Request of Qualifications for Developers Announced

The University of the South is seeking statements of qualifications from experienced developers (individuals, firms, or teams) interested in presenting a viable design and concept for development of one or more parcels of real estate located in the village of Sewanee, and controlled by the University of the South.
In August 2015, Town Planning and Urban Design Collaborative (TPUDC) and the University of the South conducted a public planning workshop to finalize a master plan for downtown Sewanee. The recently completed Village Implementation Plan focuses on creating a lively and economically thriving downtown area, with new businesses and civic spaces linked to the University and surrounding neighborhoods with a network of pedestrian paths, trails, and bicycle facilities.
Sewanee’s village core will be a mixed-use environment, integrating new retail, office and residential uses into the existing fabric of downtown without compromising the character that makes Sewanee special. The plan also incorporates new housing options for a range of income levels, including cottage courts, apartments in mixed-use buildings, and affordable single-family houses.
The University and its town planner, TPUDC, have begun the process of qualifying builders, architects and developers to work in the Sewanee village. Qualified firms or individuals will be those committed to uphold the standards of the University and the Village Implementation Plan, and experienced with the type of project they seek to complete. The University seeks responses from any individual, firm or team who may be interested in becoming a Qualified Developer for development of one or more parcels of real estate in the village.
Potential projects include a cottage court of up to 12 single-family detached homes surrounding a communal outdoor space; a mixed-use market building; multi-family/apartment housing; microhousing; and other commercial/mixed use buildings, civic spaces and streetscape improvements. Responses to the request for qualifications (RFQ) will be accepted on a rolling basis until a notice that the RFQ is closed is posted at http://sewanee.edu/village; however, responses received before Oct. 1, 2016, will be given priority consideration.
An important goal of the Village Implementation Plan is to identify, protect, and enhance the unique aesthetic character of the village and the neighborhoods that surround it. In order to meet these goals, the University has asked TPUDC to oversee village development and to provide design and architectural review services for leaseholds within the village. The town planner is currently in the process of developing a pattern book of architectural patterns, styles, and details to guide future development.
This RFQ process is intended to give the University the opportunity to qualify several development teams. More detailed proposals will be required once qualified development teams have been shortlisted and specific projects have been identified.
To obtain a copy of the RFQ and any updates/amendments to it, please visit <http://sewanee.edu/village> or contact Frank Gladu, vice president for administrative services at the University of the South, at fxgladu@sewanee.edu.

Community Council Appoints New Members, Considers Constitution Change

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the March 28 meeting, the Sewanee Community Council appointed two new council members, discussed changes to the constitution, and heard updates on the constructed wetlands project and Greenhaw quarry. The council also reviewed recommendations for allocating $11,000 in funds for Community Enhancement projects. [See related story below.]

The council approved the nominations of Kate Reed to serve as District One representative and Louise Irwin to serve as District Two representative through December 2016.

Irwin replaces Michael Hurst, who died recently. Vice-Chancellor John McCardell said of Hurst, “Michael was a highly valued council member whose presence will be missed.” Among his other charges, Hurst served on the Community Relations Committee. Council representative Phil White will assume his duties in that role.

Revisiting a discussion that began two years ago, the council reviewed a change to the constitution that would reallocate council seats. At present, there are three council representatives from each of the four districts, 12 seats total. The reallocation of seats calls for four at-large seats and two seats from each district, maintaining a total of 12 seats.

Council members presently serve four-year terms. When the council decided to consider reallocation of seats in 2014, term lengths were adjusted so that all members’ terms would end in December 2016 to allow for recalibrating district representation. Council member David Coe stressed that the purpose of the change was to increase involvement in the council. The council will vote on the proposal in May.

Sewanee biology professor Deborah McGrath updated the council on the constructed wetland project at the Sewanee Utility District (SUD) wastewater treatment plant, a research project undertaken jointly by the University of the South and the University of Georgia. Funded by a $590,000 water stewardship grant from Coca Cola, the project’s goals are to study the effectiveness of wetlands in getting wastewater cleaner and to involve the community in wastewater issues.

