HomeMy WebLinkAboutPEC140011 VVMC Master Plan 111414Vail V
FACILITIES MASTER PLAN
AN ELEMENT OF THE VAIL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
AUGUST, 2014, REVISED NOVEMBER, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction 1 APPENDIX:
2 Background on VVMC 3 • Traffic Impact Study, TurnKey Consulting
3
Master Planning Process Master Plan Goals
6
LLC, September 30, 2014
• Delivery /Service Vehicles on Meadow Drive,
and
4
Overview Expansion Plans Design Considerations
9
TurnKey Consulting LLC, October 10, 2014
' Preliminary Heliport Feasibility & Design
of and
Study Report, HeliExperts International LLC,
5
VVMC's New "Front Door" Meadow Drive, Loading /Service
15
October 21, 2014
6
Traffic /South Frontage Road
18
7
Parking
21
8
Helipad
24
9
Other Considerations
27
TEAM:
f` `- ,TurnKe Owners: Vail Valley Medical Center
k311 N Architect: Heery International
Vail Valle Medical Center
Y Planning Consultants: Braun Associates, Inc.
Traffic: Turnkey Consulting, LLC
November, 2014 H VVMC Facilities Master Plan
1. INTRODUCTION
Since its establishment in 1965, Vail Valley Medical Center (VVMC)
has grown into one of the world's most advanced mountain
hospitals, providing Olympic - quality sports medicine, leading
evidence -based research, modern cancer care and extensive
cardiology capabilities.
While the medical care and services provided by VVMC
are outstanding, the hospital's infrastructure is due for
modernization. VVMC is at an age and condition where it must
be modernized to meet the challenges of modern medicine
and to ensure the facility provides medical staff with the
resources necessary to offer the utmost in quality health care.
The Vail Valley Medical Center Master Facility Plan (the Master
Plan) establishes a vision for how VVMC will respond to these
challenges and in doing so addresses a multitude of operational,
clinical, and technical requirements that are not being met by
the existing facility. In addition, an equally important element of
the Master Plan is how it addresses important neighborhood and
community goals.
The Master Plan provides a general direction and framework
for how VVMC will expand in the future. It has been prepared
with extensive input from physicians and staff, neighbors, the
community at large, and Town of Vail staff. Information provided
herein is intended to demonstrate how future expansions will
integrate with existing VVMC functions and the surrounding
neighborhood and how, at a general level expansion plans will
conform to applicable Town development standards. Bordered on
the west by the Lionshead Master Redevelopment Plan and on the
east by the Vail Village Master Plan, the VVMC Master Plan will
provide direction for a key community- oriented property located
mid -way between Vail's two villages.
The Master Plan has been prepared with a focus on addressing
both internal and external goals or "drivers ". Internal goals
generally address the viability and sustainability of VVMC, VVMC's
goal of providing quality healthcare to the community and the
specific operational and clinical requirements of the campus.
VVMC Master Plan
Study Area
Vail Streetscape Master Plan
Study Area
The VVMC Master Plan area is strategically located between the Lionshead and Vail Village Master Plan areas.
November, 2014 1 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
1. INTRODUCTION
External goals generally address how VVMC responds to broader
neighborhood and community considerations. It is often the case
that internal and external goals overlap. Internal and external
goals are discussed in greater detail in Section 3 of this plan.
The underlying role of this Master Plan is to establish expectations
for the planned expansion of VVMC and in doing so provide a
basis for the Town's review of future development proposals.
While information provided in this Master Plan is fairly general in
nature, the Master Plan does establish many specific parameters
for the future expansion of VVMC. Far more detailed information
on the design, operation and management of future hospital
expansions will be provided during subsequent steps in the
Town's review process. Detailed design and operational plans for
hospital expansions that are deemed to conform to applicable
elements of this Master Plan can expect to receive project
approvals by the Town.
The Master Plan will be used by the Town's Planning and
Environmental Commission (PEC), the Design Review Board
and the Town Council when reviewing future VVMC expansion
plans. A pivotal step in the Town's review process will be the
PEC review of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) applications. This
Master Plan establishes parameters on a variety of development
related considerations. Foremost among them are project design,
parking, delivery and service, traffic, and the emergency helipad.
As such, this Master Plan is the primary tool to be used by the
Town in evaluating the merits of future expansion plans. In
addition to this Master Plan, the Town's development standards,
zoning considerations and CUP review criteria will also be
considered in the review of future expansion plans.
The Vail Valley Medical Center Master Plan has been adopted as
an element of the Town's Comprehensive Plan by Resolution No.
XX, 2014, following recommendation from the Vail Planning and
Environmental Commission. The VVMC Master Plan was prepared
with the expectation that it will provide the community with a
document to guide the use and development of VVMC for the
next ten years. That said, it is likely that during this time medical
technologies or practices will evolve, the need for new facilities
will be identified or new ideas not addressed by this Plan will
arise. Future amendments to this Master Plan may be initiated by
the Vail Town Council, the PEC, or VVMC. Any such amendment
proposal shall be reviewed by the Vail Town Council following
recommendation from the PEC.
The area covered by this Master Plan is depicted on the following
diagram.
----- - - - - --
I�S-=� -
Vail Valley Medical Center Facilities Master Plan Study Area.
November, 2014 121 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
Z. BACKGROUND ON VVMC
EVOLUTION OF VVMC
VVMC began as a clinic in 1965 to support a then fledgling ski
resort and since that time has grown at a level commensurate
with Vail and surrounding communities. Today, VVMC is
comprised of several healthcare campuses located throughout
Eagle County and provides healthcare services to both residents
and visitors of the Rocky Mountain region of Colorado. VVMC's
main hospital campus, located in the Town of Vail, provides an
essential service to the Vail community and the surrounding
region.
With VVMC's growth in providing healthcare to Vail and the
region, so too has VVMC grown to be a major economic driver in
Vail and Eagle County. VVMC is the second largest employer in
Eagle County and this consideration alone has a very significant
economic impact throughout the County. VVMC and its partners
who practice at the Vail campus have a direct economic impact
to the Town in the form of sales tax revenue from substantial
expenditures made by patients, guests and vendors. Of particular
note is the economic activity generated by the large number of
"destination patients" (tens of thousands of visitor nights) who
travel to Vail for healthcare at VVMC.
The building that housed the original Vail Clinic still exists at the
southeast corner of the campus and is one of the various wings
of the hospital that no longer meets contemporary healthcare
requirements. Since the original clinic was constructed the
following expansions have occurred:
A 1971 addition to house support services
A 1978 addition that houses the current Emergency and
Imaging Departments
The 1987 West Wing, which was subsequently expanded
in 1990, and accommodates the Patient Care Unit
Intensive Care Unit, and the main VVMC Surgery
Department
A 2001 two -story addition to the central wing of the
hospital, which included a replacement of the Women &
Children's Center, and construction of Vail Valley Surgery
Center (VVSC), and The Steadman Philippon Research
Institute (SPRI)
In 2005, VVMC acquired the US Bank Building and
since that time has been converting it to a medical office
and administrative support facility for VVMC
EXISTING BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
VVMC is an aging facility. Other than the Women & Children's
Center and Vail Valley Surgery Center (13 years old), all other
buildings within the campus are at least 24 years old, with some
areas nearly 45 years old. There are many implications from the
condition of these older buildings:
The buildings' basic mechanical and electrical systems
are nearing the end of their useful life, requiring higher
levels of maintenance and uncertainty in service.
