VISION: Integrate arts and sciences, in a mul ‐faceted facility along the Animas River, in the heart of Durango.

MISSION: Durango STEAM Park is a community project, striving to provide a mul ‐faceted riverfront venue for ac vi es, programs and performances in the areas of Science, Theatre, Educa on, Art and Music that will enhance and fulfill the lifestyles of both residents and visitors.

Like many western towns, Durango was founded on the banks of a river, which the early industrialists used to dump waste. As the town grew, no one wanted to face this toxic brew, so buildings faced away from the river.

In the past forty years, many communi es like Durango have begun to view their rivers as assets and have developed their river fronts to enhance the urban experience for residents and visitors. Some examples include San Antonio, Portland, Denver, Pueblo, Steamboat Springs and even small towns like Breckenridge.

Today, the site envisioned for Durango STEAM Park is along the Animas River and the facility will feature Science, Theatre, Educa on, Art, and Music (hence, the acronym STEAM). Along with a modern, professional indoor theatre, there could be a small outdoor amphitheater, galleries, outdoor science exhibits, and retail space for a restaurant, bar, and coffee shop—all in a park‐like atmosphere along the exis ng river walk and within easy walking distance of downtown Durango.

STEAM Park patrons could see a film or watch a play or listen to music and, when the event is over, be able to have dinner, get some ice cream, play with some interac ve science exhibits, walk through some art galleries, or take a stroll along the river.

A park like this could s mulate, enlighten, and entertain residents and visitors . It can become another beau ful des na on for tourists drawn to Durango and the Four Corners region. 300‐Seat Theatre

Galleries

Adjacent to Durango Powerhouse Science Center

Riverfront Venue Outdoor Amphitheatre

Along the Animas River Walk

A er School Programs

Outdoor Gathering Place Music for All Ages

10 Town Plaza, #48 ~ Durango, CO 81301 ~ www.durangosteampark.org

THE DREAM...

Shared STEAM Park facility = Community Opportunities:

It can provide an addi onal layer of ac vity that connects downtown and the Animas River.

It can generate vibrant economic development.

It can be a catalyst for further riverfront revitaliza on.

It can strengthen exis ng arts/science organiza ons through consolida on, crea ng synergies, cri cal mass and opera onal efficiencies.

It can inspire and enrich the lives of thousands of children who par cipate in a er school and year‐round art, music and science programs.

It can a ract visitors from beyond the community.

Funding:

Overview:

Capital Costs: Construc on Area Cost per Unit Total Cost

Facility 50,000sf $350‐$600 $24M

Parking 200sp $7K‐$17K $1M‐$3M

Access $9M

Total: $33M‐$35M

Operating Revenues: Annual Gross Income Poten al: $500K‐$700k Posi ve Net Income by Year TWO

Facility will support itself primarily with revenues based primarily on office, retail, nonprofit and restaurant leases; event space rentals; and cket sale fees.

Funds will be raised from sources such as community donors, government grants and private philanthropy in a Capital Campaign.

Proposed site is owned by City.

Proposed Site:

8. Other Communities Have Successful Cultural Centers 16 ci es with similar a ributes to Durango (e.g., popula on, college town, river) were researched and interviewed.

1. Enhances Downtown Economy Top 10 Reasons for a Durango STEAM Park

2. Significant Community Interest

3. Revitalizes the Riverfront Corridor

5. Strengthens Existing Nonprofits

6. Enriches Children’s Lives

7. Aligns with City Objectives 9. Community Collaboration

10. Creates a vibrant gathering place for Community

4. Attracts More Families Downtown

Majority demonstrated ongoing collabora on between City and nonprofits

Majority demonstrated clear arts/culture vision from City leadership

Majority demonstrated some form of City par cipa on

City Council Objec ve 4.2: “Create character district for the Animas River corridor.” “Define character district for scien fic, arts and culture”

City of Durango’s Comprehensive Plan: Improve Walkability Improve Quality of Life Enhance the River Corridor Enhance Access Between Downtown and the River

Downtown Durango Vision & Strategic Plan: “Take advantage of the Animas River amenity by reinforcing and enhancing the river corridor”

“Connect all parts of downtown and the Animas River so that they reinforce each other.”

Crea ng a shared cultural ’campus’ for key nonprofit organiza ons can create opera onal efficiencies and more opportuni es for collabora on.

A new facility will provide more than a 60% increase in overall space for the annual foot traffic of 90,000+ who are interested in collabora ve learning, par cipa ng and viewing.

In December, 2014, during the BNIM feasibility study process, a survey was conducted and more than 950 people par cipated. A majority of them supported the project concept.

Compared to some other mountain communi es, Durango has room to grow when it comes to cultural a endee spending. Cultural facili es help drive incremental spend in a local community.

This project can catalyze riverfront development that will enhance urban design along the river while providing a strong connec on to downtown.

With changing school curriculums, local a er‐school art, music and science classes are experiencing rapid growth. Increased awareness of STEM programs is also making related ac vi es more popular.

Most of the par cipa ng nonprofits have a variety of a er‐school programs. Consolida ng these programs into one ‘campus’ provides a wealth of educa on.

Local residents’ growing interest in this project and willingness to raise capital funds provides an opportunity for collabora on between City, residents and local businesses.