With a view to community involvement, there will be a workshop to construct rain barrels at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., on Friday, April 22, in Spencer Hall. A donation from the Coca-Cola Sustainability Fund provided financial support for the workshops, McGrath said. For more information email
McGrath at <dmcgrath@sewanee.edu>. The researchers are also considering inviting the community to help with planting at the wetlands, scheduled to begin on May 1. 

Updating the council on Tinsley Asphalt’s proposal for a quarry in the Greenhaw community, council member Annie Armour said the Tennessee legislature passed an act allowing the proposed site to be annexed by Decherd so the project could move forward. Since then, opponents sought and received a court-ordered injunction, putting a temporary halt to the project.

Council representative Theresa Shackelford asked if the University could boycott Tinsley as a show of support for the opposition.

“The consequences of such an action would need to be considered carefully,” said McCardell. He advised against a boycott at the present, since the project was stalled. University Director of Physical Plant Services Michael Gardner said Tinsley Asphalt was “a prominent asphalt and pavement supplier for the University and the county.”

Commenting on proposed changes to downtown Sewanee depicted on a map in a recent issue of the Messenger, Irwin said community residents had expressed concern “Sewanee would lose its uniqueness.” Gardner stressed the renovation was still in the planning stages. 

Council member Barbara Schlicting reminded community residents to notify their council representative if they have issues they want brought to the table at the April 21 meeting between the Trustees and the Community Relations Committee.

During the announcement, White put out a call for someone to mow the dog park. He estimated the job would take about 30 minutes with a large mower. Contact White by email to <pwhite@sewanee.edu>.

The council next meets on May 23.

Village Implementation Plan Moves Forward

In August of 2016, Town Planning and Urban Design Collaborative (TPUDC) and the University of the South conducted a public planning workshop to finalize a master plan for downtown Sewanee. The Village Implementation Plan focuses on creating a lively and economically thriving downtown area, with new businesses and civic spaces linked to the University and surrounding neighborhoods with a network of pedestrian paths, trails and bicycle facilities.

Sewanee’s village core will be the focus of the implementation, which will create a mixed-use environment integrating new retail, office and residential uses into the existing fabric of downtown—without compromising the character that makes Sewanee special. The plan also incorporates a Village Green and new housing options for a range of income levels, including cottage courts, apartments in mixed-use buildings and affordable single-family houses. In addition, the redesign of the University Avenue-Highway 41A intersection will create more of a “main street” character. Work continues with the Tennessee Department of Transportation on this plan.

There are two critical next steps in executing the Implementation Plan. First, to ensure that the zoning of areas within the village boundary will allow the community’s vision to become a reality. And, second, to finalize the surveying and civil engineering for new sites.

It is expected that these new sites will be available later this year. Over the next few years, the University will prioritize development of the village core through a phased leasehold release process. TPUDC and the University will also release a Request for Qualifications for developers, builders and architects interested in being a part of Sewanee’s future. For more information contact Frank Gladu, the University’s vice president for administrative services, by email, <fxgladu@sewanee.edu>, or go online to <www.sewanee.edu/village/>.

University Schedules Two Workshops for Input

University Avenue Planning

The University of the South is hosting a planning session to gather input on how the University develops a plan for the University Avenue corridor. Community members, alumni, faculty, staff and students are welcome to attend the session at 4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, in Convocation Hall.

These meetings are part of the decision-making process laid out recently by the Board of Regents and the Vice-Chancellor.

The University Avenue corridor is defined as the area from Georgia Avenue to the University Book and Supply Store and Print Services along both sides of the street—including the Rebel’s Rest site, Convocation Hall, the Quad, Fulford Hall, Thompson Union, All Saints’ Chapel, McClurg, the bookstore and Chen Hall.

Attendees of the public meetings should come prepared to discuss these questions: Where should the University locate the University Commons? What are the best and most appropriate uses for the University Avenue corridor to serve the long-term interests of the University and its community?

For more information go to <se​wanee.edu/uaplanning/> or email
<ehartman@sewanee.edu>.