In many areas of the hospital existing spaces no longer
support the most efficient and appropriate setting for
patient care. This is largely a result of the evolution in
healthcare from a traditional inpatient type of delivery, to
more outpatient procedures. This evolution has created
the need for different types of medical facilities that are
difficult to achieve in older buildings.
Over time, new services and facilities have been added
wherever the hospital can find space, sometimes causing
disjointed functional relationships between types of
services and patient's access to them.
November, 2014 131 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
2. BACKGROUND ON THE VVMC
• Higher levels of care require additional staff,
medical equipment, and supplies. All of these factors
have created extremely cramped conditions throughout
the hospital.
Over the past ten years VVMC has undergone a series of studies
to determine the best long -term use and configuration of its
Vail campus. Although one of the earlier studies had suggested
that VVMC consider relocating most of its acute care functions
to a new site in Eagle County, the VVMC Board of Directors has
concluded that the main hospital must remain in Vail. The Vail
Town Council has also strongly stated their support for VVMC
to remain in Vail. This Master Plan was, in part, initiated to
address sweeping changes in the healthcare industry, but also to
ensure that VVMC remain in Vail, with a sustainable strategy to
meet the long -term needs of the community.
EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS AND SURROUNDING USES
VVMC is located on three parcels of land that total 4.57 acres.
The site is bordered on the north by South Frontage Road and
on the south by West Meadow Drive. VVMC is located in the
center of a transitional area between Vail Village and Lionshead.
Land uses surrounding the VVMC are depicted on the diagram
below.
Vehicular access to VVMC is provided by South Frontage Road
and West Meadow Drive. South Frontage Road provides
access to an employee parking structure located at the east
end of the campus and the US Bank building. West Meadow
Drive provides access to patient and guest parking at the west
end of the campus and to loading /service facilities located
at the southeast corner of the campus. Regional bus service
is provided along South Frontage Road and Town of Vail bus
service is provided along West Meadow Drive. West Meadow
USE DESIGNATIONS
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Existing Land Uses surrounding VVMC.
Drive also provides an important pedestrian connection between
Vail Village and Lionshead.
A portion of VVMC's surface parking lot at the southwest corner
of the campus is actually located on adjoining Lot 10, which is
owned by the Town of Vail. Via separate agreement, the Town
utilizes parking spaces on Lot 10 (for use by the Vail Library),
which are accessed via the VVMC entry drive.
The property's zoning and covenant restrictions are discussed in
Section 9 of the Master Plan.
Existing site conditions are depicted on the following page.
November, 2014 141 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
IL a 2. BACKGROUND ON THE VVMC ` I
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November, 2014 1 5 1 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
IL a I MASTER PLANNING PROCESS AND MASTER PLAN GOALS ` I
THE MASTER PLAN PROCESS
VVMC has spent nearly two years developing a Master Facility
Plan for the Vail campus. This process involved extensive col-
laboration with their consulting team, staff, the VVMC Advisory
Committee, the Executive Team and Board members. The Vail
community and Town of Vail staff were also involved in this
planning process.
Master planning for a medical center is unique to other land
development master planning processes. A master planning
effort for a hotel or commercial development may typically
involve defining the potential "building envelope" of a site and
then working to "fill the envelope" with buildings. Master plan-
ning for Vail's hospital was based on a strategic, "inside -out"
approach, rather than "outside -in." This is defined as a method
for determining the real operational needs of the hospital, and
then responding to those needs with the physical plan. An
underlying theme for the expansion plans envisioned for VVMC
is the "decompression" of spaces — to provide larger or more
efficient spaces for medical services that are designed specifi-
cally to improve healthcare services (as opposed to increasing
capacities of such spaces).
Another major influence in the master planning process that is
unique to medical centers, and specifically to VVMC is sequenc-
ing of construction. It is essential that construction can be
sequenced without disrupting on -going patient care. For exam-
ple, because the western -most portions of the campus include
the most serviceable buildings, these areas will be expanded in
initial construction and the older buildings on the east side of
the campus will be addressed after west wing improvements
are completed.
The Master Plan process was organized and executed in five
major stages:
1. Project initiation, confirm goals, drivers, and Lean Process
improvement
2. Analysis of existing facilities, site issues, and operations
3. Develop Master Plan level space requirements/
projections
4. Develop conceptual Master Plan alternatives
5. Finalize the Master Plan solution and define a road map
for the future
Master Planning Process
Activity 1 Activity 2 Activity 3 Activity 4 Activity 5
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November, 2014 1 6 1 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
3. MASTER PLANNING PROCESS AND MASTER PLAN GOALS
MASTER PLAN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
A key step in Stage 1 was identifying the major goals and objec-
tives for the project. This was accomplished through collabora-
tive work sessions with the entire planning team. The goals and
objectives addressed internal, external, operational and eco-
nomic considerations, and were prioritized and categorized in
the following areas:
1. Site Planning
Major changes to the layout and design of VVMC,
including, but not limited to, a new main entrance and
a new Emergency Department, improving loading
facilities, expanding parking and considering the helipad
location are addressed in this category.
2. Functional /Organizational
These goals and objectives primarily addressed internal
considerations and identified a number of improvements
to the organization and overall efficiency of the campus.
Master Planning
This category of goals and objectives ensured the
Master Plan includes flexibility to respond to future
conditions and implementation strategies.
4. Economic
Sustainability, operational costs, long -term maintenance
and energy costs and implementation strategies were
some of the internal goals and objectives addressed in
this category.
Each of these four categories included five or more statements
that articulated specific goals to be addressed in the Master Plan.
At the conclusion of this process the following ten goals were
identified as the primary goals and objectives of the Master Plan
to be addressed in future expansion plans.
• Relocate the main entrance to VVMC to South Frontage
Road
• Modify service vehicle access to a concealed loading zone
• Relocate Emergency Department and ambulance traffic to
South Frontage Road
• Relocate helipad with direct connection to Emergency
Department, and with sensitivity to neighbors
• Provide adequate and convenient parking for patients,
visitors and staff
• Improve operational efficiencies through proper sizing and
adjacencies
• Accommodate patients in the most appropriate setting
(and with privacy)
• Optimize access and way- finding for patients and visitors
• Create a flexible framework to accommodate future
unforeseen changes
• Accommodate appropriate medical office space on
campus
While most of the goals and objectives identified above are inter-
nal to how VVMC operates, a number of critical external consid-
erations were also identified during the master planning process.
Many of these same external considerations were identified by
Town of Vail staff as "issues or considerations" to be addressed
during the master planning process.
November, 2014 171 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
IL a I MASTER PLANNING PROCESS AND MASTER PLAN GOALS ` I
Town staff identified the following 13 issues to be addressed in
the VVMC Master Plan. These issues include:
Helipad /emergency air service to the hospital site.
On -site loading and delivery facilities
Ambulance access to and from the site.
4. Vehicle access that uses South Frontage Road for
primary access.
5. Minimize vehicle trips on West Meadow Drive
6. North /south pedestrian circulation through the site.
7. Middle Creek riparian corridor.
8. Provide on -site parking in full compliance with the
parking requirements.
9. Define appropriate location for vehicle access off of
South Frontage Road.
10. Potential for VVMC use of Lot 10 and /or the Town's
municipal center site.
11. Zoning considerations.
12. Identify future growth and expansion opportunities
to ensure the community, long -term healthcare needs
are met.
