with an
anticipated understanding that the Council will
approve proceeding with such a study at a future
date.
Alternatives
The HRA has the following alternatives regarding this
matter:
1. Approve the action as recommended by staff. Staff
will be soliciting proposals for the feasibility
and market impact study and returning to the
Council at some future date for approval to
proceed.
2. Continue for additional information.
3. Do not approve the concept or undertake action as
recommended by staff.
H/HRACHILD