Downtown Master Plan

In conjunction with consultants Town Planning and Urban Design Collaborative (TPUDC), the University is working to develop a plan for the Sewanee downtown area. The next step in the process will be a virtual workshop, 5–7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, in the upstairs meeting rooms in McClurg Dining Hall. For people who cannot attend the event, they may participate online (details below).

During the workshop the University’s town planner will present the plan developed during workshops held in August. This is an opportunity for interested parties to provide ideas and feedback on the draft plan and to help finalize the vision for downtown Sewanee. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and give feedback on the plan before the final draft is completed in December 2015.

TPUDC has been charged with finalizing a downtown master plan with specific steps for future growth, and overseeing design and development. TPUDC’s workshops in August resulted in a draft plan to create a more vibrant downtown area that will attract investment and support mixed-use development at a village scale. 

To participate in the workshop online, go to <www.GoToWebinar.com>. Click “Join Webinar” and enter Webinar ID # 101-745-131. Please register prior to the Nov. 12 event. 

Council Learns About “Trial” Crossing Lights :: County Studied Traffic Flow Before Installation

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

Joe David McBee, Franklin County highway commissioner, told the Sewanee Community Council that the new crosswalks and lights in downtown area are “a trial” at their meeting on Aug. 31. 

“The crosswalks are a trial, but we hope they will be permanent,” McBee said. McBee attended the meeting to address the concerns in response to the two crosswalks and the solar warning lights installed in mid-July, one on University Avenue at the Blue Chair and Angel Park, and the other on Ball Park Road next to the Senior Citizens’ Center. The push-button style crosswalk warning lights were installed after traffic flow studies and two years of research by the Franklin County Highway Commission, McBee said.

On behalf of the Sewanee Business Alliance, council member Theresa Shackelford brought the need for a crosswalk in the Angel Park area to the council’s attention in June of 2014. Police Chief Marie Eldridge concurred, saying street-side parking posed hazards for pedestrians. After considering options, the council voted to approve a raised crosswalk and asked Eldridge to communicate the request to the highway commission.

The installation of the crosswalks and their accompanying warning lights came as a surprise to the council and the community when they were installed in July.

“Council members were at a loss to explain [to constituents] where the crosswalks came from and why,” Vice-Chancellor John McCardell said.

McBee said the Highway Department rejected the request for a raised crosswalk due to the difficulty of snow removal and the hazard to bicyclists. Stressing the need for the crosswalks, McBee said research and traffic flow studies showed motorists did not stop for pedestrians in these two locations, street-side parking often made it impossible to see children crossing, and motorists tended to speed in the area. The highway commission chose not to include an audible warning device on the crosswalks because of possible disturbance to people dining outside.

McBee said other options were considered, but the discussion and decision-making process did not take place at the public highway commission meetings.

“We want to be involved in discussions before decisions are made,” McCardell said, echoing the frustration of many council members. McBee agreed and said, “I think communication should be better.”

Highway superintendent Johnny Woodall brought to the council’s attention that many crosswalks in Sewanee were not marked with the regulation signage and had not been approved by the Highway Commission.

In 1969, the Franklin County Commission designated all roads in Sewanee as county roads, McBee said, making the county responsible for their maintenance. All signage, crosswalks and other highway markings must meet county regulations and be approved by the county. The county does not maintain and regulate roads in the incorporated communities of Cowan, Decherd and Winchester, McBee said.

Forty-eight community members have contacted McBee about the crosswalks, with only eight residents raising strong objections, he said. Some parents expressed concern the button was too high for small children to reach. State guidelines determine the height, McBee said, and smaller children should be accompanied by adults. Similarly, the button height meets compliance guidelines for ease of use by people in wheelchairs.

Council representative Barbara Schlichting asked if a “smaller, less obtrusive” design was an option, voicing a frequently overheard community complaint.

Woodall replied signage needed to be at least 30 inches by 30 inches to meet state statutes, and there were also concerns about motorists colliding with and destroying less sturdy signs. 

McCardell asked for details about how long the crosswalk trial period would last, what was being tested and on what basis would it be evaluated.

McBee said a one-year trial was planned, and he intended to revisit the issue with the council in a year to determine the community’s response.

“I don’t think anyone objects to the crosswalks,” McCardell said. “It’s an aesthetic discussion.”