13. Screening of mechanical equipment.
VVMC's goals and objectives directly align with most of the
topics raised by Town staff. The manner in which VVMC expan-
sion plans implement the Master Plan's goals and objectives and
address the issues raised by the Town is described in subsequent
sections of the plan. Where applicable, discussion of Master
Plan topics begins with a statement describing the underlying
goal to be addressed by VVMC Master Plan improvements.
November, 2014 1 8 1 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
4. OVERVIEW OF EXPANSION PLANS AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
This section of the Master Plan provides an overview of:
Building expansions planned for VVMC
The main "influences" in the overall site planning of the
project
Architectural /site design and planning considerations
relative to VVMC expansion plans
EXPANSION PLANS AND IMPROVEMENTS
VVMC currently has approximately 201,000sf of gross floor area
(exclusive of parking garages). Expansion plans will increase
square footage by approximately 50 %, with the total square foot-
age of the campus growing to approximately 300,000sf. Expan-
sions will occur in three primary areas — additions to the West
Wing, construction of an entirely new East Wing and construction
of a new helipad building on the north side of the campus along
South Frontage Road.
West Wing Expansion
The focal point of a +/- 35,000 sf expansion planned for the West
Wing is the addition of a new fourth floor. This new floor will pro-
vide space for The Steadman Philippon Research Institute and The
Steadman Clinic. Smaller multi-level expansions are also planned
at the south and west sides of the West Wing. In addition to new
square footage, interior spaces throughout the West Wing will
be re- organized and provide increased space for surgery suites,
Howard Head Sports Medicine, a Cardiac Catheterization Lab and
other uses.
New East Wing
The existing East Wing of the hospital will be demolished and
replaced with a building that adds approximately 35,000sf of net
new square footage. Located below this new building will be a
multi-level parking structure which will be accessible from South
Frontage Road and will provide the majority of all on -site parking.
The south half of the new East Wing will include three levels. The
lowest level (ground level at West Meadow Drive) will include an
enclosed loading /delivery facility and a central utility plant. The
second level will be devoted to new Emergency and Imaging De-
partments. The upper level will accommodate the main hospital
entry, admissions and other hospital functions.
New Emergency Helipad Building
The Emergency Helipad Building will be located at the northern
side of the campus along South Frontage Road. While the primary
purpose of this building is to accommodate an on -site helipad
(see Section 8 for additional discussion of the helipad), the build-
ing presents an opportunity to create approximately four levels
of useable square footage for VVMC. The useable square footage
potential of this building is estimated to be approximately 15,000
sf.
The general location of these three areas is depicted on the Build-
ing Massing diagram on the following page.
MAIN "INFLUENCES" IN SITE PLANNING OF FUTURE EXPANSIONS
A number of factors influenced the overall site planning of future
expansions to VVMC. Examples of these are the specific program-
matic elements of the expansion plans, the internal relationships
of new and expanded uses to other uses within the campus, and
how the project can be constructed while maintaining hospital op-
erations. Aside from these considerations, the single most impor-
tant influence in the overall design of Master Plan improvements
is moving VVMC's "front door" to South Frontage Road. Bringing
vehicular access to this location became a driver based on the fol-
lowing design rationale:
November, 2014 191 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
4. OVERVIEW OF EXPANSION PLANS AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
• The main entrance to the hospital needs to be
proximate to where patients and guests arrive at the
campus. Vehicle access off of South Frontage Road neces
sitates re- locating the main entrance (and key hospital
functions such as admissions) to the East Wing.
• Moving ambulance arrival to the new South Frontage
Road access is proposed to address a major community
goal of removing emergency vehicles from West Meadow
Drive. This, in turn, necessitates a new Emergency
Department is within the East Wing.
• A new Emergency Department demands the need for a
new Imaging Department in the East Wing.
• Given the scope of new hospital functions that will be
located within the East Wing, the east end of the campus
became the logical location for additional structured
parking.
While other factors were considered in the overall site planning of
future expansion plans, the location of the new VVMC entry was a
major influence in the design of the new campus.
SPECIFIC ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
The following outlines planning and design considerations relative
to specific elements of the VVMC expansion plans.
Construction Sequencing
A major consideration in the design and construction sequence of
future expansion plans is to ensure the on -going operation of the
hospital during construction. This is the main reason why VVMC
expansion will start with construction of the West Wing. Devel-
opment of the West Wing will create new space to allow for the
consolidation of a number of existing uses. This consolidation
will free up existing space in the West Wing that can then accom-
modate existing uses currently located in the East Wing (uses that
will be displaced during subsequent construction of the East
Wing).
Covenant Restrictions
The VVMC campus is encumbered by restrictive covenants that
address the use of the property and establish limitations on
building location, building height and other site development
considerations.
In 1989 a number of restrictions on the design and development
of VVMC property were established by covenants for the benefit
of the Evergreen Lodge. These covenants impose significant
limitations on where new buildings can be constructed on the
campus and as such are a major influence on how VVMC can
expand in the future. The general building massing depicted in
this Master Plan conforms to the limitations prescribed by these
covenants.
Covenants established by Vail Associates, Inc. when the property
was originally conveyed to VVMC limit the use of the land to
"hospitals and medical facilities ".
Building Massing
GOAL
For the massing (and scale) of hospital expansions to be respon-
sive and sensitive to the surrounding neighborhood.
A number of factors influenced the building massing of expan-
sions to VVMC, including the structural capacity of existing build-
ings to handle additions, internal spatial relationships of existing
and future hospital uses, relationships to surrounding buildings
in the neighborhood and conformity with applicable Town devel-
opment standards. As mentioned above, a number of covenant
November, 2014 1101 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
lk I 4.0VERVIEW OF EXPANSION PLANS AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ` 11
restrictions established by a 1989 land use agreement with the
Evergreen Lodge directly influence design options available to
VVMC.
The building massing diagram below provides a general indication
of the building footprint and massing of expansions contemplated
by the Master Plan. As demonstrated by the neighborhood mass-
ing diagram, at a general level the proposed building massing
of VVMC is very consistent with existing and potential building
heights in the immediate vicinity of the hospital. The following
outlines design approaches that will be taken to address building
massing along West Meadow Drive and South Frontage Road and
specifically how expansion plans can integrate with the surround-
ing neighborhood.
A number of architectural features will be incorporated into the
new fourth floor of the West Wing in order to reduce the scale
of the building. Foremost among these will be the use of more
extensive glazing to create a lighter, more recessed appearance to
November, 2014
the fourth floor. A mansard roof will be used to soften the roofli-
ne of the building. The West Wing also includes a small expansion
along Meadow Drive, new space essential to the efficient func-
tioning of this portion of the hospital. While this expansion will
be closer to the street, it will serve to create interest along the
street by creating an off -set along the entire building fagade the
length of West Meadow Drive. Building off -sets along the entire
fagade will be re- enforced by use of varied, but related exterior
wall materials.
At three levels, the new East Wing will be similar in scale to
building height allowed by existing zoning of surrounding proper-
ties. Fenestration, roof forms, building materials and building
stepbacks will be used to soften the buildings relationship to the
street and adjacent properties. The diagram below provides a
general depiction of how building massing can be treated along
West Meadow Drive.
expansion.
VVMC Facilities Master Plan
4. OVERVIEW OF EXPANSION PLANS AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
The'Helipad Building is designed to accommodate an on -site
helipad at a height that will minimize impacts to neighboring
properties. At a height of +/ -75', the building beneath the helipad
can accommodate a approximately 4 floor levels that can provide
space for VVMC uses. The height of this building is consistent
with that of other buildings along South Frontage Road. In order
to reduce the scale of this building and to more sensitively inte-
grate it with the site, consideration should be given to a "stepped
building form ", consisting of a lower building adjacent to the taller
helipad building.
Building Relationship to Meadow Drive
GOAL
To establish an appropriate physical and visual relationship be-
tween the hospital and the pedestrian corridor along West
Meadow Drive by use of effective building design, architecture
and landscape improvements.
VVMC shares an important "public edge" with West Meadow
Drive. The relocation of VVMC's main entry to South Frontage
Road will provide a major benefit to West Meadow Drive and the
pedestrian /biking experience along this corridor by dramatically
reducing the volume of vehicle trips on this road. Other consider-
ations to be addressed in the design of building expansions that will
enhance the campus' relationship to West Meadow Drive
include:
• Providing off -sets in building facades in order to avoid
long, continuous wall planes
• Providing variation of building heights
• Maintaining existing landscaping and enhancing landscaping
between the building and the street where appropriate
• Introducing outdoor spaces (such as dining decks) in order
to create interest and activity along the street
• Maintaining the existing West Meadow Drive sidewalk and
enhancing this corridor where appropriate
These and other detailed design considerations will be addressed
during subsequent steps in the review process. Relevant provi-
sions of the Town of Vail Streetscape Master Plan Addendum will be
considered in the design of site and landscape improvements along
West Meadow Drive.
Varied roof heights j]
and building offsets Enclosed 1f Ji
along Meadow Drive Loading/Service
Facili4
Potential
dining Patio New pedestrian
Land sca connection to
screening frontage road
New pedestrian Landscape
access to hospital screening
at existing bus stop
VVM eadow Drive / Streetscap Diagram
November, 2014 1121 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
4. OVERVIEW OF EXPANSION PLANS AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Y Y
Architecture including boilers, compressors, and emergency generators. Once
GOAL this sequence of construction is complete, the existing mechanical
To integrate the design of new buildings and expansion areas with yard located at the southwest corner of the campus along Mead -
existing portions of the hospital so as to create a varied but uni- ow Drive, will be removed.
fied architectural expression.
The implementation of the Master Plan provides a significant op-
portunity for improvement and modernization to the architecture
of the campus. The present building is a conglomeration of older
buildings on the east and west ends of the campus, with a mod-
ern addition in the central portion. Expansion of the West Wing
will include resurfacing of the 1980 fa4ade, primarily by covering
the older buildings with new additions on the south and west
ends. The materials and forms anticipated for this expansion will
be consistent with those used in the 2001 Central Wing addition,
including natural stone and complimentary metal panel detail-
ing. Window frames will be consistent with these materials and
the amount of glazing will be balanced with the need for privacy.
For example, on the new 4th level addition housing The Stead-
man Clinic, the use of more extensive glazing will be explored to
take advantage of natural light and views, and to create a lighter,
more recessed appearance at the very top of the building. The
new East Wing will be articulated in a similar fashion, utilizing a
stepped massing, from bottom to top. The use of varying materi-
als will allow for further reduction of the visual massing of the
building.
Mechanical Systems
One of the major goals of the VVMC Master Plan is to replace its
aging utility components with a new Central Utility Plant, or CUP.
The new CUP will be built as part of the East Wing, and will be lo-
cated on the ground level, behind the service enclosure and away
from West Meadow Drive. This area will house heavy equipment
In addition to the CUP, new air - handling units and air - cooled chill-
ers will be located on the roof of the buildings. This equipment
will be screened in a fashion that is consistent with the mechani-
cal screen located above the 2001 VVSC Addition, whereby only
the metal roofing form is visible from the sides of the buildings.
Mechanical noises generated by this equipment will be largely
contained and reflected above these enclosures, as opposed to
directly across the roof.
Pedestrian Circulation
GOAL
To provide safe and efficient pedestrian circulation within and
through the VVMC campus that meets the needs of hospital users
and the broader communitv.
The primary pedestrian access to and from VVMC is West Mead-
ow Drive. This shared vehicle /bike /pedestrian corridor is heavily
used and provides a key link between Vail Village and Lionshead.
Relocating the hospital'smain entrance to South Frontage Road
will greatly improve the safety and aesthetics of the road by sig-
nificantly reducing traffic on this road. This will provide a substan-
tial benefit to those who use this corridor, to neighboring residen-
tial uses and to the entire Vail community.
A dedicated pedestrian entry to the new Emergency Department
will be provided along West Meadow Drive. This entry will be
located next to the Town's existing west -bound in -town bus stop.
November, 2014 1131 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
4. OVERVIEW OF EXPANSION PLANS AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
A north /south pedestrian corridor will be constructed along the
east end of the campus, providing a new connection for pedes-
trians between South Frontage Road and West Meadow Drive.
Improvements to the Frontage Road associated with VVMC's new
Front Door will include sidewalks along the south side of South
Frontage Road.
Middle Creek
GOAL
To address existing site conditions along VVMC's boundary with
Middle Creek in order to minimize potential impacts from surface
drainage on the water quality and the adiacent riparian habitat
along the creek.
The VVMC's existing surface parking lot at the west end of the
campus is located adjacent to Middle Creek and the adjoining
riparian corridor. The existing relationship between the creek
corridor and the parking lot is less than ideal. The existing park-
ing lot extends into the stream tract (owned by Eagle River and
Sanitation District) and surface drainage from the lot is not well
defined. While no major changes are contemplated to this por-
tion of the site at this time, improvements to the relationship of
the parking lot and Middle Creek should be made, specifically
with respect to the managing the quality of water that runs from
the lot into the creek.
VVMC will evaluate potential improvements to the parking lot's
relationship with Middle Creek during the development of de-
tailed improvement plans. Potential "best management prac-
tices" to improve the quality of water that runs off of the existing
surface parking lot could include:
• Re- grading the parking lot or installing gutters to
prevent drainage from flowing directly into the creek
• Installation of oil /sand separators or bio- swales to
clean run -off before it flows from the site
• Installation of riparian vegetation along VVMC lands
adjacent to the creek
• Implementation of "creek sensitive" snow removal/
storage practices
An opportunity may exist to create a stronger physical and
visual connection between VVMC and Middle Creek, such
as trails , seating areas and other passive uses. Any use of
the Middle Creek corridor for aesthetic or passive purposes,
however, will need to be coordinated with the land owner and
should be subordinate to the preservation of the riparian cor-
ridor and its inherent natural character.
November, 2014 1141 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
1 5. VVMC�s NEW �TRONT DOOR , MEADOW DRIVE, LOADING/SERVICE ` 11
GOAL
With the development of a new "Front Door" at South Frontage
Road, to remove the vast maiority of VVMC - generated traffic from
West Meadow Drive.
Design and manage loading and service facilities and functions
to meet the needs of VVMC while at the same time minimizing
Potentially adverse impacts on the surrounding residential neigh-
borhood and on West Meadow Drive.
One of the key elements of this Master Plan is to establish South
Frontage Road as the primary access to VVMC. Establishing
VVMC's "Front Door" at South Frontage Road has been a long-
standing goal of the Town of Vail. Through their internal master
planning process the VVMC team also defined this as a Master
Plan goal. The reason for this is quite simple — Meadow Drive is a
heavily used pedestrian corridor and reducing the number of cars
on this road will greatly improve the aesthetics and safety of this
pedestrian corridor. This section of the Master Plan addresses the
impact of this improvement on West Meadow Drive and VVMC
loading and service functions.