McCardell encouraged residents to communicate their views through their council representatives and to the Sewanee Mountain Messenger. “This is the beginning rather than the end of a public discussion,” he said.

In other business, the council voted to appoint Pam Byerly and Dennis Meeks as Lease Committee representatives.

Responding to a question about the traffic roundabout proposed for the intersection of University Avenue and Highway 41A, Michael Gardner, director of physical plant services, said plans were “heading away from a roundabout to a simplified intersection. The state wants to keep traffic moving.” Although referred to as Highway 41A, the main highway passing through Sewanee is actually State Route 15, so it is subject to state regulation.

Schlichting reminded council representatives of the meeting with the Trustees Community Relations Committee on Oct. 14 and encouraged council representatives to be in communication with constituents so they could convey any community concerns. A community meet and greet will follow.

The council meets next on Oct. 19.

Planning Workshops Elicit Community Participation

Town Planning and Urban Design Collaborative (TPUDC), planning consultants working with the University of the South, held a series of open design workshops Aug. 10–13 to develop a plan for the Sewanee downtown area. TPUDC has been charged with finalizing a downtown master plan and overseeing design and development. They expect to have the development plan completed by the end of the year.

Two previous studies, the Sewanee Village Vision Plan (2012) and the Sewanee Village Action Plan (2014), were intended to gather ideas and demonstrate what might be possible downtown. The TPUDC plan will acknowledge and integrate existing features and infrastructure (streets, leaseholds, drainage areas, etc.) and move toward implementation.

The sessions were well-attended, with about 65 residents at the opening presentation describing the process, dozens attending separate sessions on topics such as pedestrian and bike connectivity, and more than 80 residents at the closing presentation of findings. In addition, the design studio was open each day for visitors to watch the process and ask questions. Rather than using a committee or focus groups, the process was public; there will be opportunities for additional input and feedback before the plan is finalized.

Brian Wright and other team members from TPUDC have spent time in Sewanee for several months, learning the landscape, meeting residents and beginning conversations with public utilities and state agencies.

Some of the concerns and elements that were emphasized by residents during the week included noise and light pollution, parking, sustainability, biking and hiking options, and a mix of housing types. These will be considerations as the downtown master plan is refined. Highlights of the well-received preliminary plan include “civilizing” and narrowing Highway 41A to two lanes (without the previously planned roundabout), new leaseholds and neighborhoods, a “town commons” park across the highway from Shenanigans, and both a bike lane and a parking lane on University Avenue.

The final plan will emphasize walkability, integration of the campus community, increased housing options at a variety of income levels, and improved streetscape and architecture. The plan will serve as a road map for future development in the downtown district.

University to Host Master Plan Workshop :: Sewanee Downtown District Final Master Plan Workshop will be Aug. 10–13

The University of the South, working with planning consultants Town Planning and Urban Design Collaborative (TPUDC), will host a public design workshop Aug. 10–13, with the purpose of developing a final Master Plan and Implementation Strategy for the Sewanee downtown area. TPUDC has been hired as the University’s town planner and charged with finalizing the Master Plan, overseeing design and development in the Village, and implementing the action items developed in two previous studies, the Sewanee Village Vision Plan (2012) and the Sewanee Village Action Plan (2014).

The multi-day visioning and design workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 10, in Lower Cravens Hall, with an opening session and public presentation on the process. [See full schedule at right.] The workshop will conclude at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, when the team will describe the preliminary plan for the area, explain elements of the plan, show illustrations and present findings and work products developed during the workshop. Throughout the workshop, a design studio will be open in Lower Cravens for community members to contribute their ideas.

Brian Wright of TPUDC visited Sewanee in March 2015, when he and Becky Timmons met with various University and neighborhood groups and conducted an open town meeting to gain an understanding of how residents, students and visitors view the downtown area and what they envision for its future. During their three days in Sewanee, they gained an in-depth understanding of what makes Sewanee unique and special. The workshop set for August will be a time for TPUDC’s team of planners and designers to continue this planning process. 