THE NEW FRONT DOOR AND WEST MEADOW DRIVE
Re- locating VVMC's main access to South Frontage Road will dra-
matically improve conditions on West Meadow Drive. Currently
VVMC - generated traffic on West Meadow Drive includes the fol-
lowing users:
Patient and guest parking
Ambulances /emergency vehicles
Delivery vehicles
VVMC service vehicles
Of particular significance are the 116 parking spaces in the West
Lot, 106 of which have historically been used by patients and
guests to VVMC. Because they are used by patients and guests,
these spaces typically "turnover" 6 -8 times per day. On a peak
day these spaces can generate from 1,200 to 1,700 trips (one in/
one out) on West Meadow Drive. All of these trips will shift to
South Frontage Road upon construction of the East Wing and the
new Front Door (at which time the existing access drive to the
West Lot on West Meadow Drive will be controlled). In addition,
ambulance and service vehicles will access VVMC via the new
Front Door. This means that the only VVMC - generated traffic on
West Meadow Drive will be delivery vehicles.
The October 10, 2014 memorandum by TurnKey Consulting LLC
quantified the existing VVMC delivery and service traffic on West
Meadow Drive. On a peak day these uses generate 56 total trips
on West Meadow Drive. Based on actual traffic counts on Octo-
ber 3, 2014, West Meadow Drive had 394 background trips and
an estimated 180 bus trips, or 574 total trips. The 56 delivery/
service trips to VVMC represent just 9% of the total daily traffic
on West Meadow Drive.
Relative to VVMC traffic only and assuming on a typical peak day
1,400 patient and guest trips travel on West Meadow Drive, the
new Front Door will shift 96% of all existing VVMC traffic to South
Frontage Road.
EXISTING LOADING AND SERVICE FUNCTIONS
VVMC's existing delivery and service functions are handled in
a small, open -air facility at the southeast corner of the campus
immediately adjacent to West Meadow Drive. The loading area
is large enough to accommodate two mid -sized trucks and also
November, 2014 IISI VVMC Facilities Master Plan
5. VVMC�S NEW �TRONT DOOR , MEADOW DRIVE, LOADING/SERVICE
includes a trash /dumpster area. On occasion the number of
loading and service vehicles using the facility at any one time ex-
ceeds its capacity. Portions of the loading area are screened by
fencing. However, there is currently no delineation between the
loading area and the adjoining sidewalk, nor is there a clear de-
marcation between the road, the sidewalk and the loading area.
These conditions make it difficult to manage where trucks stage
while making deliveries. The limited size of the area requires
trucks to back onto Meadow Drive, creating safety concerns
along this heavily travelled pedestrian roadway.
VVMC has a wide variety of delivery and service needs that are
essential to the operation of its facility and vital to providing
quality patient care. Examples of products regularly delivered to
VVMC include surgical suplies, linens and laundry, food supplies
and equipment. Deliveries to VVMC occur three different ways.
Most deliveries are made by vendors who deliver directly to the
Vail campus. VVMC also has a down - valley facility in Gypsum
where medical and surgical supplies are warehoused and deliv-
ered daily to the Vail campus by VVMC vans on an "as needed"
basis. Finally, a third party contractor makes daily deliveries of
medical and surgical supplies from a warehouse in Denver.
The October 10, 2014 memorandum by TurnKey Consulting LLC
summarized loading and service traffic to VVMC. This data was
based on actual truck counts over a two week period. On aver-
age 24 delivery and service vehicles serve VVMC each day (re-
sulting in 48 total trips on West Meadow Drive). These 24 trips
include vendor vehicles, VVMC courier vans and VVMC service
vehicles (vans). On the "peak day" (Mondays) on average 28 ser-
vice and delivery vehicles serve VVMC. The majority of vendor
deliveries are made in mid -sized trucks (SU -30) or smaller. Typi-
cally only four deliveries each week are made by larger trucks
(articulated vehicles or WB -40 trucks). On rare occasions larger
semi - trucks service VVMC. Examples of these include the deli
of new beds (that may occur once each year) and the periodic
need for a temporary generator to service the hospital.
ALTERNATIVES TO LOADING AND SERVICE
One of the main goals of the Master Plan for VVMC is to establish
a new Front Door at South Frontage Road and in doing so remove
as much traffic as possible from West Meadow Drive. VVMC
generates a variety of different types of vehicular trips — delivery
trucks, service vehicles, patients, guests, employees, vendors
and emergency vehicles. Each of these users has its own unique
design considerations for how it is accommodated. While expan-
sion plans will establish a new Front Door at South Frontage Road,
due to a number of factors outlined below, not all types of vehicle
trips generated by VVMC can be accommodated at this location.
This raises the question of which VVMC vehicle trips should be
shifted to the new Front Door and which trips should remain on
West Meadow Drive.
Providing delivery vehicle access to VVMC from South Frontage
Road is problematic for a number of reasons:
• Limited site area along South Frontage Road,
• Limited road frontage along South Frontage Road,
• Spatial requirements of an enclosed loading facility and
turning radius capabilities of delivery trucks,
• Grade changes between South Frontage Road and the
subject site ( >20'), and
• Creating an optimal organizational relationship between
a loading facility and other existing and future uses a
within the campus.
November, 2014 1161 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
5. VVMC�S NEW �TRONT DOOR , MEADOW DRIVE, LOADING/SERVICE
Th est possible long -term solution for West Meadow Drive is
to eliminate as much traffic from this road as possible. In order range from between 3 -4 and accommodate turning
to do so delivery and service vehicles should continue to use movements within the facility for SU -30 sized trucks
West Meadow Drive to access VVMC and all other traffic should Trash and recycling facilities shall be located inside the
access VVMC via the new Front Door. This solution will shift
the vast majority of VVMC vehicle trips to South Frontage Road
and in doing so dramatically reduce the amount of traffic on this
road. This reduction in vehicular traffic, coupled with a well -
designed and property managed loading facility will balance the
operational needs of VVMC while providing a major community
benefit to West Meadow Drive.
MEADOW DRIVE LOADING AND SERVICE FACILITY
The following design and management parameters address
design, safety, aesthetics, noise, odor, congestion and other
considerations relative to a loading facility on West Meadow
Drive. These standards are intended to establish expectations
for the design and management of delivery functions at VVMC.
Relevant provisions of Chapter 12 -10, Off Street Parking and
Loading, and Section 12 -9C -5, Development Standards, Vail
Town Code will also be considered in the review of subsequent
development applications. Each of the parameters below shall
be addressed by detailed designs and a management plan for
the loading facility to be submitted as a part of the Conditional
Use Permit process. The design and management of a loading
facility that conforms to these parameters, as determined by the
PEC, will ensure the compatibility of the loading facility with the
surrounding residential neighborhood and with the pedestrian
nature of West Meadow Drive.
Enclosed Loading Facility Design Parameters
• All loading docks and loading activity shall be located
inside the building
The number of loading bays within the facility should
building
Design streetscape and landscape adjacent to the
loading facility should be designed to define distinct spaces
for pedestrians and trucks and should discourage truck
parking on West Meadow Drive. The access drive to the
loading facility shall be adequately screened with
landscaping
Loading Facility Management Plan
• Outline the role /responsibility of the Loading Dock
Manager
Establish protocol for how the facility will be managed
(hours of operation, coordinating times of deliveries,
managing the size of trucks that deliver to VVMC, accom
modating periodic deliveries by larger trucks, servicing the
US Bank Building, etc.)
Establish "rules of the facility ", i.e. no backing onto West
Meadow Drive, no parking on West Meadow Drive
(provisions made a part of CUP approval and enforceable
by TOV)
The West Lot Design Parameters
• Provisions to accommodate oxygen truck deliveries
Provide space suitable to accommodate the occasional
delivery from a WB -40 truck
Provide parking for VVMC service vehicles (to be accessed
from the South Frontage Road)
November, 2014 1171 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
1 6. TRAFFIC/SOUTH FRONTAGE ROAD ` 11
GOAL
Collaborate with neighboring properties to define and imple-
ment improvements to South Frontage Road that will provide
safe and efficient site access to VVMC, the Town Hall site and the
Evergreen Lodge.
A Traffic Impact Study has been completed by TurnKey Consult-
ing LLC. This study evaluates the traffic impacts of new develop-
ment at VVMC and other changes contemplated by this Master
Plan, including but not limited to the creation of a new Front
Door along South Frontage Road. An executive summary of the
study is found in the appendix of this Plan. The Conceptual Cir-
culation Plan on the following page depicts proposed vehicular
and pedestrian circulation patterns for VVMC.
Assumptions on potential South Frontage Road improvements,
VVMC expansion plans and other traffic- related operational
changes at VVMC that were considered in the traffic study in-
cluded the following:
• A round -about or other road feature (designed to
facilitate right -in /right -out site access to VVMC, the
Evergreen Lodge and the Town Hall site), on South
Frontage Road
• VVMC vehicular access off South Frontage Road will be
right -in /right -out only
• Emergency vehicles will access VVMC via the new main
access off of South Frontage Road, including westbound
left turn into VVMC
• Patient and guest access to the West Lot Surface Parking
will be provided from VVMC's new main access off of
South Frontage Road (via the East Wing Parking
Structure)
• Access to the new East Parking Structure and the West
Surface Lot will be provided via the new main access off of
South Frontage Road
• During the construction of the East Wing, 69 parking
spaces in the US Bank Building will be temporarily
accessed via West Meadow Drive
The performance of the South Frontage Road roundabout, the
Frontage Road /VVMC access point and the Vail Road /Meadow
Drive intersection were evaluated by the Traffic Impact Study.
Based on analysis by TurnKey Consulting Inc. and Felsberg Holt
Ullevig ( Felsberg Holt Ullevig, retained by the Town of Vail), each
of these intersections performed at a level well above minimum
Town standards for both level of service and delay.
An updated traffic study for VVMC will be completed in the future
and submitted at subsequent stages of the development review
process.
FRONTAGE ROAD ACCESS IMPROVEMENT STUDY
The Town of Vail has taken the lead on a conceptual design study
of future road and access improvements to South Frontage Road.
The participants in this process include the Town, representatives
from the Evergreen Lodge and VVMC. Each of these organizations
is contemplating development of their property and the primary
goal of this effort is to collaboratively define a plan for access
improvements along South Frontage Road that will accommodate
access to each property.
It is anticipated that over time each of the three properties will
be limited to right -in /right -out access only off the South Frontage
Road improvements. As such, it is assumed that a roundabout or
November, 2014 1181 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
1 6. TRAFFIC/SOUTH FRONTAGE ROAD ` 11
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November, 2014 111w- 1191 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
C. TRAFFIC/SOUTH FRONTAGE ROAD
other road feature that will allow vehicles to turn around in order
to access each of these three properties will be necessary. The
focal point of this conceptual study was to evaluate alternative
locations and designs for roundabouts or similar road features. It
is assumed that all three parties will benefit from a roundabout
or similar road feature and that each property will participate
in the solution. Topography, limited right -of -way width and site
conditions along South Frontage Road present significant design
and construction challenges and the sequencing of when the
improvement is constructed relative to when each of the three
parcels re- develop is also an important consideration.
Four alternative locations and design approaches are under con-
sideration. These alternatives include the following:
Alternative 1
This traditional roundabout solution is located just west of the
Town Hall site. This alternative would require cooperation from
CDOT and FHA regarding use of the 1 -70 right -of -way.
Alternative 2
Termed the "jug- handle ", this feature would belocated at the
west end of the Evergreen property. A small portion of Evergreen
land would be necessary for this improvement.
Alternative 3
This partial roundabout solution would be located at the west
end of the Evergreen property. A small portion of Evergreen land
would be necessary for this improvement.
Alternative 4
This alternative represents a "first and alone" approach in which
VVMC and only VVMC redevelops (it is assumed that if and when
the other two properties re- develop that a new Frontage Road
solution would be needed). This alternative involves a dedicated
u -turn lane that will allow westbound VVMC traffic to make a u-
turn and return eastbound to enter the campus. A benefit of this
alternative is that it can be constructed entirely within the existing
Frontage Road right -of -way. While this design concept is com-
monly used, it would be unique to Vail.
Each of these alternatives assumes sidewalks will be installed
along the south side of South Frontage Road.
While much progress has been made on this conceptual de-
sign study, the process is not yet complete. It is expected that a
preferred roundabout location and access configurations will be
determined sometime during the VVMC Master Plan approval
process, at which time the VVMC Traffic Study will be updated
accordingly. The Town of Vail Master Transportation Plan will also
be amended to reflect the findings and conclusions of this study.
November, 2014 1201 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
% PARKING
GOAL
To increase the supplyof on -site parking to on amount that
when coupled with managed porking solutions meets the needs
of patients, visitors and employees of VVMC.
On -site parking at VVMC has for many years been widely ac-
knowledged to be inadequate. Providing sufficient on -site park-
ing is one of the primary goals of this master planning effort.
The following section addresses three related topics - method-
ologies for determining parking requirements, existing parking
conditions, and the parking demands expected from expansion
of VVMC. More detailed information on each of these topics
will be provided in subsequent development applications.
METHODOLOGIES FOR DETERMINING PARKING REQUIREMENTS
Zoning code formulas used to determine parking requirements
for land uses such as office, retail, etc. are fairly consistent and
are almost always based on square footage. Hospitals and
medical centers present a unique land use and formulas used
to determine parking requirements vary widely. Gross square
footage, net square footage, number of employees, number of
doctors, number of patient beds and number of patient exam
rooms (or some combination of the above), are examples of the
different "measures" used to determine parking requirements
for medical centers.
The Town's methodology for determining the medical center's
parking requirement is based primarily on square footage, but
involves three related considerations:
Hospitals 1 space per patient bed
1 space /150sf net floor area
Medical offices 1 space per 200 sf net floor area
While in concept a square footage based formula can provide
a relative indication of a facility's parking demand, the use of
square footage is arbitrary in that all square footage within a
medical center is treated uniformly (with respect to its intensity
of use, hence parking demand). Basing parking requirements
on the number of employees, an approach used by many codes,
may be a more accurate measure for determining a facility's
parking demand. The following formula is suggested as an alter-
native to the Town's formula:
1 space per patient bed
1 space per exam room
1 space per day shift employee
Both of these methodologies have their strengths and weak-
nesses and as demonstrated below, both formulas provide
similar parking numbers when applied to the existing campus.
More importantly, both formulas provide a parking number that
is very close to current parking conditions at VVMC. As further
explained below, the employee -based formula is the most appro-
priate and accurate formula for determining the VVMC parking
demand.
EXISTING PARKING CONDITIONS
Applying the Town parking formula to the existing facilities at
VVMC results in 870 spaces and after application of a 20% multi-
use credit the parking requirement is 697 spaces.