During the August workshop, TPUDC will work with the public and the University to develop a plan that meets the goals of the Vision Plan and Action Plan, including a more vibrant downtown area that attracts increased investment and mixed-use development at a village scale. The Master Plan will emphasize walkability, integration of the campus community, increased housing options at a variety of income levels, and improved streetscape and architecture. Following the workshop, the consultant will refine the master plan that will be used as the road map for future development in the downtown district.

For additional information email <becky@tpudc.com>.

Town Planner to Guide Village Projects

The University Lease Committee has endorsed the hiring of a town planner to help implement the 2014 Sewanee Village Action Plan. Brian Wright, founder and principal of Town Planning and Urban Design Collaborative, LLC, is expected to be hired as the planner on the project.

In a letter to leaseholders on June 2, University Provost John Swallow said the key project of Wright’s work will be “enabling the village to become a cohesive, organized set of properties that creates opportunities for infill and public realm improvements.” 

As a way to help with this process, the University will extend the leases for locations set to expire in the next few years, so that there is time “to allow for the appropriate determination of planning, policies and boundaries for successor leaseholds,” Swallow said.

The Lease Committee will ask Wright to submit a plan for development of the village area, including the development of housing for the community. The plan will also include standards for building siting and construction for residential and commercial leaseholds. After the plan is reviewed, the committee expects it will guide leaseholders and developers who desire to make changes to leaseholds.

“The months to come will be exciting ones,” Swallow said, “We should see the development of guidelines for improvements to the village area, as well as the encouragement of developers and others who wish to assist us in the construction of residential housing.” 

Sewanee Town Planning Meeting

Sewanee residents are invited to attend a town meeting from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 28, at the American Legion Hall (36 University Avenue).
The meeting will be led by Brian Wright from Town Planning and Urban Design Collaborative. The firm has been hired to assist with the implementation of the Sewanee Village Action Plan that was presented to the Sewanee community at a meeting last September. The action plan can be viewed at <http://www.sewanee.edu/provost/2014-sewanee-village-action-plan/>.
All are welcome to attend to learn about the next steps in the process.

Community Gets First Glimpse of Vision for Sewanee’s Downtown

Drawing more people to Sewanee’s downtown area, attracting more residents to live in the “Village,” and integrating the University’s activities and students more fully into the community—these are some of the goals of the Sewanee Village Action Plan, a new study commissioned by the University. The plan was presented to the community on Sept. 15 at St. Mark’s Community Center.

More than 115 people gathered to hear from Frank Gladu, the University’s vice president for administrative services, who described this effort as a way to create and sustain a “vibrant downtown” in Sewanee. He then introduced Kevin Petersen from the architectural planning firm Ayers Saint Gross (ASG), who explained the study.

Workshops, an electronic survey, focus groups and community meetings all helped ASG refine and focus the action plan. The consultants met with community groups, members of the Sewanee Business Alliance, students and University stakeholders.

Petersen described how this study built on the work of the Campus Master Plan and Strategic Plan (2011 and 2012) and the Sewanee Village Vision & Program Plan (2012).

The Sewanee Village Action Plan was presented in three sections: goals, vision and action projects (see page 6 for full list of objectives). After Petersen’s presentation, he and Gladu answered questions from the assembled group.

One person encouraged clear lines of communication between the University and the people who live adjacent to the affected areas. “We need a formal mechanism for communication,” the man suggested. Gladu agreed.

Another community member asked if the environmental impacts of the various proposals had been considered. Petersen and Gladu reminded the group that this step was “visioning” only, and any future work would require a greater specificity of planning and research.

“We would not want to lose sight of sustainability,” Gladu said, “as it is one of the University’s key goals.”

Numerous residents from the Bobtown community raised concerns about the impact of the proposed plans on their neighborhood; some cited the recent leveling of the “yellow house” as an example of poor communication between them and the University.

Other questions inquired about the impact of new traffic patterns on the Sewanee Elementary School; how new streets or pathways would be created; and how residents could participate in future planning.

“The dynamics of the next steps are not yet determined,” Gladu said. “We will have more meetings like this and more dialogue. There will be town meetings and work with the University’s Trustee Community Relations Committee,” as well as consultation with the Sewanee Business Alliance and the Sewanee Civic Association.