Applying the employee -based formula to the existing campus
results in 782 spaces and after application of a 17.5% multi-use
credit the parking requirement is 645 spaces.
November, 2014 1211 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
% PARKING
While the parking requirement numbers above are very similar,
they are based on formulas and may not reflect actual park-
ing conditions, or VVMC's existing parking demand. The table
below summarizes actual parking conditions:
407 On -site spaces (located in West Lot, East Structure,
US Bank Building)
60 Employee- issued ECO bus passes
32 Average number of employees who utilize VVMC
shuttles
120 TOV /Lionshead parking and season parking passes
purchased (2013/14 ski season)
53 Off -site leased spaces
672 Total spaces
VVMC provides patient, guest and employee parking with a
combination of on -site parking, off - site /leased parking and
managed parking (employee bus pass and shuttles). These 672
"actual" spaces fall mid -way between two zoning calculations, in
essence validating the accuracy of the two parking formulas.
This information can also be used to define the existing park-
ing deficit at VVMC. Assuming 672 is VVMC's required parking,
there are currently 499 "code conformant" parking spaces (407
on -site spaces and 92 "managed" spaces), and as such the exist-
ing parking deficit is approximately 173 spaces.
PARKING REQUIREMENTS OF MASTER PLAN AND EXPANSION
The increased parking demand from expansions contemplated
by the Master Plan is expected to be relatively low. This is
because much of the planned building expansion is primar-
ily intended to "decompress" existing hospital facilities and to
provide larger, more functional spaces for staff to deliver better
care to patients while not significantly increasing employees or
patient capacity. There are plans for improvements such as ad-
ditional medical space and exam rooms that will generate more
employees and increased patient activity, resulting in increased
parking demand. However, there are many improvements such
as the re- designed Emergency Department that will not increase
capacity or employees, hence not increasing parking demand.
Assuming the use of the employee -based parking formula, the
increased parking demand from the Master Plan expansion of the
West Wing and East Wing is anticipated to be approximately 60-
70 additional spaces, or approximately 730 -740 total spaces. This
number may increase with the Helipad Building depending on
the nature and extent of uses in this building. Uses in the Heli-
pad Building have not yet been defined, but will be addressed in
subsequent steps in the Town's review process.
Upon completion of the Master Plan expansion all required
parking will be provided by on -site parking spaces and managed
parking solutions (i.e. employee shuttle and bus pass programs).
On -site parking will be provided in the US Bank Building, the exist-
ing West Lot, new surface spaces will be created when the am-
bulance building is removed, and a new parking structure will be
located at the east end of the site. Actual on -site parking spaces
are expected to be between 650 -700 spaces. As has been done
in the past, managed programs (bus passes and employee shuttle
vans) will be used to satistfy VVMC's parking requirement.
During the construction of the new East Wing parking structure,
interim off -site parking will be needed for approximately two
years. It is anticipated that these spaces will be addressed by
November, 2014 1221 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
% PARKING
leasing off -site spaces and providing expanded employee shuttle
and bus pass programs. Details on these programs will be ad-
dressed, and additional information on the number of required
parking spaces, the manner in which new parking will be provid-
ed, and parking management plans will be provided with subse-
quent development applications.
November, 2014 1231 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
8. HELIPAD
GOAL EMERGENCY HELIPAD SITE ALTERNATIVES
Establish an emergency helipad within the VVMC campus that Four potential on -site helipad locations were evaluated.
is located to provide a direct internal connection to the new Depicted on the diagram below, these alternatives were
Emergency Department and with sensitivity to neighbors. evaluated based on the following considerations:
EXISTING EMERGENCY HELIPAD
The existing helipad that serves VVMC is located north of South
Frontage Road and immediately west of the Vail Town Hall. This
helipad has been used by VVMC for the past 30 years. A helipad
is an essential element of a medical facility such as VVMC. On
average, approximately 70 helicopter transports occur each year.
The majority of these are scheduled transports of patients from
VVMC to other healthcare facilities.
While the existing helipad has served its purpose in supporting
emergency air transport, there are shortcomings with the current
helipad. The fundamental limitation of the existing helipad is that
it requires the transfer of the patients to and from VVMC via an
ambulance. The most significant implication of this is increased
risk to the patient and the additional time required to transfer the
patient (also adding risk). In addition, the transfer monopolizes
the use of an ambulance and crew and also necessitates Police
Department personnel to temporarily close South Frontage
Road. None of these shortcomings would be addressed by an
off -site helipad. It is for these reasons that only an on- campus
helipad would improve existing conditions and meet the highest
standards of patient care.
The evaluation of alternative locations for the emergency helipad
and recommendations for the preferred location were completed
with the assistance of HeliExperts International LLC and Caycee
Batterson of CLB Enterprises. The Preliminary Heliport Feasibility
& Design Study Report completed by HeliExperts is found in the
appendix of this Master Plan.
• Safety
• Patient transfer requirements to /from the Emergency
Department
• FAA and NFPA standards
• Aircraft performance
• Community Impact
Helipad location alternatives
Each of the four alternatives involves rooftop solutions and
each location could accommodate a helipad that conforms to
applicable guidelines of the FAA Advisory Circular relative to flight
paths and other aeronautical considerations. Alternatives B and
D each presents challenges with respect to their relationship to
November, 2014 1241 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
8. HELIPAD
the future location of the Emergency Department and for this
reason were dropped from consideration. While Alternative
C has a very convenient relationship to the future location of
the Emergency Department, the flight path to this alternative
location would follow the Gore Creek corridor to the west and
while this flight path would conform to FAA guidelines it would
have significant impacts on residential uses located along
this corridor. For this reason Alternative C was dropped from
consideration.
Alternative A is the preferred location for the emergency helipad
due to its proximity to the future location of the Emergency
Department, conformance with applicable FAA guidelines, and
limited community impact.
PROPOSED EMERGENCY HELIPAD LOCATION
The proposed helipad is located adjacent to South Frontage
Road on a portion of the campus that is not encumbered by the
Evergreen covenant restriction. The helipad will be designed in
concert with the design of VVMC's new Front Door to ensure
efficient site access and circulation. The proposed location
allows for an easterly flight path that would pass over the
Town Hall site and then run parallel with the 1 -70 corridor. The
westerly flight path would follow South Frontage Road and
gradually align with the 1 -70 corridor.
_,-� j 1
Proposed helipad location
At this master plan level, it is assumed that the elevation of
the helipad will be approximately 75' above the top level of
the existing VVMC parking structure. The helipad is set at this
elevation in order to eliminate impact of the future development
of surrounding properties, with particular attention to the
potential redevelopment of the Evergreen Lodge. Based on
conceptual studies, with the helipad at 75', the Evergreen could
develop to the maximum allowable 82.5' building height (for
habitable space) anywhere inside zoning or town master plan
prescribed setbacks and have no impact on the westerly flight
path of the helicopter.
In addition to a maximum allowable building height of 82'5',
town zoning allows up to an additional 15' of building height
for "architectural projections" such as towers, spire, cupolas,
flagpoles and similar features not usable as habitable floor area.
Based on conceptual studies, the majority of the Evergreen site
could accommodate the maximum 15' architectural projection
November, 2014 12-51 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
with no impact to the westerly flight path of the helicopter.
There is, however, a corridor along the northern side of the
Evergreen Lodge in which a 15' architectural projection could
impact the westerly flight path (penetrate the FAA prescribed
obstruction surfaces). Solutions under considered to address
this potential situation are to elevate the helipad to eliminate
the impact or for any architectural projection above 82.5'
that may be proposed as a part of the redevelopment of the
Evergreen to be evaluated for its effect on the flight path
and FAA obstruction surfaces. VVMC is involved in ongoing
discussions on this situation with the Evergreen Lodge.
8. HELIPAD
FUTURE STEPS IN THE REVIEW OF EMERGENCY HELIPAD
The Town's Master Plan evaluation of the proposed helipad is the
first of many steps in the review process. Following Master Plan
approval, VVMC will complete additional work on the conceptual
design of the helipad, coordinate with helipad users and then
submit notice of the proposed helipad to the FAA. The FAA will
then conduct an initial review of the proposal. At this same
time, more detailed information on the design and operation
of the helipad will be submitted to the Town as part of a CUP
application. It is assumed that Town approval of the CUP will
be conditional upon FAA approval. Upon issuance of building
permits and construction of the helipad, the FAA may, at their
discretion complete a final inspection of the helipad.
Flight Path
November, 2014 1261 VVMC Facilities Master Plan
9. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
The following section addresses zoning /development review
considerations and other topics relative to expansion plans
envisioned by the Master Plan. Many of these topics will be
addressed in greater detail during the review of subsequent
development applications.
EMPLOYEE HOUSING
GOAL
To provide employee housing consistent with provisions of
Chapter 23 of the Vail Town Code.
Chapter 23 - Commercial Linkage of the Town's zoning regula-
tions stipulates that "commercial development or redevelop-
ment shall mitigate its impact on employee housing by provid-
ing Employee Housing Units (EHUs) for twenty percent (20 %)
of the employees generated." Further, that "employee hous-
ing impacts need only be mitigated for a redevelopment that
results in a greater number of employees generated from an
increase in net floor area" As such VVMC's requirement is to
provide housing for 20% of the new employees resulting from
the proposed expansion.
Chapter 23 provides a table of employee generation rates for a
variety of different land uses. Hospitals and medical facilities
are not included in this table. In accordance with the ordi-
nance, in such cases it is incumbent on the applicant to provide
documentation of employee generation anticipated from the
project.
VVMC and other entities that operate within the campus (i.e.
Colorado Mountain Medical, The Steadman Clinic, etc.) include
a total of approximately 550 employees. It is anticipated that
as the Master Plan expansion is implemented employees will
increase to approximately 610, an increase of 60 employees.
Based on the 20% requirement, housing for 12 employees will be
provided. This housing may be in the form of dormitory; studio;
or 1, 2 or 3 bedroom units.
Chapter 23 stipulates that 50% of required employee housing be
located "on- site" with the provision that exceptions can be made
to this requirement if any one of four findings are met. For two
reasons all required employee housing will be provided off -site
— residential is incompatible with the institutional uses at VVMC
and the limited land area afforded by the campus is best utilized
for addressing medical and related needs of VVMC.
Detailed information on employee generation, the exception to
the on -site requirement, and an employee housing plan will be
provided in subsequent development applications.
ZONING
Existing zoning of the VVMC campus includes three different zone
districts. The majority of the campus is zoned General Use (GU),
the US Bank Building site is zoned Special Development District
(SSD #23), and a portion of land along South Frontage Road
(recently purchased from the Evergreen Lodge) is zoned Lions -
head Mixed Use —1. The diagram on the following page depicts
the location of existing zone districts. The following summarizes
the existing zoning of these three areas relative to the proposed
master plan.
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9. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
SDD Zoning
7 VVMC purchased the US Bank Building in 2005. At that time, the
• eaa
property was used as a professional office building and was zoned
Mixed Use- SDD #23. Since that time, VVMC has converted many office uses
within the building to medical uses or office uses directly related
to VVMC. These medical uses are permissible by SDD #23.
While the majority of the building has evolved into a medical
office building, the bank use is expected to remain for the fore-
seeable future. VVMC's ultimate plan is for all uses within the
building to be medical- oriented and it is anticipated this will occur
° once the bank vacates the building. At that time it is expected
_ that the property will be re -zoned to the GU district.
VVMC - Existing Zoning ! 1 11
General Use Zoning
The majority of the campus is zoned GU. The purpose of the GU
district is intended for use on sites with public and quasi - public
uses and this zone district has been the primary tool for review-
ing the development of VVMC for many decades. "Healthcare
facilities" are a Conditional Use in the GU District. There are no
changes proposed to this zoning.
Lionshead Mixed Use -1 Zoning
This small portion of the VVMC campus was zoned LHMU -1 when
acquired from the Evergreen Lodge. The LHMU -1 district does
not allow for medical facilities, medical offices or clinics. For this
reason the re- zoning of this portion of the campus to GU will be
proposed as an element of future development applications.
There are two reasons for not re- zoning this portion of VVMC to
GU at this time. The existing bank building is physically separate
from the rest of the buildings on the VVMC campus and as such
there are no real regulatory complications from having two dif-
ferent zone districts in place on the VVMC campus. More impor-
tantly, the "banks and financial institutions" are not permitted in
the GU district. Re- zoning the property to GU would make the
existing bank a non - conforming use and this could create future
unintended or unforeseen consequences.
VAIL LAND USE PLAN
The Vail Land Use Plan includes references to VVMC. It is intend-
ed that this Master Plan supersede all reference to VVMC found in
the Vail Land Use plan. The Vail Land Use Plan will be modified to
create a new land use designation specific to VVMC.
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9. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
TOV LANDS
The adjacency of Lot 10 to the west side of the VVMC campus
presents a meaningful opportunity for the long -term growth of
the hospital. While small in size, Lot 10 could nonetheless be a
key factor in providing future hospital improvements at the west
end of the campus.
VVMC remains interested in working with the Town regarding the
future acquisition of this parcel. Doing so could facilitate VVMC's
ability to pursue expansion plans on the West Lot at some point
in the future.
FUTURE EXPANSION POTENTIAL AT VVMC
GOAL
To ensure that opportunities remain to accommodate future
expansions to VVMC beyond those contemplated by this Master
Plan.
Expansions and improvements outlined in this Master Plan are
planned to meet the needs of VVMC for many years. In doing so
these improvements will provide facilities that will allow VVMC
to serve the community with state -of- the -art, high quality health-
care.
It is difficult to speculate on expansions or improvements beyond
those envisioned by this Master Plan. That said, as medical ser-
vices and technology evolve over the next few decades, it is rea-
sonable to assume that over time additional changes to VVMC
will be necessary. VVMC would have two options available for
future expansion and improvements to the campus:
US Bank Building
Since it was purchased by VVMC in 2005, this building has
evolved into a nearly exclusive medical office building. As a part
of the changes to the main hospital campus outlined by this
Master Plan, the US Bank Building will be used to accommodate
some uses that are currently located on the main campus. Over
time, it may be possible to demolish this building and redevelop
it with more direct, physical integration with the main campus.
This would represent one alternative for how VVMC could ad-
dress future long -term needs.
West Lot
The West Lot is a location that could accommodate a new build-
ing at some point in the future. This would likely necessitate
below -grade structured parking. Access to this building (and
parking) would be possible via South Frontage Road and the new
main entry to VVMC.
No specific work has been done in preparing long term improve-
ment /expansion plans for the West Lot or the US Bank Building.
This Master Plan does, however, acknowledge how these two
areas provide VVMC with options for how future unforeseen
needs could be accommodated on the campus.
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