The full report is available online at <http://provost.sewanee.edu/plans/sewanee-village-action-plan>; for more information contact Gladu at <fxgladu@sewanee.edu>.

In the survey, community members expressed strong interest in the following additions or improvements: open source WiFi, a general store/pharmacy/grocery; benches; bike lanes; multi-use plans; and a new community center. 

Village Action Plan to be Presented Monday

An overview of the Sewanee Village Action Plan will be presented at 4:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 15, at the St. Mark’s Community Center. The St. Mark’s Center is located at 454 Alabama Ave., Sewanee.

Kevin Petersen, the planning architect from Ayers Saint Gross who led this study, will present the report and answer questions related to the action plan. All are welcome.

Petersen’s report describes the process Ayers Saint Gross has used this way: 

“A highly integrated process engaging a wide range of stakeholders was central to the development of this plan. The process was oriented around three workshops, each with a different intent. During each workshop, several focus groups were convened to provide insight and comments for the plan. A steering committee of University, business and community representatives also helped guide the direction of the plan.

“The team solicited feedback from the focus groups while striving to build consensus among the various parties. This plan aims to channel numerous voices into a widely agreed-upon vision for the future of Sewanee.”

For more information contact Frank Gladu at <fxgladu@sewanee.edu>.

Sewanee Community Invited to Take Survey

In conjunction with the community meetings in Sewanee regarding the downtown planning process, a survey is being conducted so that the broader community can share their thoughts and opinions. 

Please use the link <https://sewanee.wufoo.com/forms/sewanee-village-community-survey/> to access the survey and offer input for the planners. The survey is open through June 13.

Participation in this project will help as the planning moves forward.

Council Sets Slower Speed for Ball Park Road

 by Leslie Lytle
Messenger Staff Writer 

The Sewanee Community Council approved reducing the speed limit on Ball Park Road to 15 mph at the March 24 meeting. The Council also heard updates on the town cleanup scheduled for April 19 and the town planning process.

The Sewanee Senior Citizens requested the speed limit be reduced on Ball Park Road and on the section of Lake O’Donnell Road from the Highway 41A caution light to Ball Park Road. The Senior Citizens’ Center is located at the intersection of Ball Park Road and Lake O’Donnell Road. 

A recent two-week vehicle survey by the Franklin County Highway Department recorded 1,900 vehicles traveling on Ball Park Road during the survey period. Although three months of radar monitoring by the Sewanee police found only a few motorists exceeding the speed limit, Sewanee police chief Marie Eldridge recommended reducing the speed limit from 25 mph to 15 mph given the heavy vehicle traffic that is expected to increase with use of the ball park in warm weather. The Community Council approved Eldridge’s recommendation. 

The reduced speed limit will go into effect as soon as signage is posted by the Franklin County Highway Department.

A Sewanee town cleanup is scheduled for 9–11 a.m., Saturday, April 19. For individuals wishing to join in the effort, bags for collecting trash will be available at the Angel Park and the University Book Store. Along with the Community Council, help with the cleanup is expected from many Sewanee-area organizations. Filled trash bags can be left at the roadside and will be picked up the following Monday afternoon. For more information contact Pam Byerly by phone at 598-5979 or email to<pbyerly@sewanee.edu>.

Reporting on the plans to revitalize the downtown area, Frank Gladu, vice president of administrative services, said the University has hired the architectural firm Ayers Saint Gross to produce an “action plan” for implementing ideas identified in the earlier town planning study and recent town workshops. The Ayers Saint Gross firm has extensive experience in developing plans for college campuses and the surrounding areas.

The Trustees Community Relations Committee will host a town meeting 5 p.m., Thursday, April 3, at St. Mark’s Community Center. The meeting will be followed by a picnic.

Caitlin-Jean Anne Juricic, student representative to the Council, announced plans for a Community Block Party in downtown Sewanee, 6:30–9:30 p.m., Friday, April 4. Highlights of the event include music, food, information tables and entertainment for children. The downtown area will be closed to vehicle traffic.

The next meeting of the Community Council is scheduled for April 21.